patriots

Patriots veterans like Jonathan Jones and Kendrick Bourne could be attractive trade targets for opposing teams.

The Patriots were stripped of their defense earlier this week. Sending passer Josh Uche to Kansas City Chiefs for a 2026 sixth-round pick.

But with New England currently 2-6 on the season and a long rebuilding process ahead of them, Eliot Wolf and the rest of the Patriots brass may be looking to move more assets before the NFL’s November trade deadline. 5.

While the Patriots’ roster’s lack of top-end talent may not net the team any first-, second-, or even third-round draft picks as compensation, Wolf and his staff could fill their draft cupboards if they decide to listen to a few other offers. The 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 sprouted in trade rumors multiple times this year; whether in the summer or throughout the season. Brandon Aiyuk giveaway even at the beginning of this month There are more rumors about the 49ers.

The elder statesman in New England’s receiving room, the 29-year-old Bourne has established himself as a reliable pass-catcher during his tenure with the Patriots.

Bourne had 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 trying to come back from a knee injury (four catches, 29 yards in four games), but Bourne is a solid passer who should be coveted by many teams in need of pass catchers.

Any team that acquires Bourne will also have some security, as he signed a three-year deal worth up to $33 million last offseason.

Ultimately, any deal involving Bourne will revolve around how high a draft pick the Patriots can land, as well as whether the team is comfortable acquiring a veteran receiver from a very young receiving room.

DT Davon Godchaux

Davon Godchaux, another Patriots regular who has seen his name blossom in trade rumors involving the 49ers, 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 consistent run stopper for years in New England, routinely covering gaps and running the 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 attractive choice for a San Francisco roster playing without DT Javon Hargrave (torn triceps).

Godchaux put aside talks about trades earlier this week.

“Yes, I was shocked, but after all, it’s a job.” Godchaux told Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald After New England beat the Jets 25-22. “I mean, (expletive) happens all the time. I’m sure some players think they can stay with the team for a long time and something happens. That’s the NFL’s job. That’s what we signed up for.”

While Godchaux’s production and contract make him a top option on the trade market, New England will also be removing a respected veteran from the locker room and further hindering a run defense that has given up over 150 rushing yards in three of its last four games. .

CB Jonathan Jones

Jonathan Jones is in the same boat as actors like Godchaux and Bourne. The veteran cornerback has a winning pedigree (two Super Bowl titles) and speed that many contenders will look to add to their secondary before the trade deadline.

But will the return be enough for a Patriots team that also values ​​the leadership Jones offers on a very young and still malleable defense?

Again, it may come down to what kind of draft compensation the Patriots are looking for with a player like Jones, who has recorded three passes defensed and 28 tackles in eight games this season.

A team with defensive issues trying to win the Lombardi Trophy like the Ravens makes a lot of sense for a hard-nosed cornerback like Jones who can play both inside and outside.

So, is it worth it for New England to move Jones if the only outcome is a fifth- or sixth-round pick? This is something Wolf and Co. will have to consider over the next few days.

W.R. K.J. Osborn

This seems obvious, especially after KJ Osborn addressed trade rumors. last week revolved around him.

Despite averaging 52.7 receptions, 615 receiving yards and five touchdowns per season over the last three years with the Vikings, Osborn failed to make a major impact with New England, recording only seven receptions for 57 yards and one touchdown.

With rookie Javon Baker potentially taking on a larger role moving forward, the Patriots may opt to give Osborn a fresh start elsewhere while making room in the wide receiver room.

WR Tyquan Thornton

Like Osborn, the Patriots may want to cut the bait on Thornton at this point, especially if it creates more room on the roster to upgrade young players or add talent at the deadline.

Tyquan Thornton failed to land with the Patriots despite his speed and high draft record (50th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft).

While the TCU product’s straight-line acceleration makes him an attractive target for a QB with a strong arm like Drake Maye, he caught just four passes for 47 yards in 2024 and dropped a dart from Maye in Sunday’s win over the Jets.

New England has it. Reportedly stalled Thornton in trade talks for more than a monthAlthough it seems unlikely that the Patriots will land a top-tier draft pick on a player who failed to put up impressive statistics during his three seasons in Foxborough.

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Conor Ryan is a staff writer at Boston.com covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox, a position he has held since 2023.

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