6 potential Patriots trade deadline targets

With Sunday’s win over the Chargers getting them back to .500, there should be no talk of the Patriots being sellers at this year’s trade deadline. They’re currently 3-1 in their last four, and just half a game out of a playoff spot.

However, it’s highly unlikely the Patriots make a major move at the trade deadline this year. The team currently has about $2.66 million in salary cap space, per cap expert Miguel Benzan. There’s also no trove of compensatory picks on the way, given their spending spree in free agency, which could make Bill Belichick less likely to part ways with his current picks.

If the Patriots do acquire a player at the deadline, it will likely be a minor move. Think back to last season, when they gave up a conditional seventh-round pick for wide receiver Isaiah Ford.

Still, it’s not impossible for the Patriots to make somewhat of a splash. If they move some money around, they could add some much-needed depth at key positions. Which players may be available that fit that description? Here are a few names to keep in mind before the deadline, which is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

• RB Marlon Mack, Colts

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  The Colts don't look like the typical trade deadline seller, but Mack has reportedly been looking for a trade for about a month now. Mack proved to be a versatile back before an Achilles injury cost him his 2020 season, and he hasn't seen the field much in 2021.
  
  Even as Rhamondre Stevenson and J.J. Taylor start to come into their own, the Patriots still feel a back short without James White. Mack could fill that spot and add much-needed depth at a thin position down the stretch.

• WR DeSean Jackson, Rams

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  Like the Colts, the Rams aren't in a position to sell. In fact, they're one of the best teams in the NFC. Yet Jackson has struggled to find a role in their offense, and the team has reportedly agreed to trade him .
  
  Jackson's speed would be a welcomed addition to the Patriots' offense, and pairing him with Nelson Agholor would create a new dimension for teams to defend. Would they pull the trigger?

• WR Brandin Cooks, Texans

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  Maybe the Patriots do want to add speed, but Jackson isn't there guy. Then how about a reunion with Cooks, who seems pretty unhappy on the lowly Houston Texans?
  
  Cooks' lone season in New England was one of the best a receiver has had under Josh McDaniels, and he has spoken very highly of his time with the Patriots. His contract situation would need some sorting out, but he'd unarguably make them a better team.
• CB Kyle Fuller, Broncos

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  Myles Bryant has played well in place of Jonathan Jones, but the Patriots are beyond thin at the slot cornerback position. If they're going to look to add there, Fuller is a name to watch.
  
  Fuller has struggled to stay in the lineup in Denver, but the Patriots have a history of turning around struggling cornerbacks. As Doug Kyed of PFF pointed out this week, a deal could be had if the Broncos agreed to pay some of Fuller's contract. But would the Patriots be willing to pay the extra price needed for them to do that?

• DB Logan Ryan, Giants

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  Ryan would add tremendous depth to the Patriots' secondary. He was a slot cornerback during his time in New England, but has started playing safety with the Giants. There would certainly be a role for him if he made his way back to Foxborough.
  
  How willing would the Giants be to part ways with Ryan? He's a team captain and they're thin in the secondary, but they're also 2-5 heading into a matchup against a Chiefs team looking for redemption. There's a chance New York may value a draft pick more than Ryan's veteran leadership by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
  
  The other angle to his is Ryan's contract, which is - to be frank - a mess . However, if he is willing to restructure, he'd be a logical addition for the Patriots.

• S Duron Harmon, Falcons

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  The Patriots could also look to add depth at safety, freeing Bryant up to play more slot cornerback. If that's the path they want to take, could they look to set up another reunion?
  
  After spending seven seasons in New England, Duron Harmon should be very familiar with the Patriots defense. He's been a regular contributor for a Falcons team that is 3-4 and looking ahead to matchups with the Saints and Cowboys. They may not be interested in a draft pick, but given Atlanta's limited depth up front defensively, maybe a player-for-player swap could get a deal done.

Again, most of these trades would be a stretch given the Patriots’ current salary cap and draft pick situation. But Bill Belichick has certainly surprised us before. Let’s see if he does it again before Tuesday’s deadline.

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.