2 weeks Ago By Conor Ryan
By Conor Ryan The Patriots subtracted from their defense earlier this week, sending pass-rusher Josh Uche to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2026 sixth-round pick. But with New England currently sitting at 2-6 on the season — and with a lengthy rebuild in front of them — Eliot Wolf and the rest of the Patriots’ top brass could be looking to move even more assets before the NFL’s trade deadline on Nov. 5.
While a Patriots roster short on high-end talent may not net the team first, second, or even third-round draft picks as compensation, Wolf and his staff could stock up their draft cupboard if they decide to listen in on offers for several other vets on this team. Here’s a look at five Patriots players who could be dealt before Tuesday. WR Kendrick Bourne Kendrick Bourne has already heard his name sprout up in trade rumors multiple times this year — be it in the summer during the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes or even earlier this month in more rumors surrounding the 49ers.
The elder statesman in New England’s receiver room, the 29-year-old Bourne has established himself as a dependable pass-catcher during his tenure with the Patriots. Bourne reeled in 37 catches for 406 yards and four touchdowns in just eight games last season before suffering a torn ACL in a road game against the Dolphins. He’s been slow out of the gate this season as he works his way back from that knee injury (four catches, 29 yards over four games), but Bourne is a solid receiver who should be coveted by multiple teams in need of pass-catchers.
Any team acquiring Bourne would also have some security in place, as Bourne signed a three-year deal worth up to $33 million last offseason. Ultimately, any deal involving Bourne will revolve around just how high a draft pick the Patriots could net, as well as whether or not the team feels comfortable taking a veteran out of a very young receiver room. DT Davon Godchaux Another Patriots regular who has seen his name sprout up in trade rumors involving the 49ers, Davon Godchaux has been one of the few bright spots on New England’s underwhelming defense in 2024.
The 29-year-old nose tackle has been a steady run-stopper for years in New England, routinely closing down gaps and rushing lanes at the line of scrimmage. Godchaux, who signed a two-year contract extension worth up to $21 million earlier this year, could be an appealing fit for a San Francisco roster playing without DT Javon Hargrave (torn triceps). Godchaux brushed aside talks regarding trades earlier this week.
“Yeah, I was shocked, but at the end of the day, this is a business,” Godchaux told Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald after New England’s 25-22 win over the Jets. “I mean, (expletive) happens all the time. I’m sure some guys think they could be on the team for a long time, and something happens.
This is the business of the NFL. This is what we signed up for.” Even though Godchaux’s production and contract might make him a top option on the trade market, New England would also be removing another respected veteran from its locker room — and further hampering a run defense that has relinquished 150 rushing yards in three of its last four games.
CB Jonathan Jones Jonathan Jones is in the same boat as players like Godchaux and Bourne. The veteran cornerback has the winning pedigree (two Super Bowl titles) and speed that many contenders would love to add to their secondary before the trade deadline. But would the return be enough for a Patriots team that also values the leadership that Jones offers on a very young and still malleable defense? Again, it might come down to just what type of draft compensation the Patriots are looking for with a player like Jones, who has recorded three passes defended and 28 tackles over eight games this season.
A team with defensive woes that is looking to hoist the Lombardi Trophy like the Ravens makes plenty of sense for a tenacious corner like Jones, who can both play in the slot and on the outside. But is moving Jones worth it for New England if all it lands is another fifth or sixth-round selection? It’s something that Wolf and Co. will need to ponder over the next few days.
WR K.J. Osborn This one feels very obvious, especially after K.
J. Osborn already addressed trade rumors swirling around him last week. Despite averaging 52.
7 receptions, 615 receiving yards, and five touchdowns per season over the last three years with the Vikings, Osborn has not been able to make a sizable impact with New England, recording just seven receptions for 57 yards and one touchdown. With rookie Javon Baker potentially in line for a greater role moving forward, the Patriots might opt to give Osborn a fresh start elsewhere, while also making space in the wide receiver room. WR Tyquan Thornton Much like Osborn, the Patriots might just want to cut bait at this point with Thornton, especially if it creates more room on the roster to either elevate younger players or add talent at the deadline.
Despite Tyquan Thornton’s speed and high draft pedigree (50th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft), he’s failed to put it together with the Patriots. While the TCU product’s straight-line acceleration would seemingly make him an appealing target for a QB with a strong arm like Drake Maye, he has only caught four passes for 47 yards in 2024 — dropping a dart from Maye during Sunday’s win over the Jets. What a throw.
.. Dropped by Tyquan Thornton.
pic.twitter.com/ES5BfG2gTt New England has reportedly dangled Thornton in trade talks for over a month , although it remains unlikely that the Patriots would land a premium draft pick for a player who has failed to post impressive stat lines over his three seasons in Foxborough.
Boston.com Today Sign up to receive the latest headlines in your inbox each morning. Conor Ryan Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.
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