5 Potential Trades That Make Sense for the New England Patriots
New England Patriots fans were rocked by the news that the rival New York Jets had acquired a potential playmaker—and headache—on the cheap in Percy Harvin. With the NFL trade deadline looming on October 28, are there any players that Bill Belichick and his front office staff may be targeting?
Players would need to have malleable contracts, not require too much in trade compensation and play for a team with some motivation to trade them.
Here are five teams that may fit the bill.
Paul Posluszny (LB, Jacksonville)
1 of 5
Why it Will Happen:
Jerod Mayo is out for the year, while fellow linebackers Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower have each missed time already this year. The New England Patriots have a real need for some veteran leadership and production in the middle of the field.
This is Paul Posluszny's eighth year in the league and he has totaled over 100 tackles in each of the last six. With the Jacksonville Jaguars retooling for the future, he may be had for a Day 3 pick.
Why it Won't:
According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Posluszny sports a negative rating against the run and the pass. He is also on the hook for $7.45 million in 2015 and 2016, so this would likely be a half-season rental.
That isn't the sort of value that warrants a mid-season trade, no matter the dire need.
Dane Fletcher (LB, Tampa Bay)
2 of 5
Why it Will Happen:
Dane Fletcher knows the New England Patriots and the Patriots know Dane Fletcher. Having spent three years with New England would give him a leg up in getting on the field. Fletcher's abilities on special teams would also make him valuable.
With Mason Foster returning from injury in Tampa Bay, Fletcher is now expendable. As an unrestricted free agent in 2015, Tampa Bay should welcome a Day 3 pick in exchange for a backup linebacker.
Why it Won't:
Honestly, there isn't much holding this trade back. Trading Fletcher wouldn't trigger any dead money for Tampa Bay in 2015, nor would he be a future cap liability for New England. He'd also get more playing time in New England, which makes it a win/win/win.
Arthur Brown (LB, Baltimore)
3 of 5
Why it Will Happen:
While Dane Fletcher has familiarity, Arthur Brown has a lot of untapped upside. The former second-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens has yet to see the field in 2014, despite a decent preseason rating from Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Brown has a very manageable contract—for both sides—and could give the New England Patriots another young presence to develop behind Jerod Mayo, Dont'a Hightower and Jamie Collins.
Why it Won't:
First of all, Brown hasn't been able to beat out undrafted free agent Zach Orr for a roster spot. He offers very little on special teams—a big knock for a backup linebacker on a Bill Belichick team—and is a little undersized at 6'0" and 235 pounds.
The Ravens have also said they are very unlikely to trade Brown, despite listening to offers, according to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun.
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Vincent Jackson (WR, Tampa Bay)
4 of 5
Why it Will Happen:
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers "are getting tons of calls" on Vincent Jackson, their behemoth wide receiver. Looking at another season outside of the playoffs, Tampa Bay should be looking to rebuild. The New England Patriots make sense as one of the potential suitors.
While Brian Tyms and Aaron Dobson—the 2013 version anyway—have both flashed ability down the field, adding a proven deep threat like Jackson would take an already good offense to another level.
Why it Won't:
Trading Day 3 picks is one thing, but letting go of a Day 1 or Day 2 pick doesn't fit Bill Belichick's modus operandi. While this year's salary would fit for New England, a $9.8 million contract in 2015 for a 32-year-old receiver might not be what they are looking for.
Marshawn Lynch (RB, Seattle)
5 of 5
Why it Will Happen:
With Stevan Ridley on injured reserve, the New England Patriots could use a hammer to finish off games in the fourth quarter. Marshawn Lynch could fit under the cap in New England for the next two years, while the Seattle Seahawks need to shed some salary to extend Russell Wilson.
Seattle has shown it is willing to make a move in the middle of the season.
Why it Won't:
Even at 3-3, the Seahawks have their eyes on repeating as Super Bowl Champions. While Percy Harvin was more of a side dish in Seattle, Lynch is a main course. Even if he is discontent, Pete Carroll will be loath to part with some of the identity of his offensive unit.
The Patriots have dealt with quirky players before—Brandon Lloyd for example—but Lynch might be too mercurial to add in the middle of the year. Jonas Gray is at least a known commodity.
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