Now that any conversation surrounding any possible trades is firmly in the past, reporters have decided to move on to looking ahead all the way to free agency next offseason.
That's where some of the latest news has come from regarding Kyle Dugger, a prominent name among the 21 players hoping for a new contract in New England or elsewhere in the league.
Kyle Dugger says he is "all in" when discussing pending free agency
Among the lengthy list of players heading to free agency at the end of the season is Kyle Dugger, a rising star in the Patriots' secondary who has quickly become a pillar of what could be one of the best defenses in the entire National Football League.
Given his increased importance on game day, he has become one of the leading names that most believe Bill Belichick needs to prioritize to re-sign this offseason, something the head coach has deterred from in recent years when it's time for a player to be signed to a second contract.
But Dugger has very clearly earned his spot on the team and deserves to remain in New England, which is something he has expressed a desire for.
Although free agency doesn't begin for several months, reporters are already asking players their thoughts on remaining in New England or signing elsewhere. Most, of course, will claim to be open to staying because why would they say otherwise?
When Dugger was asked earlier this week about hitting free agency for the first time in his career, his detailed answer and passion for his teammates made it seem more credible than the typical PC answer that others would have responded with.
"I feel like I'm all-in. I feel like that's the only way to be, regardless of anything else. I feel like really kind of looking outside of that, that's a recipe for disaster. I feel like I'm all-in. Trying to be in the present as much as possible and fix things, get things going right now where we're at.
I still feel like it's a special group, regardless of the outcomes thus far this season. I feel like I want to be part of that. I want to continue to build with this group."
His investment in the team and the group around him is evident and makes sense when looking back at what the defense looked like when he first arrived. Dugger rose to stardom quickly once given the opportunity and has become a valuable asset whose absence is apparent when he's not on the field.
He was given a large task this season with needing to help bridge the gap after Devin McCourty's retirement. Although his season has gone a bit under the radar, his determination to keep the defense motivated despite their losing record and his assentation into a leadership role have made the idea of re-signing him a complete no-brainer.
Because of the value he has accrued over the last four years, Dugger was a primary name to be traded before the deadline earlier this week, with a few teams reportedly inquiring about trading for him before the Patriots decided to do so. That means he will likely have several offers if and when he hits the free agent market, making it a smarter idea for Belichick to get an extension done as soon as possible.
The good thing is Dugger expressed he wants to stay with the team and continue to be a leader for the defense.
"I want to be whatever the team needs, and that in itself is a form of leadership. I feel like it's the best form of leadership. Not necessarily being the vocal guy or whatever, but whatever the team needs, I definitely want to be that."
Hopefully, Belichick will get the memo and ensure Dugger is a prioritized re-signing this season, avoiding another mistake like allowing Jakobi Meyers to sign elsewhere last year. Fans will not be able to handle a similar situation just one year later, so let's not even discuss the possibility.
Mike Onwenu hung around Gillette Stadium on Tuesday until the deadline passed
Because the Patriots are in uncharted waters as a 2-6 team midway through the season, there was a lot of talk about them becoming big sellers ahead of the trade deadline this past Tuesday. There had been a belief among some that they would ship off their most valuable players to add more draft picks to their stockpile next year and essentially confirm the season was over heading into Week 9.
Now that the deadline has come and gone, we know that's not what happened. Reports allege teams made calls about some players, including Kyle Dugger and Josh Uche, but Belichick wouldn't budge on what he wanted in return.
But another name had been rumored to possibly be available as well: standout offensive lineman Mike Onwenu. The fourth-year starter heard his name emerge as a potential trade target, prompting him to spend the entire day at Gillette Stadium.
When speaking to Mark Daniels of MassLive earlier this week, Onwenu shared he wanted to be in the building in case he was traded, so they had to tell him to his face that a deal was done instead of finding out online or by phone call.
"I came in here. I got some treatment, so I was looking people in the eyes. If they were going to say something, they were going to say something."
Considering how business is often done in the NFL, with the business side often lacking decency and respect, it's hard to blame Onwenu for ensuring he was at the stadium until the deadline passed. Because he's on the final year of his contract, he would've been an easy player to move.
However, perhaps it's a sign that Belichick is interested in keeping him long-term because he wasn't traded, which should be a strong consideration for the team as the offensive line continues to struggle with continuity this season.
As his presence has become increasingly important over the years, and he will be another first-time free agent this upcoming offseason, Onwenu was asked if he would like to remain in New England. He answered in the typical PC way, which is still good to hear as one of the more valuable names deserving of an extension.
"Yeah, I would like to be back. I’ve been here and I’ve enjoyed my four years so far. I can only see better things ahead."
Even though his desire to stay with the Patriots could change from now and free agency, Onwenu should be another prioritized player to be re-signed. The offensive line continues to be problematic, so keeping the best lineman on the team shouldn't be a question.
Tyquan Thornton is determined to use last week's healthy scratch status as fuel in Week 9
The unexpected decision made by Belichick last week to keep Tyquan Thornton sidelined for their Week 8 matchup with the Dolphins felt like an indication of how the coaches viewed the second-year receiver this year.
Because the offense has been struggling, including DeVante Parker and JuJu Smith-Schuster, it seemed like Thornton would be the go-to guy to get back in the lineup once he recovered from injury. Instead, he was a healthy scratch in a game that could have used him, especially since two starting receivers left the game with injuries.
Now that Kendrick Bourne will miss the rest of the season and Parker will likely miss the upcoming game due to a concussion, Thornton will inevitably see an increased role against the Commanders on Sunday. Although that sounds like good news, Thornton shared he was upset about being inactive last week and promises to use last week's benching as fuel in the game ahead.
"Just continue to do what I was doing, man. Just doing it a little better. Being more consistent. Using it as fuel, being inactive in my hometown Miami. That's something I [didn't] like. But it is what it is. Gotta keep rolling with the punches so this week's going to be a great one."
Since he's had such a quiet season so far, maybe the added motivation will help Thornton have a breakout game against an opponent that should be an easy win for the Patriots.
We saw glimpses of greatness from him last season against the Browns and Dolphins, which could be the much-needed boost the offense will need in Bourne's absence.