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Patriots “Sniffing Around” At Potential Trades

October 28th, 2023 at 9:42am CST by Ben Levine

We heard earlier this week that the Patriots were “willing to listen to offers” leading up to the trade deadline. According to Albert Breer of SI.com, New England’s front office may be the side that is initiating trade talks.

[RELATED: Latest On Patriots’ Deadline Plans]

The Patriots are “sniffing around” to see what draft compensation they could get for some of their logical trade candidates. Breer points to offensive lineman Michael Onwenu, safety Kyle Dugger, and defensive end Josh Uche as players who could be on the trade block. All three players are impending free agents, and despite possessing a chunk of 2024 cap space, the organization may want to move on from players they may not re-sign.

Breer opines that Uche is the player who’s most likely to be traded since he’d “probably be the most difficult of the group to re-sign.” The former second-round pick has followed up his 11.5-sack 2022 campaign by collecting six tackles and two sacks in six games this year. While his numbers this season are underwhelming, his pass-rushing ability means the Patriots would still be able to bring back a worthwhile return in a trade. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler agrees that Uche is a name “worth watching,” noting that the pass-rusher has garnered trade interest around the NFL. Likewise, based on his conversations with multiple teams, Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal believes Uche has the best chance of any current Patriot to be dealt.

On the flip side, Breer thinks Onwenu is the least likely of the group to be traded. The Patriots will use the rest of the 2023 campaign to evaluate Mac Jones, and Breer can’t envision the organization hurting the QB’s chances by subtracting from the offense. Following that same logic, Breer also doesn’t see wide receiver Kendrick Bourne getting traded, and Mike Reiss of ESPN.com does not think New England will part with any top talent unless it receives at least a third-round pick in return. Of course, if another club were willing to take on an onerous contract (JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker) as part of a deal for a player like Uche, the Pats would certainly listen.

Breer adds one more name to the list of potential trade candidates: Jalen Mills. The defensive back has served in a variety of roles with the Patriots since joining the organization in 2021. Mills got through two years of his four-year, $24MM deal before getting cut back in March, but he quickly rejoined the Patriots on a new pact. While the Patriots have dealt with a number of injuries in their secondary, Mills has only seen time in 26 percent of New England’s defensive snaps this season.

Multiple Teams Eyeing WR Trades?

October 23rd, 2023 at 11:26am CST by Adam La Rose

The countdown to the October 31 trade deadline continues, and further moves beyond the relatively minor ones which have already taken place could be coming soon. One position to watch in that regard could be that of wide receiver.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that a number of teams have “monitored” the WR market recently, and he specifically names the Colts, Panthers, Packers and Chiefs as ones to which that applies. The latter squad has, of course, already made a move at the receiver spot by reuniting with Mecole Hardman. The pick-swap with the Jets which made that possible leaves the defending champions with $3.57MM in cap space.

On the other end of the spectrum, the 0-6 Panthers are unlikely to assume a buyer’s stance in a bid to add much before the deadline. However, Carolina has been connected to pursuit of help at the WR spot during the season, so a move in that regard would not come as a complete shock. Perhaps the most likely outcome at the position would involve a deal sending former second-rounder Terrace Marshall out of Charlotte. The latter has been granted permission to seek a trade.

The Colts have made notable investments at the WR spot via the draft in recent years, using a second-round pick on Alec Pierce in 2022 and a third-round selection on Josh Downs this past April. That pair has given the team depth and complimentary options behind leading receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who is in a contract year. Pittman is willing to wait on extension talks until after the season, but he is well aware of the market he could command if he delivers another strong season in his walk year. Sitting at 3-4 and knowing starting quarterback Anthony Richardson will miss the remainder of the season, Indianapolis is in an interesting position with respect to how they approach the rest of the season from a roster-building standpoint.

Embracing a youth movement on offense with Jordan Love under center, the Packers have a highly inexperienced pass-catching corps. Green Bay was initially connected to a desire to add a veteran presence at the WR spot, but later in the offseason head coach Matt Lafleur expressed confidence in his youthful receiving group. That has resulted in plenty of playing time for the likes of Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed, though the Packers have struggled on offense over the past several weeks. The 2-4 outfit has just over $8.6MM in cap space to use on a potential addition.

With respect to potential targets (beyond those already frequently mentioned as trade chips), Fowler names Kendrick Bourne (Patriots) and Parris Campbell (Giants) as veterans who could be on the move. The former fell out of favor with the coaching staff last season, but he has seen a spike in playing time and production so far this year. The latter battled injuries in Indianapolis but flashed potential ahead of his move to New York, which has not yet worked out as planned. Both players are set to hit free agency in March.

Other teams – like the Dolphins with their recent Chase Claypool addition – have already been involved in the receiver market, and clubs/players not named above will no doubt be worth watching as well. For the time being, though, notable specifics have emerged at the position as the deadline draws nearer.

Patriots’ Kendrick Bourne Generating Trade Interest; Team Taking Calls On Nick Folk

August 29th, 2023 at 10:17am CST by Sam Robinson

Kendrick Bourne is back in trade rumors, but after a disappointing 2022 season, the veteran wide receiver may have improved his standing within the organization.

Teams have called the Patriots on Bourne, per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, but they have informed interested parties he is not available. Bourne is expected to go into this season as New England’s No. 3 wideout behind JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker. One season remains on Bourne’s Pats contract.

A different story may be developing around Nick Folk. The veteran kicker looks to be available, with the Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi noting the team is taking calls. The Pats have used Folk as their primary kicker since acquiring him in 2020, having agreed to multiple contracts with the longtime specialist. But New England also used a fourth-round pick on a kicker (Chad Ryland) in April.

The possibility has been raised throughout the offseason of the Patriots keeping both Folk and Ryland on the active roster, but such a move is rare. The former would quickly find a new home if he were to be let go, but there is always risk involved with waiving rookies – especially those selected as high as the latter – during cutdown season. Dealing Folk would represent a sign of confidence in Ryland regarding his ability to continue the success the veteran has enjoyed during his time in New England.

Folk, 38, has converted 108 of 121 field goals (good for a success rate of 89.3%) with the Patriots, including 12 of 17 attempts from beyond 50 yards. One year remains on his contract at a cap hit of $2.79MM; New England would see $2.2MM in savings by cutting or trading him. Several teams are in need of a kicker at the moment, either to immediately operate on a full-time basis or to at least fill in as a known commodity to start the campaign. That should give the Patriots a few options to choose from if they do elect to move Folk.

AFC Notes: Raiders, Pats, Jets, Bengals

August 25th, 2023 at 9:48pm CST by Ely Allen

As we inch closer to the start of the regular season, the Raiders‘ eventual 53-man roster is starting to come into focus. Two players in particular appear to be securing their positions for the team’s lineup come Week 1, according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic.

Wide receiver DeAndre Carter has definitely taken advantage of his opportunities throughout camp this preseason. In the team’s second preseason game, Carter started in the slot in place of Hunter Renfrow, who sat out for the game. He didn’t put up notable stats from the position, but he really shined in a special teams role. He had a strong opening kick return and was inches away from a punt return for a touchdown, as well. The coaches’ faith in him to start in place of Renfrow combined with his return ability has virtually cemented his spot on the roster, according to Reed.

Another player on the rise is veteran guard Greg Van Roten, who seems to have surpassed Alex Bars for the starting job at right guard. Van Roten started the team’s most recent preseason game at right guard for a single series before being replaced by Bars, signifying the changing of the guard, pun not intended. Bars, who started most of last season for the team at right guard, may be in danger of failing to make the 53-man roster if he keeps sliding down the depth chart.

Here are a few more roster rumors from around the league as the preseason begins its close:

  • The Patriots have struggled as of late with drafting wide receivers. They’re looking to buck that trend this season. In a room that was originally looking weak when the team missed out on free agent De’Andre Hopkins, New England is newly flushed with possibilities. The team lacks elite top end talent, but behind JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker, the Patriots have a surprising number of options. Kendrick Bourne has seemingly secured a role as the team’s third wideout with a great camp, according to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe, and behind Bourne, rookie sixth-round picks Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte have made strong cases for roster spots themselves with impressive camps. Even undrafted rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham has reportedly shown enough versatility and promise on offense and special teams to make a case for a roster spot.
  • With the recent acquisition of free agent Dalvin Cook, the Jets top-two running backs are clear as day, but in the process, the extra body has made things a bit crowded in the position room. Brian Costello of the New York Post believes that rookie fifth-round pick Israel Abanikanda is likely safe, leading to a battle for the likely last roster spot between Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight. Seemingly, Carter is safe. He’s got more starting experience on the team than Knight and didn’t suit up for the Jets’ most recent preseason game, a likely indication that the coaches have seen what they need to see. Knight played last week and fumbled. He’s had good moments throughout training camp, but his future may lie on the practice squad this season.
  • The Bengals have a clear TE1 and a likely TE2 coming into the end of the preseason in Irv Smith Jr. and Drew Sample, but there’s a chance that TE3 isn’t on the roster, according to The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. Last season’s TE3 Mitchell Wilcox has a decent shot at a roster spot, as does the undersized Tanner Hudson, who has impressed with some nice hands throughout camp. Devin Asiasi, Nick Bowers, and Christian Trahan remain as options, as well, but don’t have the strongest chances at a roster spot. Dehner predicts that Cincinnati may take to the open market after cut day, aiming to pull in any of several experienced tight ends that may find themselves on the roster bubble.

Patriots Remain In DeAndre Hopkins Pursuit

June 29th, 2023 at 9:55am CST by Sam Robinson

The Patriots took care of one of their own wide receivers Wednesday, coming to terms on a deal that pushes DeVante Parker‘s contract past 2023. Rather than the contract being a sign the Patriots are steering away from DeAndre Hopkins, the Parker deal may end up helping the team on this front.

Parker’s extension numbers are not out yet, though the initial report indicated the 2022 New England trade acquisition can earn up to $33MM — with up to $14MM guaranteed — on the new pact. But veteran reporter Mike Giardi notes the deal lowered Parker’s cap hit (Twitter link). Considering Parker already was tied to just a $6.2MM 2023 number, it will be interesting to see these new terms. The incentives in Parker’s deal range from playing time-based escalators to performance thresholds, ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss notes, adding the former Dolphins receiver’s 2023 base salary will drop below $5.7MM on this new deal.

As for Hopkins, Giardi adds the Patriots believe they are still in the mix. They hosted Hopkins earlier this month, following the Titans in securing a meeting with the free agent standout. The Parker move does give the Pats two veteran wideouts signed beyond 2023, joining March addition JuJu Smith-Schuster, but the team has not ruled out having two 30-something receivers on its roster.

A 2015 first-round pick, Parker is going into his age-30 season. Hopkins turned 31 earlier this month. Parker and Hopkins are each known more for catch radiuses than separation ability, especially at this point in their respective careers, so seeing them on the same team would represent an interesting configuration for new OC Bill O’Brien‘s offense. Smith-Schuster, 26, has primarily been a slot receiver throughout his career; the ex-Steelers and Chiefs pass catcher would stand to complement a Parker-Hopkins outside duo.

The Pats landing Hopkins would seemingly relegate 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton to a reserve role, though the Baylor product remains an intriguing option after missing a chunk of his rookie year due to injury. Mike Gesicki is also in line to see extensive receiver time, crowding this position group — in the event Hopkins chooses to relocate to Massachusetts.

Kendrick Bourne amassed 800 receiving yards in 2021 before falling out of favor — to some degree, at least — with the coaching staff last season. The free agency addition totaled just 434 yards during a dysfunctional 2022 campaign for the Patriots’ offense. Bourne, who is going into his age-28 season, is signed through 2023. Parker’s deal, however, may put Bourne on New England’s roster bubble, AtoZsports.com’s Doug Kyed notes. The Pats can save $5.4MM by releasing or trading the seventh-year veteran. Trade calls came in on Bourne before the deadline last year; he was believed to be available for “the right price.”

Both the Pats and Titans extended offers to Hopkins, but the 10-year veteran is still waiting for his market to expand. While the Chiefs and Bills — long-rumored suitors who had previously discussed trade terms with the Cardinals — have been quiet here for a stretch, and a Deshaun Watson reunion in Cleveland is looking increasingly unlikely. But the Panthers have emerged as a team to monitor here.

Patriots Receiving Calls On Isaiah Wynn, Kendrick Bourne

October 27th, 2022 at 9:52am CST by Sam Robinson

The Patriots fielded trade calls on Isaiah Wynn this offseason but opted to hang onto the fifth-year tackle. The team has since benched the former first-round pick, pointing to a 2023 exit. New England is entertaining the prospect of Wynn departing sooner.

Interest in Wynn has surfaced again ahead of the Nov. 1 trade deadline, according to NFL.com’s Mike Giardi, who notes (via Twitter) the Pats have received calls on both Wynn and Kendrick Bourne. Both players have seen their Pats stock plummet in 2022, leading to uncertainty about their places on the team going forward.

After playing 16 games last season, the once-injury-prone Wynn has stayed healthy this year as well. But the Pats have both changed Wynn’s position, moving him from left tackle to the right side, and benched him. Wynn was a healthy scratch against the Bears on Monday. Marcus Cannon, whom the Pats initially brought back as a practice squad stash this year, started in Wynn’s place against Chicago. With swing option Yodny Cajuste being designated for return this week, Wynn’s path back to regular duty becomes more complicated.

In six games this season, Wynn has committed an NFL-high eight penalties and been charged with three sacks allowed. Pro Football Focus has still viewed Wynn (39 career starts) as a plus run-blocking presence, but his trade value has dropped since this season began. Wynn’s fifth-year option salary ($10.4MM) also stands to interfere with a potential trade. If Wynn is not moved over the next week, he will almost certainly depart in free agency come March.

A formerly well-regarded 49ers auxiliary receiver, Bourne caught 55 passes for 800 yards and five touchdowns last season. Despite being signed to a lower-cost deal, Bourne outperformed fellow UFA addition Nelson Agholor. Issues during training camp and the Pats’ receiver additions have affected Bourne’s status, and he did not play against the Bears. The ex-49er has just 11 catches for 156 yards this season. He has taken a backseat to trade acquisition DeVante Parker and second-round pick Tyquan Thornton in New England’s now-Matt Patricia-run offense.

Believed to be available for “the right price,” Bourne is signed through 2024 via the three-year, $15MM deal he signed last March. Trading the 27-year-old pass catcher would save the Patriots $5MM, and Bourne — attached to a $3.5MM 2022 base salary — may well welcome a scenery change given the way his year has gone.

Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne “Available For The Right Price”

October 22nd, 2022 at 8:48am CST by Ben Levine

Kendrick Bourne has seen a reduced role in New England this season, and it sounds like the Patriots wideout may be on the trade block. According to Armando Salguero of OutKick.com, Bourne is “available for the right price.”

Following the offseason acquisition DeVante Parker (and, to a lesser extent, the second-round selection of Tyquan Thornton), the Patriots were eyeing a crowded receivers room heading into the 2022 campaign, and the team’s depth at the position meant someone was going to lose out on snaps. Through the first six weeks of the season, that’s been Bourne. The 27-year-old is firmly behind Parker and Jakobi Meyers when it comes to snaps, and he’s now competing with Thornton and veteran Nelson Agholor for any leftover reps.

The receiver only saw a pair of offensive snaps in Week 1. He’s seen an increased role in recent weeks, including a Week 5 outing where he got into 57 percent of his team’s offensive snaps (thanks in part to the absence of Meyers). However, that was followed up by a Week 6 contest where he was limited to only six percent of New England’s offensive snaps. Through six games (one start), Bourne has hauled in 11 receptions for 156 yards.

This is a significant drop from last season, where Bourne emerged as one of Mac Jones‘ favorite targets. After joining the Patriots in the offseason, the wideout proceeded to have a career season, finishing with 55 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns. While the team’s crowded WR room has certainly played a role in Bourne’s reduced role, Salguero writes that the wideout’s inconsistency at practice has “gotten him into some trouble” with coaches, particularly offensive play-caller Matt Patricia. It’s usually tough to get out of Bill Belichick’s doghouse, so a trade may ultimately be best for both sides.

Latest On Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne

September 15th, 2022 at 8:01pm CST by Ben Levine

Kendrick Bourne was one of the Patriots’ most productive wide receivers in 2021, but he was limited to only a pair of offensive snaps during the team’s Week 1 loss. While coach Bill Belichick said Bourne’s lack of playing time wasn’t a disciplinary measure, Doug Kyed of ProFootballFocus.com writes that the wideout may still be paying for a few preseason incidents.

Bourne was ejected for fighting during a joint practice with the Panthers, and he was late to a meeting later that same week. Bourne didn’t see the field during that week’s preseason contest, but you’d assume he’d be out of the doghouse almost one month later.

As Kyed writes, part of Bourne’s role could simply be attributed to his spot on the depth chart. DeVante Parker, Jakobi Meyers, and Nelson Agholor soaked up the majority of the snaps at wide receiver, and the team also relied on two tight-end sets with Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith on the field. Someone was going to have to be the odd man out on offense, and for the first game, it was Bourne.

However, he should get a longer look this weekend. Jeff Howe of The Athletic tweets that the receiver’s playing time is expected to increase this weekend against the Steelers.

Bourne had a career year during his first season in New England, finishing with career highs in receptions (55), receiving yards (800), and touchdowns (five). Despite only playing two offensive snaps last weekend, the 27-year-old still pulled off the offense’s biggest play of the game when he hauled in a 41-yard reception.

AFC East Notes: Bills, White, Moss, Patriots, Jets

August 23rd, 2022 at 6:22pm CST by Ben Levine

The Bills are hoping Tre’Davious White can avoid a stint on the PUP list to begin the regular season. While speaking to reporters, GM Brandon Beane said the team is going to “run out the clock” when it comes to White’s roster spot in the hope that he’ll progress over the next week.

“We don’t have the final answer,” Beane said (via Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic on Twitter). “I can’t sit here and say, ‘He’s going to be here on this day.'”

The cornerback tore his ACL last November, and while reports have indicated that he’s progressing well in his return to the field, it’s still uncertain if he’ll be ready to go for Week 1. White landed on the PUP to start training camp, but the team will have to make an important decision on him as they reduce their roster to 53 players. If White is placed on PUP to begin the regular season, he’ll miss Buffalo’s first four games.

The former first-round pick has spent his entire career with the Bills, earning All-Pro nods in both 2019 and 2020. In 11 games last season, White collected 41 tackles, six passes defended, and one interception.

More notes out of the AFC East…

  • To enter Bills camp, there was an expectation that free agent acquisition Jamison Crowder would battle with holdover Isaiah McKenzie for the starting slot receiver role. As Buscaglia writes, the team has given every indication that McKenzie has won that position battle, and Crowder’s training camp struggles may have put him on the roster bubble. Despite his assessment, Buscaglia later opined that the veteran’s experience will ultimately earn him a spot on the 53-man roster.
  • Elsewhere on offense, it sounds like the Bills are ready to roll with a RB committee. Buscaglia writes that both Devin Singletary and rookie James Cook could end up seeing extensive work outside of the red zone, while Zack Moss is expected to serve as the team’s goal-line running back. Moss has gotten an extensive look during the preseason, and while the writer hints that the coaching staff could be showcasing him for a trade, he also acknowledged that the team has been happy with the RB’s performance during training camp and preseason.
  • Before rookie wideout Tyquan Thornton went down with a shoulder injury, the Patriots were fielding offers on their receivers, according to Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus. However, it now “seems unlikely” that the Patriots would subtract from the grouping of Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, DeVante Parker, and Nelson Agholor. Meanwhile, the trio of Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Kristian Wilkerson, and Tre Nixon are competing for limited roster spots, while Ty Montgomery‘s best chance of making the roster may be as a running back.
  • While cornerback Sauce Gardner and wideout Garrett Wilson are expected to play important roles for the Jets next season, their other first-round pick may see more of a complementary role. Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post writes that Carl Lawson, Quinnen Williams, Sheldon Rankins, and John Franklin-Myers are expected to start along the defensive line, meaning Jermaine Johnson will have to compete with Jacob Martin for the role of “situational rusher.” “However I can help the team win is honestly how I look at it,” Johnson said. “I practice like I’m a [undrafted] free agent anyway, so I don’t really care. It’s like I’m fighting for my life. That’s how I am, what I believe and how I practice — and it just lines up perfectly with what Coach Saleh is all about: Practicing hard, balls to the wall, giving 110 percent not only for yourself but for the team.”

NFL COVID List Updates: 12/25-12/26/21

December 26th, 2021 at 11:05pm CST by Ely Allen

We’ve compiled a list of players who were placed on or activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list on Christmas and today. In some instances, players activated from the list remain on IR:

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Placed on practice squad/COVID-19 list: WR Steven Sims

Seattle Seahawks

Tennessee Titans

Washington Football Team

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