Trade deadline looms over struggling team
Bourne admits he’s considered possibility
The New England Patriots are in a tough spot, and with the trade deadline now only two weeks away the team may soon conclude it’s best to look ahead to the future.
That means several veterans in their contract years could be moved, and at least one acknowledged on Wednesday he’s considered the possibility he could be traded in the weeks ahead.
“Definitely will be on my mind, but just being ready for whatever man,” said wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. “I want to be here, I love to be here, but if there are other plans then it is what it is.”
Bourne is among a number of Patriots approaching free agency who would be coveted on the trade market, and the team could use them to load up on draft picks and better position themselves for 2024 and beyond.
Others in a similar boat include linebackers Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings, tight ends Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki, offensive linemen Trent Brown and Mike Onwenu, running back Ezekiel Elliot, and defensive backs Jalen Mills and Kyle Dugger.
Through the first six games Bourne has been New England’s leading receiver, ranking first on the team in catches (28), targets (44) and receiving yards (307) while tying for the team lead in receiving touchdowns (3).
It’s not hard to imagine a playoff contender bringing in Bourne to help bolster their passing offense, and besides the draft return the move would also open more playing time for rookies Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte.
The prospect of becoming trade deadline sellers affects the players most likely to be moved and their teammates who would conceivably be left behind. Those asked Wednesday said it’s not something they’ve given any thought but they’ll be ready no matter what happens.
“I’m not focused on that right now. Honestly, just really focusing on coming together as a team during tough times and seeing how we respond, seeing how I respond,” said quarterback Mac Jones. “I’m definitely excited for the challenge, looking at it in the eyes and taking it head on.”
“No, right now we’re just focused on Buffalo. What happens, happens. It’s just part of the game, and right now we’re here,” said linebacker Jahlani Tavai. “It’s a big week for us, divisional game, and they’ve got a really good offense that we’re sure we’re prepared for.”
Bill Belichick took a similar tack when asked if his philosophy will change ahead of the trade deadline depending on the team’s record.
“Right now, I’m just thinking about Buffalo,”
Belichick said Wednesday morning.
If the Patriots pull the upset this weekend against Buffalo or the following weekend against Miami, maybe the team could opt to stay the course, but New England will be big underdogs in both games and a 1-7 start would be an extremely difficult hole to climb out of.
For now the Patriots players don’t plan on letting the trade deadline effect their day-to-day routine, but with each week that goes by without another win the looming prospect of a fire sale will become more difficult to ignore.
“I’m just focusing every day on what I’ve got to do and on the task at hand,” Bourne said. “I think I’m in a good place so whatever happens happens and just focusing on the day by day and letting it play out.”