The New England Patriots are often active at the trade deadline, in search of a piece that can help put them into Super Bowl contention. This year, it’s a little different, with the team sitting at 3-4 while staring down a tough stretch against solid teams: the Los Angeles Chargers, the Carolina Panthers and the Cleveland Browns. So it’s no certainty they’ll be buyers at the deadline.
But if the Patriots’ win over the Jets served as any indication, Bill Belichick thinks his team can make the playoffs — and it feels like he’s trying to instill that faith in his team, too. It’s possible he trades away receiver N’Keal Harry. But perhaps he’ll also be on the hunt for a few pieces to add.