Coming off a pair of 3-14 seasons, the New England Patriots were entering a new era under Mike Vrabel. Vrabel was coming off a relatively successful tenure with the Tennessee Titans, and a return to the team he used to play for eight seasons (2001-2008) figured to be the best path toward getting back to the franchise’s glory days. But the biggest question was how long it would take for that to happen.
Many figured it wouldn’t happen this year as the Patriots tried to usher in Vrabel as well as develop second-year quarterback Drake Maye. But after Sunday’s 25-19 win over the New Orleans Saints, the franchise’s vision has to change from rebuilding to competing in the AFC South and spurning a few aggressive trades ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline.
Patriots Should Buy at the NFL Trade Deadline as Surprise Contenders
The Patriots have taken an unexpected leap this season with a 4-2 record after Sunday’s win, but some of this should have been expected. Along with Vrabel’s track record as a successful coach in Tennessee, he completely rebuilt the defense through free agency with Robert Spillane, Harold Landry, and Khyris Tonga paying immediate dividends.
New England’s offense has also taken off under Maye and top target Stefon Diggs, but it also received a surprising development when Kayshon Boutte caught five passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday’s win over New Orleans.
But while an impressive start is one thing, there’s a chance this team may actually have a chance to compete in the AFC East. The Patriots still have four meetings with the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, who are a combined 1-11 after Week 6. New England also has favorable matchups with the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, and Baltimore Ravens left on the schedule, which could carve a path to double-digit wins.
With a head-to-head win over the Buffalo Bills in their back pocket, the Patriots could be in first place in the division as soon as Monday night if the Bills lose to the Atlanta Falcons. It makes contending a reality and puts into motion the chance for an aggressive move that puts them over the top.
The most glaring weakness is at the running back position, where Rhamondre Stevenson is on the verge of losing his job, but rookie TreVeyon Henderson is suited more for a complementary role. DeVon Achane (Dolphins), Breece Hall (Jets), and Alvin Kamara (Saints) could all represent upgrades in the RB1 role, but even a smaller deal, such as Browns RB Jerome Ford, could give them something going forward.
The Patriots could also use some help at receiver despite Boutte’s breakout performance on Sunday. The situation with former Vrabel standout A.J. Brown is worth monitoring in Philadelphia, and perhaps Chris Olave (Saints) could be available even though the Saints picked up his fifth-year option for 2026 next spring.
With an easy schedule and 10 2026 draft picks at their disposal, the Patriots have the reasoning and ammunition to go make a deal. It should be a no-brainer for GM Eliot Wolfe and help New England get back to their contention much sooner than everyone anticipated at the beginning of the season.