Patriots Trade Talk: 1st Edition
The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, November 4th, just ten days away. After Sunday’s win in Tennessee and with Buffalo idle on a bye week, the Patriots still sit atop the AFC East. Even with their young core, this team has shown it can compete, which is exactly why they should be buyers at the deadline.
The Patriots should add a running back at the deadline. Say what you want about the lack of usage for Tre’Veon Henderson, but he actually saw more snaps when Antonio Gibson was still healthy. He’s just not getting the reps everyone expected, and there’s a reason for that. But just because Henderson isn’t being used doesn’t mean the Patriots shouldn’t look to add some insurance at the deadline.
That’s where Dameon Pierce comes in. Antonio Gibson’s season-ending ACL tear has left New England thin in the backfield. Pierce’s rugged, downhill style fits perfectly within the Patriots’ inside-zone and gap-scheme hybrid run game. He’s also a reliable pass protector who can keep quarterback Drake Maye clean.
After flashing early in Houston, Pierce’s workload has steadily declined. The emergence of rookie Woody Marks, a 2025 draft pick, and free agent signing Nick Chubb, has pushed Pierce down the depth chart. He’s been a healthy scratch most weeks, making him expendable for a Texans team drifting toward seller status. The Patriots could likely acquire him for a late Day-3 pick. Pierce remains on an affordable rookie contract through 2025, giving New England low-cost depth and short-term upside at a position of need.
With the return of K’Lavon Chaisson, the Patriots’ biggest need has shifted from defensive line help to adding depth in the secondary. The team has yet to allow a rusher to surpass fifty yards, and Chaisson’s two sacks reignited the pass rush. Adding another edge rusher would certainly help, but depth at defensive back, particularly cornerback, is the greater priority right now.
Marcus Jones has shown flashes of being a reliable option. He made two of the biggest defensive plays in their win at Buffalo and has continued to impact games against New Orleans and Tennessee. Jones could fill that role if needed, but keeping him at nickel corner back makes the most sense given his special teams impact. His greatest value to this team is his versatility and ability to create momentum in multiple phases.
A strong target at cornerback would be Roger McCreary. The inevitability of a fire sale in Tennessee is something New England should try to capitalize on. The Patriots have already found success adding former Titans to their defense, so another move makes sense. McCreary fits what New England looks for in a defensive back: the ability to play inside and outside, press at the line, and disrupt timing routes. He has shown he can handle both slot and perimeter duties and brings the physical, disciplined approach. McCreary would be a short-term rental, a fair criticism, but he fits the profile of the low-risk, high-reward additions New England has historically thrived on.
Lastly, an option that is very unlikely but could provide big impacts are Brian Thomas Jr. This morning NFL insider, Dianna Russini reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars are taking calls on the star wide receiver. Thomas Jr. is considered to be having a down-year by most around the league, he has also been battling a few injuries, most notably to his left wrist. Another thing to consider is that historically receivers who have big years as rookies, usually don't perform as well in their second year. Trading for Thomas Jr, is probably not worth the price that it would cost, but there is no denying that adding him to this offense could provide a spark similar to the way that Stefon Diggs has.
With the trade deadline nearing, the Patriots find themselves in a rare position: a young, competitive roster that’s still in the hunt, yet flexible enough to make calculated upgrades. The team doesn’t need a complete overhaul or a headline-grabbing blockbuster. What it needs are the kinds of smart, measured additions that bolster depth, create competition, and keep the locker room focused on the stretch ahead.Both players embody the type of low-risk, high-reward investment that aligns with New England’s identity: disciplined, affordable, and built to contribute immediately. Neither move would mortgage the future, yet both could meaningfully strengthen the team’s depth and raise its ceiling.
@nicseeley12
