The New England Patriots freed up additional cap space this week by safety Kyle Dugger. Do they plan on putting that money to use before next Tuesday?
There's certainly a case for the Patriots being buyers at the NFL trade deadline. At 6-2 and with the league's easiest remaining schedule, New England is positioned to be a legitimate playoff contender in the wide-open AFC.
Our Patriots Insider Phil Perry sees edge defender and running back as two positions the Patriots may target ahead of next Tuesday's deadline. But how does the rest of the league view New England's plans? NFL insider James Palmer, who co-hosts the Scoop City podcast with The Athletic's Dianna Russini, joined Perry on a new episode of Next Pats to share what he's hearing about New England.
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"I think the Patriots will be buyers," Palmer told Perry. "They have $48.97 million (in cap space). That's a lot cheddar there. You could work with some things."
Not in the market for rentals?
Palmer noted the Patriots would prefer to acquire players who have multiple years remaining on their contracts, as opposed to "rentals" on expiring contracts who will hit free agency in the offseason.
"I do think they're going, 'OK, maybe we've exceeded expectations quicker than we assumed ... but we don't want to rent anybody. Anybody we're bringing in, we'd like to make sure they're an impact player maybe for us in 2026 as well or perhaps past that,'" Palmer said. "I think that might be what they're looking at."
The Patriots do appear to have a long-term approach under new head coach Mike Vrabel, who said earlier this month that the team's record won't impact its trade deadline strategy.
"We want to build something," Vrabel said at the time.
Potential options on the edge
Palmer said the Patriots are "looking at pass-rushers" ahead of Tuesday's deadline and mentioned a few names who could be on the move -- including at least one from the division rival Miami Dolphins.
"There are different tiers of players that are going to be available," Palmer said. "(Tennessee's) Arden Key won't cost you as much. And then I'm being told that, as of last night, one of those guys in Miami is going to be moved. That's almost becoming certain, whether it's Bradley Chubb or Jaelan Phillips."
Of course, the Patriots will have competition: Palmer mentioned the San Francisco 49ers (who just acquired White from New England), the Philadelphia Eagles and the Indianapolis Colts as teams that also could be eyeing pass-rushers.
It sounds like that won't stop Vrabel and Co. from exploring their options, though.
"I do think (the Patriots) are looking to buy much more than we would have assumed maybe a few weeks ago," Palmer added.
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Depth charge at running back?
The Patriots have just three running backs on their active roster in Rhamondre Stevenson (who will miss Sunday's game against the Falcons due to a toe injury), rookie TreVeyon Henderson and recent practice-squad call-up Terrell Jennings.
While Palmer doesn't see New England breaking the bank for a top-tier running back, the team could turn to the trade market to add more depth at the position.
"I think you could look at a piece in the backfield," Palmer said. "I think there are running backs to be had to create some more depth to your running back room. We'll see how aggressive they are, but you could get (Browns running back) Jerome Ford for pennies, honestly."
Also in this episode:
- Drake Maye & Kayshon Boutte: One of the most explosive duos in the NFL?
- James Palmer on the national perspective of Drake Maye
- Who's Next? NFL Draft prospects to watch for the Patriots.