New England Patriots: Five Potential Trade Targets
It is widely known that Bill Belichick has a knack for striking deals and uncovering value in players who may be struggling in their current circumstances. Given the team's need for talent, it wouldn't surprise me if the Patriots decide to take a flier on a high-upside player. In the following list, I will suggest […]
It is widely known that Bill Belichick has a knack for striking deals and uncovering value in players who may be struggling in their current circumstances.
Given the team's need for talent, it wouldn't surprise me if the Patriots decide to take a flier on a high-upside player.
In the following list, I will suggest some guys who might make sense for the team, their needs, and players who could realistically be available.
Bengals OT Jonah Williams
The Cincinnati Bengals have faced difficulties in assembling a top-tier offensive line over the past few years, despite making multiple attempts to address the issue. One of those investments came with the Bengals spending the 11th overall pick on Jonah Williams in 2020. Williams has struggled to catch on the past two seasons finishing top 10 in pressures allowed in both seasons.
In March, the Bengals further added to their offensive line by signing left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to a substantial four-year, $64 million contract. Following this move, Williams requested to be traded. Given his background as a former high-profile player from Alabama, Williams represents a prime candidate for the Patriots' signature "buy low" strategy. New England has a track record of maximizing the potential of underperforming players.
I would be excited for the Patriots to acquire Williams. He would be an upgrade to a position of significant need. Moreover, he has the potential to redefine his career in New England. It's worth noting that Williams recently underwent knee surgery during the off-season and has not yet received clearance for contact. However, his rehabilitation process appears to be progressing well.
The Patriots currently find themselves in a precarious situation with an unreliable Trent Brown and a group of relatively unknown players at the tackle position. In contrast, Williams offers a sense of stability due to his experience. He has taken over 1,000 snaps in consecutive seasons.
Williams will be playing on his fifth-year option which would cost the team acquiring him $12,604,000. However, considering the investments made in offensive tackles La'el Collins and Orlando Brown Jr., it is realistic to consider Williams as a potential candidate for being cut.
From a trade perspective, I believe he would be a relatively inexpensive acquisition in terms of compensation. Williams has never developed into the elite player he was projected to be, he carries a significant salary, and the Bengals need to free funds for the upcoming mega deals for wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and quarterback Joe Burrow.
Estimated Cost: 5th round pick
Commanders EDGE Chase Young
At first glance, it may seem that New England has a solid group of pass rushers. However, their depth beyond 2023 is lacking, as Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings are set to become free agents. Young, the former second overall pick, exploded onto the scene in 2020, his rookie season, with 40 total pressures, six sacks, and winning Defensive Rookie of The Year.
It has been all downhill from there for Young. From a slow start to his sophomore season to tearing his ACL in Week 10 and then having an average 2022 season, Young has never developed into the truly elite pass rusher that the Washington Commanders expected when they drafted him at No. 2.
Young would cost the team trading for him $5,323,217 and is in the final year of his rookie deal. The Commanders opted to decline Young's fifth-year option on April 26, signaling his time with the team is likely coming to an end. Young is not an outside linebacker, so he wouldn't be a direct replacement for Uche, but he would be an upgrade over defensive ends Deatrich Wise Jr. and Lawrence Guy.
Young is still just 24 years, old and if anyone can maximize a defensive player who hasn't hit their ceiling, it's Patriots head cocah Bill Belichick.
Expected Cost: 3rd round pick
Cowboys OT Tyron Smith
Smith's career trajectory has followed a unique path. He began as one of the premier offensive linemen in the NFL, earning four All-Pro selections within his first six seasons. However, from 2016 up until this last season, Smith has been plagued by injuries. Despite not playing a full season since 2015, he has still managed to secure Pro Bowl nods in four of the last six seasons.
From 2016 to 2019, Smith appeared in an average of 13 games per season. However, his availability has significantly declined, with only 17 appearances in a total of 50 games since then. Given New England's desperate need for an upgrade at offensive tackle, Smith would be an ideal fit. The Patriots boast a capable strength and conditioning staff known for revitalizing numerous players labeled as "injury prone" and helping them regain their form.
Smith had a challenging season in which he was shifted out of his usual position of left tackle. For the first time, he was asked to play at right tackle, and although it was only for a brief period of four games, it turned out to be one of his least impressive stretches.
Smith represents an excellent buy-low opportunity for New England. His contract is highly tradable, as he is in the final year of his current deal, and if a team were to acquire him, they would only be responsible for paying him $3 million.
Estimated Cost: 5th round pick
Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Not as exciting as the aforementioned players, Edwards-Helaire hasn't turned out to be the player the Kansas City Chiefs expected when they drafted him in the first round in 2020. Edwards-Helaire lost his starting role to seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco this past season and was out-snapped by running back Jerrick McKinnon.
It appears that Edwards-Helaire's tenure in Kansas City may be coming to an end. His production and playing time have steadily declined since his rookie year, and the team has drafted a promising player who seems to have taken over his position. It is worth mentioning that some of Edwards-Helaire's decreased productivity can be attributed to missing games due to injuries.
New England recently released James Robinson, which suggests that they could use another experienced veteran in their rotation to bolster their team. Edwards-Helaire, on the other hand, might also benefit from a change in offensive scheme. Although it is a somewhat unlikely trade scenario, there is a possibility that he could even be a potential cut candidate for the Chiefs. Regardless, it would be worthwhile to keep an eye on Edwards-Helaire as a potential buy-low target, fitting the mold of a classical Belichick acquisition.
Estimated Cost: Future 7th round pick
Steelers OT Dan Moore Jr.
Moore, a fourth-round pick from the 2021 NFL draft, has been serving as the starting left tackle since his rookie season. However, the Steelers traded up in the 2023 NFL draft to acquire left tackle prospect Broderick Jones, and reports from the Steelers' training camp indicate their intention to prioritize their highly drafted left tackle over Moore. While reports suggest that Moore has maintained a positive attitude, it seems unlikely that he wants to be demoted to a swing-tackle role after starting for two seasons.
Although Moore's rookie season was decent and he showed improvement in his second year by allowing fewer pressures, he did experience an uptick in penalties. With two years remaining on his contract, the Steelers should be able to secure some value in a potential trade for Moore.
The Patriots also have firsthand knowledge of Moore's abilities. In their 2022 matchup against the Steelers, Moore did not allow a single pressure. However, his most challenging game of the 2022 season occurred against the Philadelphia Eagles, which is understandable considering the Eagles' formidable pass rush. Moore allowed eight pressures in that game. Moore's addition would bring something the Patriots need, a young offensive tackle with two years of NFL starting experience, and adding him to a position group that needs any help it can get would be encouraging.
Estimated Cost: 6th round pick
Featured image via Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
