With the plethora of talent that the Patriots have, we could see several trades before the start of the season. Whether it's to bring in a TE, a Swing Tackle or just future draft picks. Please note that I am NOT saying the Patriots should trade these guys. I'm stating that these players currently have trade value and could be dealt to improve an already impressive team.
Elandon Roberts - With the addition of Collins and the team having added Bentley last year, Roberts will be coming off the bench. Roberts still makes mistakes and is a liability in coverage, but he's progressed tremendously the last 2 years.
Jonathan Jones - He's on a 1 year deal. Guy is an awesome slot corner who can also move outside in a pinch. The team has Crossen and Dawson behind him. Crossen would probably have more value than Dawson to other teams, but Jones would be the big fish.
Duron Harmon - He's been a stalwart back there. The team added Melifonwu last year and Brooks this year. Harmon's value is probably close to being at it's peak. There are plenty of teams needing a good starting safety. The question is whether the Patriots feel confident in Brooks/Melifonwu to take over if DMac goes down.
Braxton Berrios - Slot Receiver and Punt Returner. There are still some teams who don't have a slot receiver and Berrios fits the bill.
Philip Dorsett - Dorsett is competent #3/#4 WR. I think that Dorsett's biggest issue is that he waits for the ball to get to him instead of adjusting to the ball, more often than not. That being said, he led the team in catch % at 76%. He's got a decent rapport with Brady.
Joe Thuney - He's in the last year of his contract. It's rumored that he turned down a contract extension. He's an All-Pro caliber player and should easily fetch a quality Swing Tackle and draft pick in return. It wouldn't be the first time the Patriots have dealt one of their best O-linemen in a contract year.
Brandon King - King is arguably one of the top 4 special teamers on the Patriots and has been since making the team 5 years ago. He can play on several of the special teams units and is an excellent tackler. Saying he's a linebacker is the same as saying that Slater is a WR.. Its for posterity.
Nate Ebner - Ebner is also arguably one of the Patriots best special teamers. If anyone watched Team USA Rugby in the Olympics, you see the attitude that he brings to the field. He literally made everyone on the field better when he was on it. I think that goes the same for Ebner on the Patriots Special Teams. I would hate to see him traded, but with the potential of $2M in cap savings, it may happen.
Ryan Allen - Left-footed punter who is damn good at putting the ball where it's needed.. Was clutch for the Pats numerous times last year. Also on a 1 year deal. His value depends on whether or not the Patriots believe that Bailey's hang-times, are worth the inaccuracy..
The list is pretty much spot on as to who are our most likely trade possibilities, DB. Good job. I'll add my comments below.
1. I'd love to move Roberts. He's improved every year, but with Bentley back and roster spots at an extreme premium, I'd try to move him. However his value is what it is. A possible 7th would be the best value for him. If I were a GM, I'd probably wait though since I think it's likely he'll be cut. The only reason I'd trade for him was if I were afraid he'd not get through waivers.
2 I'm not moving Jones. I'm going for a championship, not building for the future. He's my 3rd or 4th best CB we have. He's a man who can run with THill and move back to S in a pinch. He's our best slot corner and although Crossen and Dawson are good development talents with potential, I'd rather him for THIS season. Another point is I'd doubt you could get more than a 3rd for him in the first place and when he leaves in FA, we will likely get that 3rd back. He adds too much value to a competitive team to trade to get a moderate cap gain.
3. Duron Harmon - Now THAT's the guy I'd like to move. Before Chung's injury in the Superbowl, Harmon spent most of the playoffs sitting on the bench. With the emergence of BOTH Brooks and Obi, Harmon and his cap number are ripe to move. I'd think you could get a 5th for him and I'd take it in a heart beat.
4. Barrios is more likely to get cut than make this team, especially now the Gordon is back. I feel strongly that Meyers has beaten him out to be the back up slot, and he isn't special enough to keep just as a PR. You could try and trade for him, but I don't think there would be a taker.
5. Dorsett, on the other hand WOULD have a market, perhaps, but he also has a unique (to this team anyways) skill set that would keep him off the market if I were Bill. He may have a limited route tree, but his is the only speed guy on this roster. He is also dependable, available, and has made big plays in big moments. With the youth, injuries, AND the never to be answer question of Gtordon's reliability, the WR room needs a guy like Dorsett.
6. Thuney is like Jones in my mind. Too important to trade because we are a contender, not rebuilding. Even more importantly , I think he's also going to end up being our first choice to back up an OT position if someone is injured. Just too valuable to trade. I'd keep him around while the Dane gets better and let him take over NEXT year. You don't want essentially 2 rookies manning your left side in a contending year. Besides, I doubt you could get more than a 2nd. I'd take the year of quality play ans then take a 3rd later.
7. With roster spots so precious, I'd LOVE to replace King with someone who adds more to the regular D than he does. I'd take anything, but here's hoping he's not on the team because that would mean guys who could add some value to the regular D, like Calhoun and Rivers might have a better chance to make it.
8. Same goes for Ebner. The league is doing everything in its power to de-emphasize the kicking game. Keeping ST's only guys like King, Ebner, and Slater are simply a luxury you can't afford anymore. Slater is safe because he adds a lot of value to the locker room, and punts occur much more than KO's and great gunners still retain their value. But I think Ebner and King are very vulnerable to be cut. And I just don't see a market for their skills.