The New England Patriots are currently tied atop the AFC East standings with a surprise 4-2 record through six weeks. The first year of the Mike Vrabel era has been a resounding success but if New England wants to make another Super Bowl run, the Patriots could use some reinforcements at the trade deadline. Unlike most contenders, the Patriots have a league-high $54.6 million in cap space available, so they have the financial flexibility to make a splashy move. With the Nov. 4 deadline looming, we’ll uncover five potential players that the Patriots could target in a trade deadline deal.
A.J. Brown — WR, Philadelphia Eagles
A.J. Brown’s time in Philadelphia seems like it could be coming to an end. The Pro Bowl wide receiver has been dominant on the outside since joining the Eagles in 2022 but has been underutilized in new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo’s offense.
Brown’s production is way down this season (25 rec, 274 yards) and he has been visibly frustrated on the sidelines. As a result, trade rumors have been swirling in recent weeks and a reunion with former head coach Mike Vrabel could be the kind of move that makes sense for everyone involved.
Brown and Vrabel reportedly had a good relationship in Tennessee and he would instantly become the Patriots’ top wide receiver on the outside while allowing Stefon Diggs to work primarily in the slot, where he does most of his damage.
With two more seasons left on Drake Maye’s rookie contract, this is the type of all-in move that could pay dividends for years to come in New England.
Derrick Henry — RB, Baltimore Ravens
While we’re on the topic of players reuniting with Vrabel in New England, Derrick Henry makes sense as a potential trade target. Running back has been a major sore spot for the Patriots. Rhamondre Stevenson has struggled with ball security and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels hasn’t found a way to unlock rookie TreVeyeon Henderson’s play-making ability.
Despite its 1-5 record, Baltimore is reportedly committed to making a second-half run and for good reason. The Ravens have one of the easiest schedules following their bye this week. Baltimore could very well win seven of its next eight games and have a shot at the postseason but if the Ravens stumble out of the gates against the Chicago Bears in Week 8, Henry could very well become available.
Rico Dowdle — RB, Carolina Panthers
It’s fair to wonder whether the Carolina Panthers would be willing to move on from running back Rico Dowdle given his production over the last two weeks. With Chuba Hubbard injured, Dowdle has rushed for 383 yards while adding 84 receiving yards while leading the Panthers to back-to-back wins.
Dowdle is on a one-year $2.75 million prove-it type deal while Hubbard signed a four-year, $33 million contract extension during the offseason.That means if the Panthers want to keep him in Carolina beyond this season, they’d be tying up a significant amount of money to the running back position.
While trading Hubbard might make more sense, Dowdle’s contract would be much easier to move and he might never be more valuable than he is right now. Plus, getting draft compensation for a player in the final year of his deal could make sense for a Panthers team that is still trying to figure out how to build around quarterback Bryce Young.
Kayvon Thibodeaux — EDGE, New York Giants
The Patriots haven’t been able to generate a consistent pass rush this season. New England ranks in the middle of the pack with 13 sacks through six games. Adding an edge rusher could help push Vrabel’s defense over the top and help shore up a pass defense that ranks near the bottom of the NFL in yards allowed per game.
The New York Giants have a bevy of pass-rushers, including Brian Burns and No. 2 overall pick Abdul Carter. New York will likely become sellers at the trade deadline, which could leave former top-five pick Kayvon Thibodeaux as the odd man out of the equation.
Thibodeaux has flashed improvement against the run and has been a reliable pass rusher, when healthy. He has 22 pressures this season and 23.5 sacks in 49 career games. His best season came in his sophomore season in the NFL when had a career-best 11.5 sacks in 2023.
While he might come at a steep price, he won’t turn 25 until December and is still under contract until the 2027 campaign.
