The Patriots’ record might not reflect it, but they have multiple players who could be valuable to other franchises.
New England showed that Monday when it traded Joshua Uche to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2026 sixth-round pick. The Patriots also have “gotten calls” on K.J. Osborn and Tyquan Thornton, so teams are looking to Jerod Mayo’s side to fill out their depth for the second half of the season.
NFL insider Dan Graziano on Wednesday highlighted teams to look out for before the trade deadline. And he suggested a defensive leader who could assist an NFC contender.
“If the (San Francisco) Niners are looking to add up front on defense, the more likely trade candidate might be New England’s Davon Godchaux, since the Patriots seem to be moving guys who they’ve recently extended,” Graziano wrote. “Godchaux has a $4 million guaranteed salary next year. But the Niners are all-in, and I expect them to look for help on defense, where they haven’t looked like themselves all season.”
Godchaux signed a two-year extension last summer, but as Graziano pointed out, the defensive tackle isn’t a huge burden on New England’s salary cap. Godchaux’s largest gripe about his contract was about the lack of guaranteed money. However, a trade would come as a surprise to him.
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The 29-year-old is beneficial to stopping the run, and he’s been a vocal locker room leader calling out his teammates for their poor play during the Patriots’ six-game losing streak. He even called out Aaron Rodgers last Sunday, so he’s not afraid to voice his opinions on anything.
San Francisco is in a wide-open NFC West, so it could use any help it can get for a playoff push. The 49ers wanted Kendrick Bourne in a potential Brandon Aiyuk trade, so business could open back up again if both sides are interested.
Featured image via Eric Canha/Imagn Images
