The NFL trade deadline (Nov. 5) is rapidly approaching, and the New England Patriots are in a position where they need to make some moves. Whether it’s selling, buying or a mix of both, they need to do something.
They cannot stand pat.
After stunning the New York Jets and improving to 2-6, the Patriots have some hope on their side. That means they can make moves without being as desperate as they might have been before Week 8. Today, we’re going to take a look at four realistic trades the Patriots could make as the deadline approaches.
With expiring contracts, aging veterans and young players needing playing time, these moves could solve some of the logjams hurting the Patriots’ developmental plan.
CB Jonathan Jones
Patriots trade: CB Jonathan Jones
Kansas City Chiefs trade: 2025 fifth-round pick
Jonathan Jones is a veteran corner with two Super Bowl wins under his belt. The Chiefs are looking to three-peat, and they could use an extra corner to help their defense. Jones is a solid veteran option who can play inside, outside and at safety. He could be a fun piece for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
WR K.J. Osborn
Patriots trade: WR K.J. Osborn, 2025 seventh-round pick
Pittsburgh Steelers trade: 2025 sixth-round pick
Osborn looks like he might want out of New England, and he is a veteran who could help a contending team with playoff aspirations. The Steelers need some receiver help, and Osborn could be a nice fit for that roster.
He is on a cheap deal, and he’s the kind of professional who could learn an offense quickly. The veteran wideout will likely want out after this year regardless, so the Patriots should opt to trade him while they can. They need picks to trade up in the draft or tack on for veteran trades down the line.
DT Davon Godchaux
Patriots trade: DT Davon Godchaux
Minnesota Vikings trade: 2025 fifth-round pick
Godchaux is a solid run-stuffer on a team with very little help on the defensive line. Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores coached Godchaux in Miami from 2019-2020, and then Godchaux went to the Patriots in 2021 to a defense that was run by Bill Belichick.
It makes sense to reunite the two and give the Vikings another piece on their line that could help their run defense, allowing them to try new packages with other defensive linemen.
T Jack Conklin
Patriots trade: 2025 third-round pick (from ATL), 2026 fifth-round pick
Browns trade: T Jack Conklin
Conklin is a right tackle under contract that the Patriots could try and pry away from a floundering Browns franchise that has another right tackle on a rookie deal in Dawaad Jones.
Conklin would allow the Patriots to move Mike Onwenu back at right guard and give the Patriots a chance to actually run the ball on that right side. They could finally start piecing together an offensive line the team can be proud of. Conklin could help them in the present and future, giving them a starting tackle they can trust while they develop Caedan Wallace for either left tackle or as the team’s swing tackle.
Either way, Conklin has familiarity with Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, and the two would mesh pretty quickly. It would cost the Patriots the pick they got in the Matthew Judon trade, but it’s worth it to ensure they are putting the right talent on offense around rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
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