Trade Deadline Targets for the Patriots
It’s officially trade deadline week in the NFL, and the Patriots certainly have a few areas they could improve before it’s too late. A backup tight end, linebacker, pass rusher, and even wide receiver are the main positions they should focus on if they want to gear up for another run at the Super Bowl. Here are several potential candidates for them to target:
Eric Ebron, TE, Detroit Lions
One player to keep an eye on before the trade deadline: #Lions TE Eric Ebron. Teams have been calling Detroit to potentially trade for him.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2017
We all know how much the Patriots love adding former first-round picks. Eric Ebron, a first-round pick in 2014, has found himself practically out of the Lions gameplan up to this point. Since his rookie season, he has often found himself either on the injury report or not playing consistently good football. It appears that both sides are ready to move on, so it probably wouldn’t cost much to land Ebron.
The Pats have gotten squat from Dwayne Allen, who has been a disappointment up to this point of the season. They also have a connection with the Lions, as GM Bob Quin used to be with the team. By acquiring Ebron, the Patriots would get a vertical tight end with play-making potential. As for Ebron, he would get a chance to re-invent himself on a Super Bowl contender.
Jonathan Casillas, LB, New York Giants
Jonathan Casillas absolutely needs be moved by the Giants before the trade deadline this week. Playing in the last year of his contract, this move would make a lot of sense for a team currently sitting at 1-6. Should the Patriots give him a look?
They acquired Casillas at the deadline before Super Bowl 49, and he was pretty solid during their Super Bowl run. His production is something the Patriots need big time with the loss of Donta Hightower for the remainder of this season.
Jeremiah Attaochu, DE, Los Angeles Chargers
Jeremiah Attaoachu, who started the season with an injury, has pretty much lost his job up to this point. The Patriots have desperately needed pass rushers for the majority of this season, so should they call up LA?
A second-round pick in 2014, Attaochu has racked up just 10 sacks in his career, including 6 during the 2015 season. His only problem has been staying on the field consistently.
Martavis Bryant, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
By now, everyone knows that Martavis Bryant wants out of Pittsburgh. Coming off a suspension last season, Bryant’s role in the Steelers offense has been reduced heavily to the point where he has requested a trade for the team.
With the Patriots receivers dropping left and right, there’s no question it would be nice to add another big-play guy. The only question with Bryant is his character, which is a big factor. He is basically forcing his way out of Pittsburgh which is causing a major headache for them. Is that something the Patriots want or need to deal with right now?
Written By: Nick Cherico (@NickCherico2)