No deal.
The Patriots did not make any trades before the NFL’s trade deadline Tuesday at 4 p.m., locking them into their current roster for the remainder of the season.
At 2-6, the Patriots reportedly received several calls from other front offices and were expected to entertain selling. Their playoff hopes are virtually shot. Many key starters, including Matt Judon, Kendrick Bourne and Christian Gonzalez, are expected to miss most of, if not all of, the rest of the season.
The Pats took calls on veteran players in contract years, including pass rusher Josh Uche. The 25-year-old has missed the team’s last two games with an ankle injury, and has not reached terms with the team on an extension. Despite tallying just two sacks this season, Uche ranks among the most effective per-snap pass rushers in the NFL.
Two other edge rushers, Washington’s Montez Sweat and Chase Young, were dealt Tuesday for 2024 draft picks in the second and third round, respectively. It’s unknown what market the Patriots had for Uche.
“Josh is a great player,” Pats safeties coach Brian Belichick said Tuesday. “(He) obviously puts a lot of pressure on the offensive line with his quickness, explosiveness, strength and power, you know, whatever it is. But he gets off the ball very quickly. And I would say puts pressure on the offensive line when you’re lined up across from him. So it’s always good when he’s out there.”
According to Sports Illustrated, the Patriots also took calls on safety Kyle Dugger and offensive lineman Mike Onwenu. Like Uche, Dugger and Onwenu are 2020 draft picks amid contract years. Pats quarterback Mac Jones and running back Ezekiel Elliott reportedly did not generate any trade interest.
Looking ahead, the Patriots are currently scheduled to hold the third-most cap space in 2024. In addition to the aforementioned players in contract years, Bourne, starting left tackle Trent Brown, tight ends Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki and defensive back Jalen Mills are scheduled to hit free agency.
