Tuesday is the NFL trade deadline and at 2-5, the Patriots could conceivably be buyers and/or sellers.
If they do sell, it’s worth pointing out it’s not like it will change the outlook of the season. How much worse would the team be if Stephon Gilmore or Joe Thuney was dealt? Not much.
The team has proven it can replace several players and still be OK at those spots to this point in the year, and then it’s not like the team is going to be making a deep run in January. At this point, its ceiling is probably just making the playoffs.
Bill Belichick, Nick Caserio and Co. are always looking for value and are open to trading perhaps more than most, so teams will not hesitate to call them up and potentially work out a deal.
If that does happen, here are five players teams could be calling the Patriots about.
Stephon Gilmore- Gilmore has been mentioned most when it comes to the Patriots if they are sellers. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year put his house on the market and all offers are due by Tuesday at 5 p.m., which furthered speculation he could be traded. With that being said, he suffered an ankle injury last week in practice and did not play against the Bills, so that could complicate things. ESPN's Dianna Russini reported the Patriots are seeking a first-round pick in return. While he is not the same player he was last year and is 30 years old, he certainly would be able to help a team that needs another top cornerback.
Joe Thuney- Thuney is the other player that comes up a lot when it comes to the Patriots being sellers, but he’s playing on the franchise tag. With him being a free agent after the year, he’s likely a rental and teams may not want to swing a trade because of it, especially since he’s just a guard. With that being said, he’s very dependable and very versatile, so if a team needs an offensive lineman, it will be hard to find someone better than Thuney.
JC Jackson- If you believe Pro Football Focus metrics, Jackson has been one of the best cornerbacks in football for the last few seasons. He’s been overshadowed by other members of the Patriots secondary, but with four interceptions on the year he’s putting together a strong resume. Jackson could certainly be on the radar of teams looking for a young cornerback who could help them not only this year, but in the years to come. He will be a restricted free agent after this year.
Lawrence Guy- Guy is one of the most underrated players on the Patriots team and would certainly help a team looking for a leader for its defensive line. Guy is a defensive captain and likely would be hard for the Patriots to part ways with, but if they get the right offer it’s hard to imagine them saying no.
Rex Burkhead- The Patriots have a number of talented running backs and teams could ask if any are available. If that is the case, Burkhead seems like the most likely to be dealt, as he’s older than the others on the roster. He is one of Belichick’s favorites, so it would be hard for him to let go, but like with Guy, if the right deal is presented the coach will likely never say no.
