New England Patriots 3 trade ideas with the Tennessee Titans in 2023
Could the New England Patriots still work at their roster before the 2023 season? It's possible, and they could see what kind of deals they could make with the Tennessee Titans. The Titans are probably going to be one of the worst teams in the AFC this year and may end up being huge sellers. In fact, I'm a bit surprised that they still roster both Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry, two players who are likely past their prime and are not long-term options for the team.
The New England Patriots might have one last chance with their current set up to make a run at a Super Bowl. Sure, the team is far from being a Super Bowl contender, but if they could get back to the playoffs, perhaps anything could happen, right?
The Pats probably can't make more than one more sweeping, significant change to their roster, but they certainly can make some moves that may help the roster now and in the future. Let's look at three trade possibilities with the Tennessee Titans.
New England Patriots 3 trade ideas with the Tennessee Titans in 2023
1. New England Patriots trade for QB Malik Willis
Malik Willis was a bit of a disaster during his rookie season with the Titans. The 2022 third-round pick appeared in eight games, went 1-2 as a starter, and threw zero touchdowns against three interceptions. He was bad.
He did rush for 123 yards and a touchdown, though. Willis was a very interesting prospect--he's a true dual-threat player and many people were quick to comp him to being a Lamar Jackson type. He excelled in college at Liberty University and with the Titans taking Will Levis in 2023, Willis might be expendable.
Perhaps Bill O'Brien knows the secret formula to unlock Willis, who does have the talent to be a franchise QB in the NFL.
2. New England Patriots trade for CB Caleb Farley
Going into the 2021 NFL Draft, there were huge injury questions with Farley, who was seen as one of the top prospects in the entire draft. The Titans took a swing on him in the first round and he's responded by playing in just 12 games in his first two seasons, notching just one pass defended and 14 total tackles.
My argument for trading for Farley is simple: the Patriots could still benefit to add to their secondary and Farley might be able to be had for cheap. Think if the Detroit Lions practically giving away Jeff Okudah to the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. That's kind of what I'm thinking with Farley.
Tossing the Titans a late-round pick might be the type of low-risk/high-reward move that helps the Patriots down the line. Plus, the Titans have a new GM, so he may not be married to Farley at all.
3. Tennessee Titans trade for G/T Mike Onwenu
OK, so I would be against this move. I'll say that up front. Mike Onwenu is one of the 10 best guards in football. He's a total dawg.
However, the New England Patriots are not ones to spend a ton of money in free agency. They also do have a habit of letting their own leave in free agency. Well, Onwenu is in line to sign a massive contract extension at some point within the next nine or so months.
Whether that comes from the Patriots or another team remains to be seen. If the Patriots don't feel like investing a ton of money into an interior OL, perhaps getting a premium pick from the Tennessee Titans is the best way to go.
The Titans' offensive line is currently in shambles, but Onwenu would not only bring long-term stability, but can also play both tackle and guard. Heck, he can probably play center, too.
I bet the Patriots could get a second round pick for Onwenu, and Bill Belichick might rather have that than Onwenu. Plus, the Patriots did draft three interior offensive linemen in the 2023 NFL Draft, perhaps already preparing for the departure of Onwenu.