NFL Insider Suggests Potential Patriots Trade Deadline Candidate

The Patriots went off to a rough start to the season, and while the Nov. 5 trade deadline is still a ways away, it might not be too early to think of New England as sellers.

"Thursday Night Football" offered a reminder to fans that the Patriots might not be very good this season. The season-opener could have been fools gold, but head coach Jerod Mayo obviously will be motivated to improve his team and sneak into the playoffs.

However, Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf preached how they're always looking for ways to improve the team. While trading away key players might not help the team's goals this season, it could serve to improve the team for the future.

ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano offered a first look at the trade deadline and listed who might be on the market. He highlighted Jonathan Jones as a potential piece New England could ship off.

"The Patriots have looked a bit more competitive than expected so far, but they certainly could fade," Graziano wrote Friday. "And if so, Jones is a player teams were circling in the offseason. Those seeking a cornerback could kick the tires once again, as Jones has 11 tackles this season and is only two years removed from a four-interception season."

As for who might trade for Jones, Graziano floated the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers as possible candidates.

Jones is a great compliment to Christian Gonzalez, who already is the undisputed No. 1 cornerback on the Patriots. However, for as many players who re-signed with New England, Jones entered this season on the final year of a two-year extension he signed in 2023. The Patriots could decide to part ways with Jones in his age-31 season while trying to develop pieces like Marcellas Dial Jr., Marcus Jones, Alex Austin and Marco Wilson.

That would depend on how willing New England would be to be sellers in the market, which likely would be dictated by what its record is when the trade deadline draws closer.