4 p.m.: The NFL trade deadline has passed. The Patriots stood pat, opting not to swing any deals on what was a quiet deadline day around the league.
3:05 p.m.: Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich told reporters he doesn’t expect his team to trade running back Marlon Mack.
Mack requested a trade last month and had been viewed as a potential Patriots target, though his struggles in blitz pickup made him a less-than-perfect fit for New England.
2:25 p.m.: Deshaun Watson is not coming to the AFC East. At least not today.
Watson, widely rumored as a target for the Miami Dolphins, will not be dealt ahead of the trade deadline, according to multiple reports.
12:30 p.m.: Greg Bedard of Boston Sports Journal reported the Patriots are “trying to land a combination (run/pass) defensive end” before today’s deadline.
New England’s D-line group currently consists of Lawrence Guy, Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Deatrich Wise and Carl Davis, with Byron Cowart back practicing ahead of a possible return from the physically unable to perform list. D-tackle Daniel Ekuale was called up for the last two games but now is out of practice squad elevations.
10:50 a.m.: Could the Patriots swing a blockbuster trade for Odell Beckham Jr.? Don’t count on it.
Per a report from ESPN’s Dianna Russini, the Cleveland Browns “have no plans” to trade their struggling star receiver.
Beckham still is owed more than $8 million this season, but his $13.75 million salaries in 2022 and 2023 are nonguaranteed, meaning he could be cut after the season with no financial penalty.
10:26 a.m.: The following Houston Texans players are “expected to be available” today, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler:
Any potential Patriots targets there? Maybe Lonnie Johnson, a former cornerback who had an interception against the Pats in Week 5? He’s been PFF’s lowest-graded safety this season, though.
Bill Belichick personally worked out Zach Cunningham before the 2017 draft, but he’s underperforming on a hefty contract and is owed $10 million in salary next season.
Phillip Lindsay could be an option if the Patriots want another body in their running back room, but he’s been a zero in terms of production this season (41 carries, 105 yards, one touchdown; three catches, 37 yards). The Patriots probably would be better off just bringing back fellow Texans running back Rex Burkhead if they want to go that route.
10:05 a.m.: One notable name is on the move. The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading vetern edge rusher Melvin Ingram to the Kansas City Chiefs, according to multiple reports.
The Patriots don’t have a dire need for edge help, and Ingram is past his prime. He’s making less than $600,000 in salary, though, and might have been an interesting depth piece. Now he joins a Chiefs defense that’s been one of the NFL’s worst this season.
9:56 a.m.: The Denver Broncos are attempting to trade cornerback Kyle Fuller, per a report from Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.
Fuller is a player who could interest the corner-needy Patriots, but not at his current price tag. He’s still owed about $5 million in salary this season, and the Pats only have roughly $2.66 million in cap space.
This also has been a rough year for the 29-year-old Fuller, who’s one of Pro Football Focus’s lowest-graded cornerbacks through eight weeks. The Broncos would need to eat a good chunk of his salary to make him appealing to New England.
Denver already made what likely will be the biggest of this year’s deadline moves, sending former All-Pro pass rusher Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday for second- and third-round draft picks.
The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported “nothing appears imminent” on a potential Fuller trade. Howe also indicated the Carolina Panthers “don’t appear interested” in dealing veteran cornerback A.J. Bouye despite outside interest.
9:40 a.m.: Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson, whom the Patriots never could have afforded anyway, reportedly will not be traded.
7 a.m. ET: Welcome to deadline day in the NFL.
The 2021 trade deadline is set for 4 p.m. ET. Will the New England Patriots, who improved to 4-4 on Sunday with a signature win over the Los Angeles Chargers, be active participants?
History suggests they will be. The Patriots have swung at least one deadline deal in four of the last five years and seven of the last nine. But salary cap constraints this season could limit their pool of potential options.
Follow along with this tracker throughout the day for up-to-the-minute coverage of all Patriots-related rumors, updates and transactions. And click the links below to check out all of NESN.com’s trade deadline preview coverage.
