Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots entered Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills at 1-5 on the season. It represents the Patriots’ worst six-game start in three decades.
While Belichick’s job is apparently safe due to some stunning news about an extension, the same can’t be said about certain players on the roster.
According to NFL insider Albert Breer, the Patriots are listening on players ahead of the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline.
Breer notes that three players the Patriots have failed to sign to contract extensions will draw the most interest over the next week or so. That includes edge rusher Josh Uche, safety Kyle Dugger and guard Mike Onwenu.
These are interesting names in that each one would seem to be building blocks for a Patriots team that will soon head into full-scale rebuild mode.
Uche, 25, recorded 14 QB hits and 11.5 sacks a season ago. He’s slated to hit free agency this coming March. Dugger, 27, recorded seven interceptions in the previous two seasons leading up to the 2023 campaign. Meanwhile, Onwenu is just 25 years old and has played at a Pro Bowl leel throughout his career in New England.
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New England Patriots expected to be active ahead of NFL trade deadline
In addition to the three names mentioned above, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has been bandied about a whole heck of a lot leading up to Oct. 31.
Despite the Patriots’ struggles on offense, Bourne has played well. He entered Sunday’s action recording 28 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns.
Veterans Ezekiel Elliott, Trent Brown, Davante Parker, David Andrews and Jabril Peppers are other names to watch.
New England is going nowhere fast this season. The team lacks talent clear across the board. Moving on from these players for draft assets could help the Pats expedite what promises to be a long-term rebuild.