After the Patriots dropped to 1-5 yesterday, the conversation around here has pivoted to next season and selling off whatever tradable pieces the Patriots currently have on the roster. With several impending free agents on the roster, the Patriots could move a handful of players for draft compensation or even a player in return.
The NFL trade deadline is not like the MLB trade deadline. Team don’t usually make big deals. It is very rare but with the Patriots out of it and so many teams still in contention in both conferences, New England has some desirable assets that they could trade.
Patriots fans shouldn’t expect a massive haul in return. You are looking at mid-round picks at best. Here are six players the Patriots should shop by the October 31st trade deadline.
1. Kendrick Bourne, WR- Bourne is the most likely trade target. He caught 10 passes on Sunday and showed scheme versatility in terms of alignment. He can play the X, F and Z and would be a nice third receiver for a contending team. Bourne can also return punts if need be so that brings added value. The Patriots should do everything they can to move the veteran receiver. He has been a loyal soldier and he deserves to play for a contender.
POTENTIAL RETURN: 3rd-4th Round Pick.
Possible Destinations: Kansas City, Las Vegas, Baltimore, Tampa Bay, L.A Chargers, San Francisco
2. Josh Uche, EDGE- Uche has been a shell of the player he was last season and hasn’t stepped up as the leading man off the edge with Matthew Judon hurt. He is a free agent at seasons end and all indications are, the Patriots are not going to re-sign him. Uche will more than likely price himself out despite the fact that the team is expected to have the most cap space in the league. A team looking for a third pass rusher in sub-packages could be the perfect landing spot. Preferably one that utilizes a four man front. POTENTIAL RETURN- 4th Round Pick.
Possible Destinations: Kansas City, Detroit, Seattle, Las Vegas, Dallas, Baltimore, Jacksonville
3. Trent Brown, OT- Brown has been slogging through this season. He has been up and down at left tackle. Realistically speaking, he is no longer a left tackle at this point in his career. He needs to play on the right side. The only reason he plays left tackle for the Patriots is because they do not have anyone else. A contending team would probably move him to right tackle but could also use him as a swing tackle. Acquiring offensive line depth at the deadline is hard so Brown would have plenty of suitors if the Patriots made him available. That is a big IF however given the current state of the offensive line.
POTENTIAL RETURN: 4th-5th Round Pick.
Possible Destinations: Detroit, Kansas City, Las Vegas, San Francisco, LA Chargers
4. Hunter Henry, TE- A veteran tight end who offers scheme versatility and can play in-line or split out is hard to find during the season. I think Henry would be a more valuable trade commodity than some might think. Now more than ever, teams want to utilize 12 personnel so if you are a team that needs a second tight end to go with your Y, Henry would be a solid addition as a U.
POTENTIAL RETURN: 4th-6th Round Pick.
Possible Destinations: Miami, San Francisco, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Jacksonville
5. Jalen Mills, FS/CB- Mills has been a non-factor this season, playing limited snaps despite the Patriots injury issues in the secondary. It has been baffling to say the least. His former team, the Eagles need secondary depth and could be the perfect landing spot for Mills who can play safety, cornerback and nickel or dime in the slot. Mills versatility makes an attractive player but I am not sure teams are going to be willing to overpay for him despite that.
POTENTIAL RETURN: 5th-6th Round Pick
Possible Destinations: Philadelphia, Kansas City, Detroit, Dallas, Jacksonville
6. Adrian Phillips, SS- Long shot that they trade Phillips but there is no denying that his role has diminished this season, which again is perplexing because of the injuries in the secondary. Phillips is limited in coverage but he can be an asset as a third safety or box safety in eight man fronts. He can provide depth and leadership to a defense like Detroit’s which has a lot of talent but is young.
POTENTIAL RETURN: 6th Round Pick
Possible Destinations: Detroit, Las Vegas, Baltimore, Jacksonville
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