3 trades Patriots should have made before the deadline

3. A Hunter Henry trade

Finally, the Patriots could have dealt tight end Hunter Henry to a team needing one more piece on offense. Henry's contract expires after the 2023 season and it's unlikely he returns to New England, especially with Mike Gesicki on the roster.

That doesn't mean Henry won't return, though, as the Patriots have had a recent habit of paying multiple tight ends for some reason.

In any event, Henry might have been able to fetch an early-to-mid Day 3 pick from a contending team. He is still one of the better red zone threats at the tight end position and, when healthy, can make a big impact on a team's offense.

Henry started the season out hot, but has since cooled off as Mac Jones' inconsistencies have been apparent. He will likely want to move on when his contract is up, too, as the Patriots are a mess right now.

Why the Patriots didn't make a move to try and secure additional assets for the future is a bit of a mystery, but we'll have to see just what Belichick's plan must be going forward.