Despite their upset win over the Bills in Week 7, the 2-5 Patriots are likely to find themselves in the sellers category ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. To no surprise, the team is open to at least considering offers on a number of players. 
[RELATED: Patriots, Bill Belichick Agreed To Offseason Extension]
Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports that the Patriots are “willing to listen to offers” which could see them deal away members of their core, specifically those on expiring contracts. That means the likes of edge rusher Josh Uche, safety Kyle Dugger and offensive lineman Michael Onwenu in particular could be the subject of trade negotiations in the coming days.
A recent report indicated Uche and the Patriots have not held extension talks, leaving him on a path toward departing in free agency in March. New England does not have a history of valuing situational edge rushers such as the Michigan alum as highly as other teams. As such, it would not come as a surprise if a market developed for his services to close out the 2023 season, but also for years to come on a long-term deal given out by an acquiring team. Uche had a breakout season last year with 11.5 sacks, but he has managed just a pair so far this season.
As fellow 2020 draftees, Dugger and Onwenu are playing out the final year of their rookie contracts. The franchise tag could be in play for the former in particular, Kyed notes, and it may become necessary if an extension cannot be worked out. Dugger expressed an affinity for the Patriots in the summer when asked about his contract status, but no updates have emerged regarding an extension being on the horizon. The same is true for Onwenu, who has proven to be a versatile and consistent blocker over the course of his career (although his performance has taken a step back in 2023).
Kyed adds that the trio of Uche, Dugger and Onwenu would each likely garner draft compensation ranging from second- to fourth-round picks if they were to be included in deadline deals. Veteran wideout Kendrick Bourne – previously named as a low-cost trade target at his position – could also draw attention and yield a Day 3 pick in return. As Jeff Howe of The Athletic notes (subscription required), New England is seen around the league as a team with desirable trade chips, so they will be a team to watch in the coming days.
The Patriots are currently slated to have the third-most 2024 cap space in the league at nearly $93MM. That flexibility could go a long way in informing their moves (or lack thereof) ahead of the October 31 deadline as they weigh the value of future assets against that of retaining key players in what appears to be another season destined to land outside the postseason.
Of the three, it feels like Dugger is most likely to stay. Belichick picked him in the second, seemingly out of nowhere, and he’s played well and is versatile. Uche I thought would be extended as of last year, but seeing as he hasn’t built on that year as well, it doesn’t look as promising. If he’s not traded, New England may offer a shorter low level deal, but it’d be best for them to get some sort of compensation.
The rookie Douglas and Thornton both contributed well in the Bills game, which is one reason the Patriots won (and Stevenson got going in the run game, and Jones got better protection, allowing him to better utilize his receivers). Jones definitely still has his best connection with Bourne, but if he is moved, then the young receivers will hopefully get more opportunities.
If Belichick is smart, this next draft will put a lot more resources into the offense. For that reason, it seems that Onwenu and Bourne could be considered likely to be moved, in my mind. I think that retaining Dugger would be a good move.
NE might decide that they need another corner after the glut of injuries, unless they plan on keeping Jackson long term. His deal runs through 2026, but has backloaded cap hits that swell in its last two years beyond $14 million. There’s no dead money on that deal after 2024, if I’m not mistaken. So if they do retain him, it might be only for a year, unless he’s playing exceptionally well. Anticipating these needs probably affects who they’re willing to deal and who they want to re-sign. Dugger probably needs at least an above average contract to stay, and right now some of that money is locked up in Jackson (whose presence is more important after those injuries).
Douglas played well against Buffalo. Thornton barely played.
Yeah, he had at least one play that I recall being good in a needed situation. It was limited, and I may be getting one of Douglas’ plays mixed up with Thornton other than that. Pats fans have been looking for more of a contribution from him since he was drafted, but Douglas, for his part, would be good to see get more snaps. Still, Thornton is absent from many games completely. I’m not a Pats fan, but it felt encouraging to even see his name called once.
The offensive line wasn’t perfect, but they blocked much better in the run game and gave Jones more time overall, which allowed for more receivers to get touches. That’s what needs to become the norm in the Pats offense if they’re going to get better. Jones needs to be spreading the ball, and the Pats need to create opportunities for the young receivers-and those receivers need to deliver consistently going forward. Of course, having your opponent start the game with a pick on the first play from scrimmage helps, too.
I believe their going to have to overpay players to come here if BB is still running everything right now the pats are probably in one of the worst spots in the league
BB is a great coach but he’s also a huge A-0 stuck in the early years and that D wins games