New England Patriots: 5 NFL veterans team should target via trade

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 03: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on before Super Bowl LIII against he Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 03: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on before Super Bowl LIII against he Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Tampa Bay Buccaneers William Gholston (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers William Gholston (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

William Gholston, Edge, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The New England Patriots made up for the loss of Trey Flowers by trading for Michael Bennett and drafting Chase Vinovich in the third round of the NFL Draft.  They also re-signed hybrid LB/DE John Simon to a three-year deal.

With young pass rushers like Deatrich Wise Jr., and Derek Rivers expected to make a leap along with talent like Keionta Davis and Ufomba Kamalu at the position, Bill Belichick may have enough depth at the position.  A luxury of young riches sure but adding another veteran to the mix could certainly add to the competition and benefit the Patriots as well.

More from New England Patriots

That’s where Tampa Bay Buccaneers edge rusher William Gholston comes in.

If there is ever a player in need of a change of scenery, it is the 6-foot-6, 280-pound Gholston who has seen his production dip over the last couple of seasons.

At just 27 years old, Gholston could find rejuvenation in New England under Belichick while given the Buccaneers even more cap space as he would save him $3.7 million if released.  After parting ways with defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, Tampa Bay may decide to rebuild their defensive line completely.  Freeing up cap space certainly helps them do that.

Also, with the New England Patriots history with former Buccaneers players, if there is an exploration for a trade, Bill Belichick’s phone would certainly ring.  If released, also expect the Patriots to explore a team friendly, prove-it type deal.

That is of course if they don’t end up with McCoy.