For most of the 21st century, the New England Patriots have been accustomed to contending for Super Bowl titles. But those days are now a thing of the past.
Ever since Tom Brady departed New England in the spring of 2020, the Patriots have fallen on tough times, making just one playoff appearance and posting a pair of losing seasons over the last three years.
Now in their fourth year sans Brady, the Pats seem to be in danger of registering yet another losing campaign.
The Patriots have started out 0-2 in 2023, most recently losing to the Miami Dolphins this past Sunday. New England doesn’t resemble anything close to a Super Bowl contender, so it’s entirely possible that the club could sell off some players ahead of the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline.
Lou Scataglia of Musket Fire listed off three key names the Pats could potentially move over the next few weeks. Those players are wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, tight end Hunter Henry and edge rusher Matthew Judon.
Bourne is in the final year of his deal, and the chances of the Patriots bringing him back for another season are slim to none. After a decent showing in 2021 where he hauled in 55 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns, Bourne’s production fell off a cliff last season when he totaled just 35 catches for 434 yards and a lone score.
He has gotten off to a decent start this year, logging 10 grabs for 93 yards and a pair of touchdowns in two games, so he could certainly draw some interest on the trade market.
Henry has been a steady force for New England since arriving in 2021, tallying 603 and 509 yards, respectively, in his first two seasons with the team. So far this year, he has snared 11 balls for 108 yards and two scores. Like Bourne, Henry will be a free agent in the spring.
Finally, there is Judon, who has been a force in the Patriots’ pass rush since joining the squad in 2021. He made back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances in 2021 and 2022, racking up 12.5 and 15.5 sacks, respectively. The 31-year-old has one year left on his deal, so he could fetch a handsome return.
