The first five weeks for the New England Patriots have been rocky. Mac Jones has missed a pair of games, special teams problems continue, and the Patriots find themselves still -2 in the turnover differential. Stumbling out of the gate at 2-3, New England continues to get their footing this season.
That said, with a Week 5 shutout win over the Detroit Lions, 29-0, the Patriots look to build on their improvements incrementally as they approach their schedule’s “soft underbelly.” And with the November 1st trade deadline looming, what should New England’s strategy be?
What Should the Patriots Do At the Trade Deadline?
Several big names are potentially on the trade block. In light of Matt Rhule’s firing, a fire sale could emerge as the Carolina Panthers look to fumigate their roster and begin to rebuild. Panthers that have already found themselves in trade talks are Christian McCaffrey, Brian Burns, and D.J. Moore. Additionally, All-Pro Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith requested a trade at the start of this season.
If the Patriots are looking to add at the deadline, it is an indication that the team believes they can compete well into the playoffs. While sitting at 2-3 through five weeks does not inspire thoughts of a long playoff run, the Patriots started the 2021 season 2-4 and made the playoffs, nonetheless. If prior to November 1st, the Patriots are 5-3 and believe they are a single piece away from competing at a high level in the AFC, they very well could buy at the deadline.
With linebacking troubles still affecting the Patriots after letting Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy walk in free agency, Brian Burns or Roquan Smith could be viable options to shore up their second level. Moreover, with James White’s retirement, the Patriots have yet to find their true third-down back, making McCaffrey a tantalizing prospect for an offense still looking for an X-factor.
Selling At The Deadline
If the Patriots continue to struggle this season and their playoff hopes seem thin, shedding some of their big-name albeit low-impact players could be a feasible option to free up cap space and add draft capital. In the past, Bill Belichick has dealt players in the last years of their contracts. Some notable names that the Patriots have traded include guard Logan Mankins, Deion Branch, Richard Seymour, and Chandler Jones.
Damien Harris
As Damien Harris enters the final year of his contract, the former Alabama running back could find himself on the New England Patriots trade block. Last year, Belichick traded running back Sony Michel to the Los Angeles Rams, opening the door for Harris to be the full-time starter. And with Rhamondre Stevenson putting his versatility on display in the past few weeks, the more one-dimensional power-runner in Harris could make a viable trade piece for opposing teams. Harris is a productive running back and a leader in the locker room, but with New England up against the cap, the Patriots could trade him in return for more financial wiggle room.
Nelson Agholor
Through five weeks, Nelson Agholor has been responsible for three turnovers. He fumbled twice in the first three games and dropped a pass against the Lions that Detroit intercepted. Take away those mistakes, and the Patriots are +1 in the turnover differential. With the depth that New England has at receiver and Tyquan Thornton coming off of injured reserve, it is more than likely that the Patriots could explore trading Agholor.
The catch, however, is that Agholor carries with him a cap hit of just over 9 million dollars, making him an expensive investment for other teams. But, if an injury occurs at the receiver position elsewhere on a playoff-contending team (much like the Rams trading for Odell Beckham Jr. in light of the Robert Woods injury), Agholor’s value could skyrocket on the market.
Sitting Pat
Though the Patriots do not always shy away from making a splash at the deadline, the most likely option in New England is to sit pat. With the team primed for a big off-season of spending, the Patriots may see 2022 as a bridge and development year for Mac Jones and the coaching staff. Adding unnecessary pieces could be disruptive, and selling valuable players off could stunt their growth down the line.
If New England finds itself in the hunt for a Wild Card spot, riding with the pieces they have could be the best bet for Belichick and the Patriots. By sticking with their team as is, the Patriots learn about their personnel and better understand what needs to be addressed in free agency and in the draft. But it is wise to keep an ear to the ground as trade speculations grow in the coming weeks in Foxboro.
