The NFL trade deadline is two weeks away.
While huge moves rarely happen, it’s typically a time for teams to add a piece or two that can help take them from being a playoff team to a Super Bowl contender. It’s designed for teams who are a player or two away from being considered one of the better teams in their respective conferences.
That is what the Patriots used to be with Tom Brady at quarterback.
Like last year, the thought was they were one veteran receiver away from being able to compete for an AFC title. That proved to be wrong, but the thought was still there. In other years it was one defensive piece — whether it be a linebacker or cornerback — away from being one of the NFL’s best units.
This year, it isn’t like that at all.
The Patriots are not one piece away from being a legit threat in the AFC. One wide receiver, or one tight end is not going to all of a sudden change the Patriots offense. Cam Newton and the Patriots offense are many pieces away. And adding a defensive tackle isn’t going to all of a sudden change the Patriots defense.
Just look at Sunday’s game against the Broncos.
The Patriots’ supposed No. 1 and 2 receivers — Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry — combined for two catches on eight targets for eight yards. And then the tight end position — Ryan Izzo — had three catches for 38 yards, but also had a fumble.
The Broncos, led by Drew Lock, had their way offensively. Sure, the Patriots defense held strong in their own end, but they still allowed four plays over 20 yards and eight plays over 15 yards. Also, Denver controlled the running game, calling over 40 runs.
One player acquired via trade, whether on offense or defense, is not going to make much difference. That is just the reality.
Now, this doesn’t mean the Patriots shouldn’t be active around the deadline, but there should be a different approach than in the past. The team should be looking for players that can not only help the team this year, but more importantly next year and potentially the year after that.
In that same discussion, if the Patriots can get a high draft pick in return, maybe it's worth trading away a player at cornerback or safety, one of their deepest positions on the team. While they shouldn't look to be sellers, if a team is offering a second or third-round pick for one of their role players, why not make that deal?
Bill Belichick always talks about how team-building is a year-long process and not just through free agency and the draft. Well, this is one of those times.
New England is in a great position salary cap wise being over $20 million under the cap, so it can take on really any contract. The Patriots should be calling teams who have players with one or two more years left on their deals that they potentially want to get rid of. The trade of Sanu last year would be a good example. While it didn’t work out, the plan was for him to be part of the equation this season as well since he still had one year left on his contract.
And it isn’t just one or two positions that should be looked at, it’s a bunch. Realistic upgrades at wide receiver, tight end, defensive line and linebacker are all needed.
While some are looking to the trade deadline as a way to “save” the season, that simply is not the reality this year.
The Patriots are what they are — a 2-3 team that is like a lot of others around the league — in the middle of the pack. They are good enough to potentially get into the playoffs, but likely not one or two players away from being considered anything more.
The trade deadline can still be an exciting time for the Patriots, it just needs to be in a different way than before.
