Copyright MassLive
FOXBOROUGH – With the NFL trade deadline (Nov. 4) approaching, the Patriots got a head start by selling off a couple of veterans who no longer fit in Mike Vrabel’s scheme. On Tuesday night, the Patriots traded Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers and also sent Keion White to the San Francisco 49ers. These moves add two 2026 sixth-round picks to the Patriots’ draft arsenal. They also hurt the team’s depth chart. Although Dugger didn’t fit into what Vrabel looks for in a safety, he did provide solid depth, which was seen when he started in Tennessee and New Orleans due to an injury. Although White quickly fell down the edge rusher depth chart, he, too, was a player who at least had some experience playing in the NFL. Now, with the deadline less than a week away, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Patriots look to acquire more depth. As they enter the stretch run, Vrabel’s team needs to make sure they shore up any weaknesses. If the Patriots want to make a playoff run, health becomes a priority. That’s why it’s a good thing to have solid depth. Here’s a look at the top five positions the Patriots should target for additional depth and help: Edge rusher The Patriots edge rushers have been solid this season. Harold Landry exited Sunday’s game ranked tenth in the NFL with 5.5 sacks. K’Lavon Chaisson is having one of the best seasons of his career. He’s tied for 16th in the NFL with 4.5 sacks. Although it looked like the Patriots had solid depth behind them, Keion White was underwhelming and traded on Tuesday night. Anfernee Jennings is a solid run defender, but doesn’t bring much pass rush. That’s why the Patriots would be wise to add another veteran edge rusher to this group. The defense is tied for 12th in the NFL in sacks with 19. Running back The Patriots run game is on a heater. In the first six games, the team never ran for more than 122 yards in a game. They had two poor performances in a row, rushing for 71 and 73 total yards against Buffalo and New Orleans. However, things changed after that. They ran for 175 yards against Tennessee and then ran for 177 total yards against Cleveland last weekend. The Patriots could use more veteran depth behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. It sounds like the team will sign practice squad running back Terrell Williams to the 53-man roster. Another body here would ensure better depth for the stretch run. Linebacker The linebacker position is different under Vrabel. In the past, the Patriots wanted linebackers to be bigger to set the edge and fill the gaps within their defensive line. Now, the Patriots utilize smaller, quicker linebackers. Robert Spillane has been as advertised, and Pro Football Focus has him ranked 21st among linebackers with a 74.1 grade. After that, there’s a drop off. Christian Elliss ranked 57th among 80 qualifiers with a 54.9 grade. Patriots’ backups are slightly better with Jack Gibbens (58.2) and Jahlani Tavai (57.4). The team could use another linebacker who specializes in pass coverage. That’s been one weak spot for the defense this year. Cornerback The Patriots starting trio of Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, and Marcus Jones has been outstanding. It’s been tough for opposing offenses to beat the Patriots defense when they’re in man coverage. As this season unfolds, the Patriots would be wise to look for more depth for the stretch run. This offseason, it looked like Alex Austin and D.J. James would be the Patriots top backup cornerbacks. James made the initial roster but was cut after Week 1. Austin started the season as the top backup, but was soon passed on the depth chart by Charles Woods. Now, Woods and Austin are the only backups on the active roster. The team also has Miles Battle and Kobe Minor on the practice squad. Safety The Patriots had a lot of depth at the safety position to start the season with two veterans (Dugger and Jabrill Peppers), a rookie (Craig Woodson), and a veteran backup (Jaylinn Hawkins). That depth has been eviscerated after the team released Peppers this summer and traded Dugger on Tuesday. Now, the Patriots depth chart looks much different with Hawkins, Woodson, Dell Pettus, Brenden Schooler, and newcomer John Saunders Jr., who was signed off Miami’s practice squad. The Patriots could use more experience here. They have Richie Grant on the practice squad, but it wouldn’t hurt to look to acquire another veteran who could help. The Patriots are an injury away from being in trouble with this position.
