New England Patriots just narrowly missed out on trading for potential difference maker on defense

The Pats didn’t get the deal done.

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
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Sep 7, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis III (7), safety Dell Pettus (24) make a tackle on Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots are working the trade market. Unfortunately, they just missed out on a chance to add to their secondary, and a fellow AFC East foe was able to snatch up a young defender from a different AFC squad.

The New York Jets traded for cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. from the Tennessee Titans. That being said, New England was in the running to make that move ahead of Week 4. It was a surprising move by the team from Nashville.

Patriots attempted to trade for cornerback but lost out to Jets

According to Jordan Schultz, the Patriots called Tennessee about making a trade for CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr., but the Jets ended up making the deal with the Titans. It is unknown what the Patriots were willing to offer for his services.

Keep in mind – Mike Vrabel, the current head coach of the Pats, is the former HC for the Titans. That probably didn’t play a role in the Patriots losing out on this deal, but it is worth noting, too. For New England, adding a young CB makes plenty of sense.

Christian Gonzalez has been dealing with an injury this season. Behind Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III, Alex Austin is the main backup on the outside for the cornerback position. In the nickel, Marcus Jones is slotted as the starter. Brownlee could have provided depth at either spot most likely.

“Brownlee was a starter on the outside for the Titans dating back to the middle of 2024 as a rookie. He finishes his Titans career with 16 starts, 1 interception and 10 passes defended. He was the Titans leading tackler through two games, before missing Week 3 with an ankle injury that put him in a boot. He’s still nursing that injury now as the Jets trade for him.” — Easton Freeze

The Patriots are prepping to face the Carolina Panthers in Week 4. It remains to be seen who will be active in the secondary for New England against Bryce Young’s passing attack.