3 trades the Patriots can make while throwing in the towel on 2023

At 1-5, the New England Patriots' 2023 season is effectively over.

Bill Belichick has a catastrophe on his hands, as his offense looks like the worst in all of football and, on defense, they have suffered multiple blowouts.

Before this month's trade deadline, it might be time for the Patriots to wave the white flag and start selling. Here are three trades they could consider to start building for the future.

Trade Number 1: Kendrick Bourne returns to the 49ers

The first team New England could look at in terms of a trade is the San Francisco 49ers, who are coming off a game that saw a few key players injured. One of those players, Deebo Samuel, seemed to escape a major injury. However, the 49ers would be smart to add insurance just in case. Samuel has been oft-injured throughout his career.

This deal gives the Patriots a later pick in next year's draft while sending a familiar face back to San Francisco. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has found himself making a larger impact lately and, after a 10-reception game last week, looks like a prime trade candidate.

Bourne spent the first four years of his career in San Francisco after going undrafted out of East Washington and would return to the Kyle Shanahan-led offense he was once familiar with. This now gives the 49ers Brandon Aiyuk, Samuel, Bourne and Jauan Jennings as their top four receivers.