If the Patriots make a deal by the NFL commerce deadline on Tuesday at 4 p.m., the almost definitely participant to be moved is exterior linebacker Josh Uche, sources stated Monday.
Teams have referred to as the Patriots about most of their impending unrestricted free brokers, per a supply. A supply stated final week it’s “definitely possible” that the Patriots make one commerce. Anything greater than that may be a shock.
Uche has missed the Patriots’ final two video games. He was listed on the damage report with knee and ankle illnesses forward of Week 7 and ankle and toe accidents forward of Week 8.
Uche has ranked among the many finest pure cross rushers within the NFL based mostly on PFF’s metrics over the past two seasons, however at 6-foot-3, 240 kilos, he’s restricted within the Patriots’ scheme to a third-down situational function since he could be an undersized edge setter on the tip of the road of scrimmage. The Patriots sometimes desire investing in greater edge defenders who’re more practical towards the run.
When requested concerning the commerce deadline final week, Uche informed the Herald he was simply targeted on getting again to taking part in soccer. He stated that he and his agent had talked to the Patriots a few contract extension however wouldn’t go into additional element.
“Yeah, I mean, we just got back from Miami late last night and so working through the game,” head coach Bill Belichick stated Monday morning. “We’ll deal with that here over the whatever period of time there is. I don’t know.”
Sources polled across the NFL consider the Patriots might get a third- or fourth-round decide for Uche. The Patriots have among the many most wage cap area within the NFL subsequent offseason, so it’s unlikely that they’d obtain comp picks for outgoing free brokers in the event that they intend to spend that cash.
The Patriots’ prime upcoming free brokers embrace tight ends Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki, left deal with Trent Brown, security Jalen Mills and vast receiver Kendrick Bourne, who tore his ACL in Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins, plus 2020 draft picks like Uche, security Kyle Dugger and offensive lineman Mike Onwenu.
If the Patriots don’t really feel like there’s a future with quarterback Mac Jones, who has now struggled in two straight seasons, then additionally they might attempt to store the 2021 first-round decide. Sources diversified on Jones’ commerce worth. One supply believed there was none.
The Vikings consider they misplaced beginning quarterback Kirk Cousins to an Achilles damage in Week 8. Prior to Cousins taking place, two sources raised the hypothetical of Jones being traded to the Vikings.
The 49ers, who had reported curiosity in Jones earlier than choosing Trey Lance third total in 2021, have misplaced three straight video games with Brock Purdy beneath middle. The 49ers have Sam Darnold as a backup after buying and selling Lance to the Cowboys this offseason.
Sources polled across the NFL consider Dugger, who might fetch as much as a second-round decide, is the Patriots’ most respected asset. Belichick stated Monday morning that, “Yeah, of course, sure, absolutely” he want to see Dugger stick round in New England. Belichick wouldn’t get into any contract conversations he’s had with Dugger or the security’s representatives. The Patriots head coach acknowledged this summer season that gamers like Dugger “end up getting a lot of money.”
Onwenu, who can play left guard, proper guard and proper deal with, might have potential commerce worth however one supply stated it’s uncommon for an offensive lineman to be traded midseason.
The Patriots presently are slated to choose fifth total with greater than half of the season left to go. If they don’t consider they’ll be retaining a few of their impending free brokers and plan to spend in free company and cancel out the system that may web them compensatory draft picks, then it does make sense so as to add extra draft capital on the deadline.
Actively promoting gamers would have been harder if the Patriots had gained Sunday’s sport and improved their file to 3-5. At 2-6 with Bourne injured, Christian Gonzalez, Marcus Jones and Matthew Judon already on injured reserve, and with the Chiefs and Bills nonetheless on their schedule, it’s now trying extraordinarily unlikely that the Patriots might get close to playoff competition in a aggressive AFC.
Source: www.bostonherald.com