The Patriots are 4-4 and currently in last place in the AFC East. They are two games behind the Buffalo Bills and three games behind in the loss column. The division is more than likely out of reach but a playoff bid is not.

The Patriots can land a wild card spot so with that in mind, they should be buyers at today’s trade deadline.

Here are four positions they can upgrade, six players that could be on the way out and what they have done at the deadline the past six years.

Offensive line: The offensive line has struggled of late. The Patriots could use either an offensive tackle or a swing lineman that can step in and play multiple positions. Carolina’s Cam Irving could be a possible fit as could as well as Bears veterans Reilly Reiff or Michael Schofield. If the Patriots wanted to make a splash and that’s highly unlikely, they could opt for someone like Laremy Tunsil who could be available at the right price. As always, money is the issue.

Linebacker: The linebacker overhaul this past off-season did not work. The Patriots got faster but none of the players who we thought would make a difference have played well. Carolina’s Shaq Thompson could solve that problem. He is fast, versatile and can play in all situations. He would be a good fit. Shaq Quarterman of Jacksonville is another veteran who could be available at a much cheaper price but has experience and can play SAM, MIKE or WILL. Houston’s Christian Kirksey might be the best fit of all because he can play all three spots and play in sub packages. He makes the most sense from a value standpoint.

Defensive tackle: Not a priority area but with Christian Barmore nursing a knee injury, you can never have enough depth. A veteran like Carolina’s Matt Ioannidis brings good energy, some scheme flexibility and he can rush the passer. The Lions Michael Brockers is another veteran to keep an eye. He offers the scheme versatility Belichick looks for out of his defensive tackles and ends. He is long and can play in multiple fronts.

EDGE: The Patriots can still use another pass rusher opposite Matthew Judon. Former Bills pass rusher Jerry Hughes would make a lot of sense here. He can still be effective as a starter or in sub packages and he knows the division. He would be a great fit and can probably be had for a day three draft pick. More affordable possibilities include: Julian Okwara of the Lions and Tashawn Bower of the Raiders. Both could possibly be had for a late day three pick.

Five players who could be moved

1. Nelson Agholor: Teams have called about the veteran receiver. If the Patriots are willing to pay some of his remaining salary, they could probably move him. A pick or a veteran returning in a position of need are possibilities.

2. Kendrick Bourne: The Patriots have also gotten calls on Bourne. The versatile receiver can do a lot of different things in an offense. Bourne could bring back the best compensation between him and Agholor.

3. Isaiah Wynn: Despite his struggles, the Patriots will probably hold onto Wynn. Teams have reached out but finding quality offensive line help is tough. The Patriots are more inclined to hold onto him and let him walk after the season.

4. Damien Harris: With the emergence of Rhamondre Stevenson, it is easy to see why they might be tempted to move Harris but unless the right offer comes along, it is not happening. The Patriots will play it out with the pending UFA.

5. Jabrill Peppers: Teams have called about the veteran safety and a trade is possible but he is playing a big role in the Patriots secondary right now with the injury to Kyle Dugger so a trade is highly unlikely.

6. Jonnu Smith: Not a name that has been mentioned a lot but you’d have to think that if the Patriots could move on from his contract, they would. The return would not be what the Patriots would want to make this work but you never know.

Last six trade deadlines

2021: No trades

2020: WR Isaiah Ford acquired from Miami.

2019: Mohamed Sanu acquired from Atlanta. Michael Bennett traded to Dallas.

2018: No trades

2017: Jimmy Garoppolo traded to San Francisco

2016: Kyle Van Noy acquired from Detroit. Jamie Collins traded to Cleveland.