Patriots Trade Deadline Strategy: Top 5 Positions for Mike Vrabel’s Team

The NFL trade deadline is approaching on November 4, prompting the New England Patriots to take initial steps to enhance their roster. Following the trading of veterans Kyle Dugger and Keion White, the team has received two sixth-round picks for the 2026 draft. These moves highlight Coach Mike Vrabel’s strategy in reshaping the team to fit his defensive scheme.

Patriots’ Strategy Ahead of the Trade Deadline

As the Patriots prepare for the final stretch of the season, strengthening their roster depth has become a priority. With several key players moving, the team now needs to focus on specific positions that require further support.

Top Five Positions to Target

• Edge Rusher: The Patriots have shown solid performance in their edge rushing this season, with Harold Landry ranking tenth in the NFL with 5.5 sacks. However, the departure of Keion White leaves the team with a gap in depth. It would be prudent for the organization to seek an experienced edge rusher to complement Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson, who has recorded 4.5 sacks this season.
• Running Back: The running game has seen improvement, rushing for 175 yards against Tennessee and 177 yards against Cleveland recently. With Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson leading the charge, adding another veteran to the roster would bolster the running back depth, especially with new signing Terrell Jennings joining and D’Earnest Johnson on the practice squad.
• Linebacker: Under Vrabel’s guidance, the linebacker position has shifted towards quicker players. Robert Spillane stands out, holding a 74.1 grade from Pro Football Focus, but there’s limited depth behind him. The Patriots may want to seek an additional linebacker capable of excelling in pass coverage.
• Cornerback: The starting cornerback trio of Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, and Marcus Jones has excelled. However, with a limited depth chart, including backups Charles Woods and Alex Austin, the team should target additional corner depth to ensure they remain competitive as they head into critical games.
• Safety: Depth at the safety position has been critically weakened following the trade of Kyle Dugger. The current roster includes Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson, but acquiring another experienced safety could prove vital in maintaining defensive integrity, particularly in light of injuries.

With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Patriots must act quickly to address these critical areas. Strengthening the roster with additional players can help ensure a successful push toward the playoffs.