Going into Week 7, the sky was surely falling for the New England Patriots. This season was essentially over for Bill Belichick and company.
But then, the Patriots pulled off an impressive win over the Buffalo Bills to give them their second win on the year.
And then, there was hope.
It's a long season, and the Patriots have plenty of time to turn things around. But, they need to act quickly. If Belichick wants to start stacking wins, he'll need some help. By next week's trade deadline, the Patriots could end up making some moves to make that happen. Here are a few targets New England should consider.
1. Jaylon Johnson, CB
Through Week 7, the Patriots' pass defense is actually pretty solid. They check in at no. 13 overall, allowing 210.6 yards per game. But, cornerback play has been spotty. The Patriots don't have a true shut-down corner on their roster and have been taken advantage of at times.
One guy who could be available is Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who is in the last year of his contract and is also playing excellent football this year. He was already one of the top-graded corners in the league by Pro Football Focus prior to this week, but Johnson had the best game of his season against the Raiders this last Sunday.
Johnson picked off two passes, returning one of them for a touchdown. He's allowing an opposing quarterback rating of just 28.4, which is by far a career-best for the 24-year-old. If the Bears really aren't going to offer him an extension and choose to part with him, the Patriots should be all over the opportunity.
Getting Johnson in the fold is what could help this defense get back into the top 10 overall, and help push the Patriots toward a second half resurgence.
2. Courtland Sutton, WR
The Denver Broncos are likely going to be sellers at the deadline, despite picking up their second win of the season in Week 7, beating the Green Bay Packers. One of the top names available in Denver is actually one of two wideouts that could be moved.
Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy could be on their way out, but in this instance, Sutton makes sense for the Patriots.
Kendrick Bourne is the current outside guy opposite DeVante Parker, and he might even be traded by the deadline. But, if the Patriots wanted to do some shuffling, they could slide Bourne into the slot and go after a guy like Sutton.
Sutton would give Mac Jones the type of target they fantasized about when the Patriots signed Parker to an extension. His big frame and catch radius would allow Jones to throw it up there, not necessarily having to make a perfect pass, and watch his guy do the rest.
If Sutton is too expensive, then maybe Jeudy makes sense. But either way, the Patriots need a boost on offense.
3. Hunter Renfrow, WR
If the Patriots are satisfied with Kendrick Bourne on the outside and want to acquire a legitimate slot wide receiver, then Hunter Renfrow is a perfect candidate. The Las Vegas Raiders are headed no where fast, especially after losing badly to the lowly Chicago Bears. Davante Adams is upset and wants out. Josh Jacobs has been frustrated. The quarterback position is a question mark.
Not to mention, Renfrow has been on the trade block for months now. He's an easy target to be had at a relatively low price. Renfrow would be a great addition and asset for Mac Jones. Many times this year, Jones has struggled to find open targets. One easy solution for that problem? Get him more open targets, of course.
All right, that doesn't quite make perfect sense, but you get it.
Renfrow is great at getting open and using his body to frame himself toward the quarterback, making it simpler on them. Going after Renfrow wouldn't cost the Patriots more than a conditional sixth rounder, and that's a steal for a former Pro Bowler just a couple of seasons ago.
4. Derrick Henry, RB
This would be a total Bill Belichick move, wouldn't it? Look at his history in acquiring or signing big names. He's loved doing it in the past. Belichick has brought in Randy Moss, Corey Dillon, Albert Haynesworth just to name a few.
Whether they've been big names because they're great football players or maybe bigger names because of antics that come with them, Belichick has taken the plunge on a plethora of different guys over the years. And, Derrick Henry certainly fits the bill.
Over the last five or six years, the Tennessee Titans running back has been the most dominant and consistent back in the league. But, he's on the tail end of his career and the last year of his current contract with the Titans.
Tennessee drafted Tyjae Spears, whom they really like and could take over for Henry anytime now. He's another reason why Henry could be dealt. The Patriots have struggled running the football, averaging just over 85 yards per game as a team. Adding Henry would give them a huge lift, and would allow Rhamondre Stevenson to function better as a change-of-pace and third down back.
5. Chase Young, DE
Speaking of a total Belichick move, this one would be right on par. If you want a big name that comes with some question marks, look no further than Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young.
In the last year of his deal and without his fifth-year option utilized, Young is likely headed elsewhere either by the trade deadline or in free agency next year. He has dealt with major injury questions throughout his career but also looks like one of the most explosive pass rushers in the league when he's at his best.
Speaking of being at his best, Young's best was on full display in Week 7 against the Giants. Despite the loss, Young ended with two sacks. He now has 5.0 on the season to go with a whopping 31 pressures, per Pro Football Focus.
The Patriots have struggled getting to the quarterback and have just 13 sacks on the year as a team. To put that in perspective, the Ravens lead the league and have 29.
Young would be that invigorating, extra juice the Patriots' defense needs to get going. When Uche and Young are healthy together, that duo could be phenomenal.