To me, New England is the team to watch. Most cap space in the NFL, rookie contract QB, likely 7-2 after Sunday.
I could see them making a BIG swing. Like 2026 1st rounder big. Maybe that's Jaylen Waddle if he's really available (I don't see Miami truly caring about trading in the division, Jaelen Phillips could be an option as well) more likely, maybe that's Chris Olave if they target WR. I know Jakobi Meyers is a rumored candidate, and has a history, but I don't really see how he's a real upgrade over what they have.
Beyond a much-rumored WR, pass rusher has been discussed. I highly dount Garrett or Crosby get moved for less than multiple 1sts+, but what about Trey Hendrickson if the Bengals lose to the Bears? Maybe Kayvon Thibodeaux? Depending on how RB performs Sunday, and how banged up Stevenson is, I could see a RB. Feels like Breece Hall would be a pipe dream, but I could see a guy like Tony Pollard or Jerome Ford.
Think NE is going pass rusher first. Their run D is crazy good. They have Gonzo as a lockdown. If they can get more heat on the passer I think that D improves quite a bit.
Have a feeling they are standing pat on WR. I'd only go there if they can get a legit alpha (like AJ Brown).
From Giardi's article on BSJ today:
The Pats now have 19 sacks in 9 games. Don't forget, they led the league after two weeks (8 total). Since then, they've been like the guy who forgot to put his dentures in - toothless far too often. That's why Vrabel and company had talked to the Dolphins about
Jaelen Phillips (traded this morning to Philadelphia for a 3rd round pick), and, per league sources, continue to make calls around the league assessing what it would take to make a deal. Other names that could make sense/be on their radar include
Arden Key in Tennessee (who played under Vrabel for one season),
Malcolm Koonce in Vegas, and, if Miami really wanted to strip it down to the studs,
Bradley Chubb. However, his contract is a little more onerous. Cincinnati's ask for
Trey Hendrickson remains exorbitant (a 1st). There have also been rumblings about
Arnold Ebiketie, who you just saw make a couple of plays for Atlanta on Sunday, and Seattle's
Boye Mafe (15 sacks over the last two seasons but zero this year as a reserve).