NFL exec has interesting take on Patriots before NFL trade deadline

NFL exec has interesting take on Patriots before NFL trade deadline originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The New England Patriots have typically been buyers at the NFL trade deadline or stand pat. However, this season has been far from typical for the Patriots.

Currently sitting at a 1-5 record for the first time since 1995, the Patriots are facing tough matchups against the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins in the next two weeks, potentially leading to a 1-7 start for November.

The trade deadline is approaching on Tuesday, October 31 at 4 p.m. ET. Will the Patriots change their usual approach and become sellers? Or will they wait until the offseason to make significant moves?

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Jeremy Fowler of ESPN wrote an intriguing article on Friday discussing the latest rumors and speculations leading up to the deadline.

According to Fowler, there is uncertainty among teams whether the 1-5 Patriots will dismantle their roster at the deadline. One league executive mentioned that the Patriots may declare certain players available and then withdraw them.

Which players on the Patriots’ roster might attract interest from other teams before the trade deadline? Fowler revealed that league executives are particularly curious about linebacker Josh Uche, guard Mike Onwenu, defensive tackle Christian Barmore, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, and safety Kyle Dugger.

Bourne, in the final year of his contract, possesses the skills to be a productive and reliable wide receiver, especially for a contender. Nevertheless, there seems to be limited movement in terms of interest from other teams regarding Bourne.

The Patriots don’t necessarily need to initiate a fire sale, but if they consider a player unfit for their long-term vision, trading that player for a draft pick would be a logical move. This is especially true for players who are set to become free agents in March. Instead of holding on to a veteran who will likely leave in free agency, the Patriots can obtain a mid- or late-round pick from a contender before the trade deadline.

The 2023 season appears to be lost for New England at this point. The Patriots’ struggles cannot be attributed to mere bad luck or simple mistakes. They face a significant shortage of talent on both sides of the ball, particularly on offense.