Report: Patriots Have Discussed Trading Jeff Demps, Who Wants to Play Football Part Time

The fact that Bill Belichick wants to trade a player unwilling to give football 100 percent of his attention should come as a surprise to no one.

The Patriots have discussed trading Jeff Demps, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. Demps is preparing to return to his track and field career, but still wants to play football for half the season. New England signed Demps to a three-year deal on August 17 and placed him on season-ending injured reserve on August 31.

As Mike Loyko of NEPatriotsDraft.com mentioned on Twitter, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the other finalist for Demps last season before the Patriots signed him. Belichick has a strong relationship with Bucs head coach Greg Schiano, which could make a deal easier.

Demps was expected to handle return duties once on the field. The team signed returner Leon Washington this offseason and re-signed Julian Edelman, who has handled punt return duties in the past for the Patriots. Danny Amendola has also returned kicks and punts in the past.

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