According to Josina Anderson, the Patriots are exploring possible trade options and are looking at making deals to upgrade several key positions including wide receiver and offensive line.
Anderson is a reputable reporter so I have no doubt that her sources are reliable but if it is true that they are looking to add instead of trading players, that is preposterous.
On Wednesday, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo was asked for the team will be active in the trade market.
“I mean, there will always be moves throughout the league. Again, I’m not sure how active or inactive we’ll be.”
At 2-6, the Patriots are not a playoff contender. A feel good, come from behind win over the Jets should not be grounds for Eliot Wolf and the front office to deviate from the rebuild. I do not care how good the organization feels after that win, they are not a legitimate playoff team.
The goal should be to off load any veterans that can yield a return, not add veteran players and big salaries. The Patriots are in no position to take on big contracts right now or to add players that might give them a short term burst but not be a part of the team’s future.
Pragmatism matters in situations like this. Wolf has to look at this team from a realistic lense and not make any irrational decisions. Again, the goal should be to build up draft capital and cap flexibility for next off-season, not give up picks and add more salary.
I suspect the Patriots are more than likely going to move veterans like receivers K.J Osborn and Tyquan Thornton. Teams have called on both guys and I am sure the Patriots are listening.
As hard as it is, Wolf needs to stay the course. No one realistically expected anything out of this team in 2024. Do not jump the gun and sacrifice future draft capital for a short term spark. It is not worth it. Stick to the plan!
The Patriots have no business being buyers. They are a year away. Sell, sell, sell baby!