Patriots should ‘build assets for the future’ at trade deadline

Breer: Patriots should ‘build assets for the future’ at trade deadline

Originally published on NBC Sports Boston, this article discusses the New England Patriots’ current performance and the strategies they should employ before the NFL trade deadline. With a focus on SEO optimization, enhanced creativity, and uniqueness, improved syntax and tone, increased perplexity and burstiness, and retention of HTML tags, the content will captivate readers.

The New England Patriots are off to their worst start since 2000, with a 2-5 record. To address their situation, the team needs to make moves to either improve their current roster or prepare for the future. In a recent discussion on Arbella Early Edition, Albert Breer and Phil Perry joined Amina Smith to analyze how Bill Belichick should approach the upcoming trade deadline.

One of the key factors mentioned by Breer is Belichick’s age. Despite being regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time, Belichick’s past accomplishments have not translated into success this season. This raises the question of whether Belichick would be reluctant to trade valuable players that could potentially jeopardize his position.

“Look at Washington, for example,” said Breer. “They have defensive ends like Montez Sweat and Chase Young, who could attract interest from other teams. But if you’re Martin Mayhew or Ron Rivera and you might get fired in two months, are you willing to trade players that could help you retain your job?”

The article highlights players such as Kendrick Bourne and Josh Uche, who have been mentioned as potential trade assets for the Patriots. Trading them away could result in a weaker team for the current season and further scrutiny on Belichick.

Bourne has been a bright spot for the Patriots receiving core so far this season, with impressive statistics through seven games. Trading away such valuable contributors may impact the team’s performance.

“It’s a similar situation here,” Breer added. “Not that Bill is going to be fired necessarily, but he needs to consider what the team will look like two, three, or four years from now, as that is what matters most to me.”

The article also raises the possibility of the Patriots focusing on rebuilding for the future, considering the talented prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class. With names like Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr., Drake Maye, and Shedeur Sanders, the team may need to reassess their priorities.

“This is no longer about 2023,” continued Breer. “They won’t win a championship this year, and making the playoffs seems unlikely, in my opinion. So, what should their priority be?”

Currently ranking last in the AFC East and tied for last in the AFC overall, the Patriots face an uphill battle to contend this season.

“If you have a coach who has a long-term vision of where the team is heading, your priority should be building assets for the future while still supporting this year’s team,” Breer emphasized.

Perry chimed in to clarify that Belichick, who reportedly agreed to a new contract with the team that runs through 2024, is still the team’s general manager.

“From what we understand, he continues to make final decisions regarding the roster,” stated Perry, regarding Belichick’s dual role. “There may be speculation about whether his new contract reduced his responsibilities, but according to the people we’ve spoken to, those who work with him, that’s not the case. He remains in charge and has the final say.”

The Patriots will aim to improve their record to 3-5 as they face the Miami Dolphins in an AFC East matchup, their final game before the trade deadline.