The NFL trade deadline is drawing nearer, and the New England Patriots could very well become active. They have expressed interest in several position groups so far.
Among them is cornerback, as reported
by Josina Anderson of The Athletic.
The Patriots’ starting trio of Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis and Marcus Jones is among the best in the NFL. The depth behind them is a question mark, however.
Current CB4 Charles Woods is nursing a knee injury and questionable to play against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, while one-time starter Alex Austin has been relegated to emergency and special teams duty. In addition, the team has two more corners — Miles Battle and Kobee Minor — as extra options on the practice squad.
New England adding established depth to the group, potentially in the form of somebody they are familiar with, as pointed out by Anderson, therefore could be a potential outcome.
In addition, the Patriots are also on the lookout for pass rush help. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that they have been in touch with teams.
Led by the starting quartet of Christian Barmore and Milton Williams on the interior and Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson on the edge, the Patriots have registered 13 sacks through six games so far this season. They are ranked 15th in the league in quarterback takedowns and 14th with a pressure rate of 20.3%.
Again, the biggest questions concern depth. Inside, Barmore and Williams have taken a majority of pass rush snaps, with DT3 Khyiris Tonga a bigger factor versus the run than the pass. Backups Joshua Farmer, Cory Durden and Eric Gregory have had a limited impact so far.
On the edge, injuries have impacted the group lately. All four of the core guys — Landry and Chaisson as well as Keion White and Anfernee Jennings — have recently been banged up, while Landry is questionable for Sunday’s game against his ex-club because of a knee injury. Meanwhile, neither former starter White nor any other depth options up front have registered any sacks so far this year.
In addition to pass rush and cornerback, the Patriots are also believed to be candidates for help at running back. As of Saturday, they have an open spot on their 53-man roster.
This year’s NFL trade deadline is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 4 p.m. ET.
