Tuesday, Nov. 2 marked the NFL trade deadline, and the Patriots did what they do pretty much every year at the deadline… Nothing. Going into the trade deadline, there were some clear needs that the Pats could have addressed. The Patriots’ cornerback situation could have used a lot of help because one good corner is not going to cut it. The Patriots could definitely have used a wide receiver who can serve as a deep threat, and there were even reports that the Pats were entertaining the idea of adding depth to the defensive line. So where do the Patriots stand now that the trade deadline has passed, and what is next?
As of right now, the Patriots are still on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture, sitting at 4–4. Although they are just now getting back to .500 on the season, the Patriots have shown the NFL these past few weeks that they could be a real threat in the AFC and make the playoffs.
The Patriots are a team with clear needs, and the fact that they stood pat at the trade deadline doesn’t bode too well for their chances of potentially making a deep playoff run. However, there are still a couple pieces that have yet to fall into place around the NFL that the Patriots could look into.
One option that the Patriots could look into is veteran wide receiver, Desean Jackson. Jackson just went unclaimed through waivers after the Los Angeles Rams released him, making him a free agent. Jackson has had an up and down season as he has only caught a total of eight passes for 221 yards this season. One stat that stands out though is the fact that he is averaging 27.6 yards per catch. Jackson has excelled over the course of his career at using his speed to create chunk plays, which is something that the Patriots have lacked so far this season.
Another player that could be made available soon is wide receiver, Odell Beckham Jr. Beckham is coming off of a torn ACL from a season ago and has had a rough season through six games, only mustering 232 receiving yards. Beckham has now been excused from the Cleveland Browns’ practice two days in a row and signs are pointing to him potentially being released. He will have to clear waivers when he is released, but if the Patriots have the opportunity to acquire Beckham, I believe there is way too much upside to pass that up. The Patriots have been in desperate need of an explosive wide receiver and Beckham can supply that when healthy.
If the Patriots make no moves in free agency, I still give them a very good shot at making the playoffs. In all probability, Bill Belichick likely won’t make a move. However, in my opinion, the Pats will not make it very far in the postseason if they don’t add a piece. Obviously, options in free agency are few and far between, but adding a player like Jackson or Beckham would be a step in the right direction. The Patriots have a lot of momentum going in their favor right now and adding one of these players could really move the needle when it comes to being a dangerous playoff team.