New England Patriots
New England doesn’t appear to have a firm stance on buying or selling at the deadline.
Josh Downs was Drake Maye’s teammate at UNC. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding who, if anybody, the Patriots might be targeting at this year’s NFL trade deadline.
Rumors had New England linked to Derrick Henry, but that’s since been ruled out by Adam Schefter. Jonathan Taylor and Brian Thomas Jr. don’t appear to be in play for the Patriots, either. And many of the other big-name trade possibilities are more strongly linked to other teams.
With that being said, there are a few free agents that could make sense for New England to pursue.
Josh Downs, WR
Downs requested a trade from the Indianapolis Colts, who are seemingly open to moving just about anybody on their roster as they eye a complete rebuild.
The fact that Downs caught passes from Drake Maye at UNC makes his connection to New England easy to figure. It’s unclear whether the Patriots will target a wide receiver ahead of the deadline. At full strength, the team’s receiving corps is strong. The only issue is it hasn’t been at full strength for even one full game yet this year.
If Mike Vrabel decides he needs an additional playmaker, Downs might be the best option, given he’s already built a relationship with Maye in the past.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB
Vrabel has voiced his confidence in Rhamondre Stevenson as a lead back, and doesn’t appear too worried about bolstering his running back room, especially if TreVeyon Henderson is able to return to the lineup soon.
But, if Henderson isn’t able to return soon, Gainwell is a sensible addition to New England’s backfield. He wouldn’t take the lead back role away from Stevenson, but he’s an ideal third-down & passing down back capable of lightening Stevenson’s load.
Gainwell hasn’t had much traction with the Buccaneers, and is listed on The Athletic’s 50 names to watch list ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE
NFL rules state the Patriots cannot make a trade to bring back Kayshon Boutte. But there is another member of their 2025 squad that departed via free agency, and both sides could find out that a reunion would be beneficial.
Chaisson was a bit of an unsung hero for the Patriots in 2025, where he revived his career. A former top-5 NFL draft selection, Chaisson didn’t quite pan out with the Jaguars, and became a passing-downs only type of rusher by 2024. But Vrabel brought out the best in him, and he was a valuable member of the Patriots defensive line.
Chaisson hasn’t been quite as effective with the Commanders. He’s certainly a possible trade candidate, and New England has a solid interior defensive line, but may need some depth on the edge.
Vrabel didn’t give a sure answer about Harold Landry’s availability for the season. Chaisson could slot nicely into the role Vrabel had Landry penciled in for.
Landon Dickerson, G
Dickerson would be a bit of a splash addition to the offensive line, but New England could surely use it.
The Patriots offensive line has been decimated by injuries this season. Their guards in particular have been a revolving door of mediocrity at best. Dickerson would immediately solve that problem. He’s known for being a durable lineman, despite missing a few games this year.
And with the Philadelphia Eagles just about ready to punt away 2026 and look to the future, Dickerson could be legitimately available for the right price.
Nolan Smith, EDGE
Everything about the Patriots needing to solidify their edge rushers remains true. And everything about the Eagles being ready to punt away the season without Jalen Hurts also remains true.
Insert Nolan Smith, a speedy and intriguing edge rusher of the Eagles. He’s got more upside than Chaisson, but Howie Roseman isn’t easily negotiable. He played hard-ball with the Patriots on A.J. Brown, a trade that appears by all accounts to be a major win for Philadelphia.
If the price is right on Smith, though, he could definitely make sense for the Patriots.
Other names worth watching
- Yaya Diaby, EDGE, Buccaneers
- Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Jets
- Jauan Jennings, WR, Vikings
- Troy Dye, LB, Chargers
- Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans
Colin McCarthy
Colin McCarthy is a sports producer who covers Boston’s professional teams and national sports news.
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