New England Patriots Rumors: 3 players the Pats could trade right now
New England Patriots trade candidate No. 3: Isaiah Wynn
First up is a player at a position that admittedly is somewhat unsettled at present and has relatively thin depth, the offensive line. How does that then make any sense? The player in question is Isaiah Wynn, and it may make sense for a few reasons.
Wynn is entering the last year of his rookie deal. His fifth-year option as a first-round pick was questionably exercised by the Patriots last offseason. He failed to show up at the voluntary OTA sessions a few weeks back, which isn’t exactly the sign of a player looking to be an important part of the 2022 team. He did attend mandatory minicamp, however, and was slotted in at right tackle.
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Wynn has not lived up to expectations at left tackle when he’s played there after being the 23rd pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s been often injured, and he had a poor 2021 season. Pro Football Focus noted credited him with six sacks allowed and nine penalties last season. Those aren’t great drive-extending stats. These sacks also put the Patriots’ most important asset, Mac Jones, at risk. Playing Trent Brown there is a solid decision, one which should have been made last season.
If Wynn is traded, there are replacements readily available. Michael Onwenu could easily step in and play right tackle, a spot in which he has lots of experience. Onwenu’s guard position could be filled by the reliable James Ferentz or maybe Canadian Football League signee Drew Desjarlais. Other possibilities at guard would be rookie sixth-round draft pick, Chasen Hines from LSU or seventh-round pick, Andrew Stueber, although both guys are currently injured.
Despite the perceived lack of depth, the Pats are in a pretty good spot with their o-line. If they can get a decent draft pick or a player to bolster the defense in exchange for Wynn, they should go ahead and make that deal.