The New England Patriots made just one move before the NFL trade deadline, trading edge rusher Josh Uche to the Kansas City Chiefs. Beyond that, they stayed inactive.
However, New England still has potential moves to consider—but they’ll have to wait until the offseason to pursue them. Here are three potential trade candidates for the Patriots next spring.
Kendrick Bourne, WR
This one seems straightforward. There was widespread speculation that the Patriots would trade Kendrick Bourne before the deadline, but they decided to keep him.
Interestingly, he was benched in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears.
If he wasn’t going to be played, why not trade him?
Bourne signed a three-year extension with New England last offseason, meaning any acquiring team would have him under contract through 2026. While the 29-year-old may not be a No. 1 receiver, he’s a dependable veteran who could provide value to a contender.
Kyle Dugger, S
It’s possible Kyle Dugger would have been traded before November 5 if not for an ankle injury that sidelined him for several weeks.
Since entering the NFL in 2020, Dugger has been a solid contributor to the Patriots’ defense, but at age 28, he may have already reached his peak.
Although Dugger’s contract doesn’t expire until 2028, which means the Patriots have no urgency to trade him, the remaining three years on his deal might make him an attractive asset on the market. While the safety position isn’t as crucial as it once was, teams would likely have interest in Dugger, who totaled 109 tackles in 2023.
Davon Godchaux, DT
Davon Godchaux’s name also came up in trade rumors before the deadline, catching him by surprise.
At 30, Godchaux may not align with New England’s future plans, so it could make sense for the Patriots to revisit trade options for him in the offseason. Additionally, Godchaux openly criticized teammates for being “selfish” earlier this season.
Though not a star, Godchaux is a reliable run defender and has been a durable presence on the Patriots’ defensive line since 2020, playing every game in his tenure.
His contract, which runs through 2027, may make him a smart financial trade candidate for New England.
