Joe Murray’s trade deadline thoughts
After a 25-22 win over the Jets on Sunday, the Patriots were active on the trade front sending linebacker Josh Uche to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. Uche was a healthy scratch against New York and had fallen out of favor this season. A second-round pick out of Michigan in 2020, Uche was used primarily as an edge rusher starting just four career games. His best season was in 2020 with an 11.5-sack breakout season. Uche’s sack numbers declines in 2023 with three sacks and had two through seven games in 2024. Uche had a chance to sign elsewhere in March but returned to New England on a one-year deal.
The Patriots have a chance to get consecutive wins as they head to Tennessee this Sunday. The Titans were demolished by Detroit on Sunday falling 52-14 and fell to 1-6 on the season. The NFL trade deadline is on November 5th and the Patriots may not be done making moves. The Titans traded DeAndre Hopkins to Kansas City this week and have been active before the deadline. The Patriots have a few veteran players they could put on the block and receive a high return. Let’s take a look at the candidates.
Kendrick Bourne– Signed an extension in the offseason coming off an injury. He had yet to make an impact on the Patriots this season, had a drop against the Jets on Sunday and still working his way back
Trade Compensation: 3/4th round Pick
Davin Godchaux– The Patriots best run defender who signed a two-year, $18 million contract extension with a $10 million signing bonus. There is no replacement on the current roster, the team expects Christian Barmore back next season.
Trade Compensation: Conditional 3rd
Jonathan Jones– The Patriots highest paid player at eight million per season. A solid starting corner in the league and vocal leader in the locker room. Teams would give up an asset to acquire Jones who can play inside and outside corner along with special teams.
Trade Compensation: 2/3rd round pick
Austin Hooper– The most likely to be traded at the deadline. If a team is looking for a veteran pass catcher for insurance and help around the goalline, the Patriots should make him available to the highest bidder.
Trade Compensation: 4/5th round pick