Patriots Reportedly Eyeing Help At This Position As Trade Deadline Nears

If you were asked to rank the Patriots’ top five position groups, the list probably would include cornerbacks, perhaps as high as third behind quarterback and defensive tackle.

And yet, New England reportedly isn’t satisfied with its cornerback room.

On Saturday, NFL insider Josina Anderson offered insight into the Patriots’ quest to improve their roster ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline. She didn’t specify whether the intel pertained to potential trades or free agent signings.

“I’m told the Patriots are still on the lookout for help at corner, per sources,” Anderson wrote in an X post. “Pass rush is on the radar. Age and contract terms still have to be in line with future considerations, as was the case before. Monitoring names in their past as well.”

Anderson’s report arrived around the same time that Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that New England was prioritizing pass-rushing help over finding reinforcement at running back. Russini also wrote that the Patriots were fielding trade calls on their own players.

As for the “names in their past” that Anderson alluded to, a few players come to mind: cornerbacks Jonathan Jones (Washington Commanders), Myles Bryant (Houston Texans) and Stephon Gillmor (free agent).

Although New England is loaded at cornerback, it’s easy to understand why they’d want to add to the room. Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis and Marcus Jones all have checkered injury histories, and one long-term absence could create a domino effect across the defense. Davis also was inconsistent in the first seven games after signing a three-year, $60 million contract during the offseason.

With the trade deadline just two weeks away, we won’t have to speculate for much longer.