NFL Trade Deadline Discourse

[Hugepatsfan]

I'm not completely disregarding your point, I get what you are saying.
However, look at the #3 WR numbers across the league, are they head and shoulders above ours?
Even if we, or other teams run a 3 WR set often, the third target isn't usually moving the needle.
We also have pretty capable pass catching TEs.
I like our WR group, and I just don't think adding "a better" 3rd WR is the best way to improve this team.

I don't think it's the "best" way to improve either. But keep in mind how uneventful the NFL trade deadline is. i don't think you get true "starters" very often. You get rotational type guys and #3 WR is one of the heavier playing time "rotational" positions.

Like many have bemoaned our LB play next to Spillane. But Tavai/Elliss/Mapu are ok rotational guys IMO. All you're likely getting at the deadline is just another rotational piece. I don't think you're getting an actual "starter". Our FS play is horrendous with Hawkins, but I don't think you're getting a starter there. DE and WR are the two positions where I think a "rotational" type player could play a significant snap count for us. Amongst the caliber of player I think is reasonably traded I see those being the biggest opportunity for playing time on this team.

RB is another position that they absolutely should target, but I don't think they necessarily need someone to play there barring injury, But injuries happen a lot there so that's high risk to happen. But 3rd WR and 3rd DE are positions I think even our fully healthy roster could use reinforcements from at a rotational player level.

 

[gobesmug]

Getting a defensive player who isnt familiar with Vrables defensive scheme at this late in season doesn't make much sense.

Simmons from Ten would be amazing though as would adding AJ Brown.

Anytime you can add an impact player in the roster without having to destroy the future is worth it.

How does adding a marginally better Safety or LB who doesnt know the scheme help?

 

[PatsfanTN]

Getting a defensive player who isnt familiar with Vrables defensive scheme at this late in season doesn't make much sense.

Simmons from Ten would be amazing though as would adding AJ Brown.

Anytime you can add an impact player in the roster without having to destroy the future is worth it.

How does adding a marginally better Safety or LB who doesnt know the scheme help?

lol, she is NOT going to trade Simmons to Vrabel.

 

[PancakeBlockPaul]

Find an edge or two is the only thing I’d go after right now.

 

[mgteich]

A 4th could be a starting linebacker in 2026.

Good starting LB's are not often found in the 4th round.

I think that we will likely draft a LB in the first 2 rounds.

 

[mgteich]

We don't need another WR. The Patriots are 2nd in the league in passing, and there are still depth guys who don't get enough run.
Enough with this already.

Yes, you need to get younger at the position for the future, but that doesn't mean MORTGAGING said future this year, just to say you did a thing.

I do NOT think that we need to get younger at WR. We have Diggs, Hollins and 4 youngsters.

youngsters: Boutte, Douglas, Williams, Chism.
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Sure, we should always upgrade any position if the value is right, but this is not a present or even a 2026 need (surely not compared with several other positions).

 

[TommyD4207]

I do NOT think that we need to get younger at WR. We have Diggs, Hollins and 4 youngsters.

youngsters: Boutte, Douglas, Williams, Chism.
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Sure, we should always upgrade any position if the value is right, but this is not a present or even a 2026 need (surely not compared with several other positions).

Long-term, we need to get younger. Hollins is 34, Diggs is 31. Hollins won't be here in 2 years, and Diggs, if he is, will be in a different role.

It's fine for 2025.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

Hollins is not a TE 3. He is a blocking wr who the Patriots targeted early in Free Agency because he is an unselfish, team first guy who can go a game without being targeted and never complain. Many of the FF/ stat nerds predicted he wouldn’t make the team or see the field because of his prior stats.

So far this year, the patriots have not won a game when Drake Maye attempts more than 30 passes. You can bet the coaching staff is aware of that stat. Typically, he is somewhere between the 3rd and 5th option on every play. Once every other game, he is the primary read on an 8-12 yard skinny post.

He helps spring long runs, does great work on wr screens, and is content to let other guys be playmakers. When they want to run, he is typically on the field. He isn’t going anywhere this year. They aren’t replacing him with a faster wr and passing 50 times a game. Get used to it.

 

[mgteich]

No, because there are actual holes at linebacker and safety. There are players there who can't really play at a good enough level.

WR does not have that issue. Mack Hollins isn't dropping passes. He isn't getting shut down as a primary option. He's a guy who's good at blocking, so he's in on run plays. He's fine.

Christian Elliss is bad.
Jelani Tavai is bad.
Jaylin Hawkins is bad.
Mack Hollins is not bad.

Hope that clears it up for you.

I like this analysis, but Tavai is NOT bad as a #7 or #8 LB, and a solid STer.

 

[TommyD4207]

I like this analysis, but Tavai is NOT bad as a #7 or #8 LB, and a solid STer.

Sure.
He shouldn't be starting, which he is.

 

[mgteich]

Long-term, we need to get younger. Hollins is 34, Diggs is 31. Hollins won't be here in 2 years, and Diggs, if he is, will be in a different role.

It's fine for 2025.

Long-term, we do need to sign youngers players at every position.

That being said, having a top WR is his 30's, a specialty WR in his 30's and 4 youngsters in their rookie contract will always be a fine mix for me. I don't WANT to have a WR core with no one over 30.

We do NOT need another youngster for 2026. If we are bringing in a top WR (which seems unlikely), it will be a veteran as an upgrade to one of the youngsters. I expect Diggs and Hollins to be here for 2026.

 

[BobDigital]

WR is a big need but not this year. People assuming they will be fine next year probably forget what a timer Diggs is on. He is playing half the snaps and that probably won't go up. And he will probably slow down even more. Hollins is old too. Even when Diggs isn't catching the ball he has a huge impact by just being a threat. Not to mention Maye is the franchise. The worse his WRs the longer he holds the ball and the more he runs. Best to avoid that. So I consider it a huge need as it also protects Maye.

Besides that safety is the biggest this and next year. They only have 2 good player for 2 spots. I can't justify worrying about depth when a starter is missing from your line up.

 

[Clonamery]

WR is a big need but not this year. People assuming they will be fine next year probably forget what a timer Diggs is on. He is playing half the snaps and that probably won't go up. And he will probably slow down even more. Hollins is old too. Even when Diggs isn't catching the ball he has a huge impact by just being a threat. Not to mention Maye is the franchise. The worse his WRs the longer he holds the ball and the more he runs. Best to avoid that. So I consider it a huge need as it also protects Maye.

Besides that safety is the biggest this and next year. They only have 2 good player for 2 spots. I can't justify worrying about depth when a starter is missing from your line up.

Bob joined the cult.

 

[Real fan 02]

I think I also had the same feeling and was hesitant to type this out. But gonzo and Davis are not playing like difference makers . If we are paying something north of 20 million to each of these players , they need to be worth it.

Maybe gonzo is still recovering but it has been underwhelming. I saw one play yesterday where gonzo had the chance to pass break a catch and hit the receiver somewhere else other than where the ball was being held and he was in position to make that play. Again I saw this in slow motion so game speed would be different.

But they are not showing the spark.

Agreed. I wanted to give gonzo a few games to see, and make my observations. But tell me the last time gonzo made a play of impact? Buffalo he was great. Now of course the hammy is always a concern. Is he still bothered by it? Is he playing to tentatively? I haven't really seen anything out of Davis that say maybe Alex Austin hasn't done.. the penalty brother Austin and Davis. While I still believe they have potential right now I'm not seeing the aggressiveness and plays on the ball that you'd expect from your all pro and a pro bowl caliber player in Davis.

 

[moosekill]

The “twins” sure post a lot. Don’t get much out of their posts except they love wide receivers and think most everyone on their defense sucks. Dial those posts back a bit boys. Often speaking more exposes one’s ignorance.

 

[BobDigital]

Bob joined the cult.

I've been consistent the entire time. Top needs this year at the deadline.
#1 Safety 2 Edge #3 LB (this dropped to 3 with recently decent play from our LB depth) #4 RB #5 OL (They are still really thin here and could use another body. Lowe and Wallce IMO shouldn't be on this team).

For next year.
#1 Safety #2 WR (I really believe in the cliff coming for Diggs... Boutte/Douglas as maxed out)... Hollins is old. Henry isn't getting younger) #3 LB #4 Edge #5 OL #6 RB? Edge could change depending on if Ponder or Swanson really come on late. RB could change depending on if Gibson/Larison look like they can come back.

Can WR drop down in importance next year? Sure.. But Williams and Efton need to show me something for that convo to open. Sorry, I don't trust a 33 year old Diggs to be able to repeat this... And I don't want Drake running more or holding on to the ball more. Which he will if our WRs get worse, which there is every reason to think they will next year at this point. This is not 'cult' take. Older players don't tend to play as well. Particularly at the skill position. Or do you not care if the Franchise AKA Maye is put at higher risk cause he is holding the ball longer next year?

 

[Real fan 02]

Is it though?
Go get me a real middle linebacker or a Budda Baker and I promise you, the 'need' for EDGE won't seem nearly as high.
Also both EDGEs got a sack yesterday, terrorized poor Cam Ward.

We aren't going to get multiple sacks each game but we do get pressure with rushing 4.. the edge isn't as lacking as it's made out to be.. we are elite against the run.. if the edge players don't set the edge then it makes it harder for our front to stop the run.. it's all cause and effect here. Agreed gimme Buddha baker.

 

[Clonamery]

I've been consistent the entire time. Top needs this year at the deadline.
#1 Safety 2 Edge #3 LB (this dropped to 3 with recently decent play from our LB depth) #4 RB #5 OL (They are still really thin here and could use another body. Lowe and Wallce IMO shouldn't be on this team).

For next year.
#1 Safety #2 WR (I really believe in the cliff coming for Diggs... Boutte/Douglas as maxed out)... Hollins is old. Henry isn't getting younger) #3 LB #4 Edge #5 OL #6 RB? Edge could change depending on if Ponder or Swanson really come on late. RB could change depending on if Gibson/Larison look like they can come back.

Can WR drop down in importance next year? Sure.. But Williams and Efton need to show me something for that convo to open. Sorry, I don't trust a 33 year old Diggs to be able to repeat this... And I don't want Drake running more or holding on to the ball more. Which he will if our WRs get worse, which there is every reason to think they will next year at this point. This is not 'cult' take. Older players don't tend to play as well. Particularly at the skill position. Or do you not care if the Franchise AKA Maye is put at higher risk cause he is holding the ball longer next year?

Yup. And the WR Cult is a running joke.

 

[DaBruinz]

Realistically, Mack Hollins should be a part time role player - not someone playing 60% of snaps. He has been fine but he's not a WR #2. Boutte is and he has the most snaps. Diggs at 55-65% feels right at his age and coming off of injury.

Just as a point of reference, 126 of Hollins 260 snaps have been for him to be on the field as a Run Blocker. So that's 134 snaps for passes..

Diggs has 183 passing snaps
Boutte has 201 passing snaps
Douglas has 126 passing snaps.

So, Hollins is 3rd in snaps on passing plays.

 

[Uptown]

Why do people want to add a safety, linebacker, edge rusher or CB? Why do we need to improve the defense? We're 5th in points allowed per game. Sure, some spots might be weak but why ruin the chemistry? Sure, Jaylin Hawkins is ass but aren't people worried about working a new guy in midseason? What if the chemistry/communication is bad between Woodson and the new guy? Everyone is buying into their role and they're playing well enough to win.

Doesn't that logic sound pretty ridiculous?

My brother in Christ, did you see Spencer Joe Montana Rattler against us last week??….