The New England Patriots have been active at the NFL trade deadline in each of the past three seasons, and players who could be available this year are beginning to trickle out to the media.
The trade deadline is Nov. 3 at 4 p.m. this season. The Patriots acquired linebacker Jonathan Casillas, defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga and cornerback Aqib Talib in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The Patriots already have made seven trades in 2015, acquiring guard Ryan Groy, tight ends Asante Cleveland and Michael Williams, wide receivers Jalen Saunders and Keshawn Martin, linebacker Jonathan Bostic and defensive tackle Akiem Hicks.
The Cleveland Browns are willing to trade outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo, a source told Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot on Sunday. Mingo was selected with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft out of LSU by Patriots assistant to the coaching staff and former Browns general manager Mike Lombardi.
Mingo, who’s 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, has 96 career tackles, seven sacks, 11 pass breakups and an interception in three seasons with the Browns.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Browns pass rusher Paul Kruger, Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Vinny Curry and St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook “have come up in trade discussions.” Lombardi signed Kruger as a free agent while with the Browns.
The Browns also have “engaged in discussions” about trading left tackle Joe Thomas and center Alex Smith, sources told NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. Patriots running back Dion Lewis, defensive end Jabaal Sheard, wide receiver Brian Tyms and linebacker Eric Martin all were with the Browns while Lombardi was in Cleveland.
Rapoport also reported it “doesn’t sound like” the Kansas City Chiefs will trade cornerback Sean Smith, who was linked to the Patriots by NFL Media’s Gil Brandt.
The Patriots could use additional cornerback depth as they head into the back end of the 2015 season. They have just Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, Justin Coleman and Rashaan Melvin at the position and have been using safeties Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty in hybrid roles.
They also could look to acquire an offensive tackle. Starting left tackle Nate Solder is on season-ending injured reserve, and top backup Marcus Cannon currently is nursing a toe injury.
Thumbnail photo via Ken Blaze/USA TODAY Sports Images
