Tuesday is the NFL trade deadline and at 2-5, the Patriots could conceivably be buyers or sellers.
If they do add a player or two, there are a number of positions that could be targeted, most notably wide receiver, tight end and defensive line. It may also be best for the them to look for players under contract after this year as well.
While some big-name players have been mentioned, if a trade is swung, do not expect it to be a superstar coming to New England.
Here are five players the Patriots could potentially target.
John Ross- Ross has stated for weeks he wants out of Cincinnati, so it would seem for the right price he’d be available. The former first-round pick is a speedster but hasn’t put up very strong numbers in his career. His best season came last year when he recorded 28 catches for 506 yards and three touchdowns.
Will Fuller- It’s unclear if the Texans will part ways with any of their players but if they do, it likely will be at a steep price. Fuller is certainly a player that would interest other teams, but there are also injury concerns. In seven games this year, he has 31 catches for 490 yards and five touchdowns. He is a free agent after this season, so the Patriots may be turned off by that. Fuller may be one of the best players available, but the percentages are low when it comes to him joining the Patriots.
Golden Tate- The Patriots have showed some interest in Tate for a number of years, and with the Giants out of the mix, they could look to deal some players. He is signed through 2022, so if the Patriots did pull the trigger it would also be a move for future years as well. In his mid-30s, he’s not a No. 1 receiver, but could be a good player to have and build around.
David Njoku- The Browns tight end has been mentioned in trades dating back to the offseason. He is signed through 2021, so this could be viewed as a move looking ahead to next year as well. New England certainly needs another veteran to go along with rookies Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene at the position.
Shelby Harris- The 29-year-old defensive lineman is having a solid year with the Broncos to this point. According to Pro Football Focus, Harris’ 11 run stops are the sixth-most among all interior defensive linemen, while his 15 total quarterback pressures are the 17th-most. He’s a free agent after this year, but with injuries at the position, the Patriots are desperate for help.
