New England Patriots: Shaun Wade a low risk, high reward acquisition

The New England Patriots were busy this week, as they made two trades in a matter of two days.

The first move they made was on Wednesday when they sent running back Sony Michel to the Los Angeles Rams for a 2022 sixth-round pick and a 2023 fourth-round pick. The following day they gave up a 2022 seventh-rounder and a 2023 fifth-rounder to the Baltimore Ravens for defensive back Shaun Wade.

Wade, a rookie out of Ohio State selected in the fifth round, was buried on the depth chart in Baltimore. With the New England Patriots still missing Stephon Gilmore, it made sense to add some depth at corner.

Wade was a five-star high school recruit and was phenomenal during his freshman and sophomore seasons in college. However, a rough 2020 season caused him to slip during the NFL draft.

What does Shaun Wade bring to the table for the New England Patriots?

Wade has prototypical size for the position, standing at 6’1, 196 lbs. Ideally he will be lining up against slot receivers when he takes the field for New England, although a conversion to free safety can’t be ruled out due to the uncertainty of Devin McCourty’s future following the 2021 season.

Either way it’s a low risk trade since the Patriots only gave up two late round picks. If Wade doesn’t make any sort of contribution to the team, it won’t sting too badly.

In the event that the Patriots can make the most of Wade’s skillset, it could be a steal. There is a huge question mark at corner without Stephon Gilmore and the team needs all the help they can get at that position.

The fact that they even needed to make this trade to begin with is a bit discouraging, with the regular season approaching there has still been no progress made between Gilmore and the Patriots in terms of him returning to the team.

However, if it works out then it’s another young asset added to an already impressive defense. Wade will be someone to keep an eye on for the third and final preseason game against the New York Giants.