FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — With the NFL trade deadline approaching on November 4, the New England Patriots are contemplating potential roster enhancements to build on their surprising 5-2 start. The team, led by head coach Mike Vrabel, is evaluating various options to bolster their performance, particularly as they prepare to face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has rallied his teammates with the phrase, “We all we got!” to emphasize unity. As a testament to this sentiment, T-shirts and sweatshirts featuring the slogan have begun to appear in the locker room. Despite their strong start, questions linger about whether the current roster is sufficient for sustained success.
In a recent statement, Vrabel noted, “As far as the roster, any opportunities that we have to improve it — whether that’s the practice squad or the 53-man roster — we’ll always try to do that.” The team may target specific areas, particularly in the wake of injuries that have affected their depth.
The Patriots are currently feeling the impact of running back Antonio Gibson’s torn ACL, suffered in Week 5, leaving them with just two active running backs: Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. The team has relied on practice squad player Terrell Jennings, who has reached the maximum number of elevations. With Stevenson struggling with ball security—having lost three fumbles this season—and both Henderson and Jennings being relatively inexperienced, this position may become a focal point for potential trade discussions.
The defense has also raised concerns, ranking 30th in points allowed during the first two possessions of games. Defensive playcaller Zak Kuhr emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “It’s something we’re emphasizing every day. We have to figure it out. There’s no excuse behind it.” Players are challenging themselves to create a stronger opening defense, aiming to shift their performance at home, where they hold a 1-2 record this season.
In preparation for the Browns, the Patriots have an advantage in the insights gained from Vrabel’s previous season as a consultant with Cleveland. Mike Smith, the outside linebackers coach, described Vrabel’s knowledge as a “huge benefit” for the team’s strategy against the Browns’ offense. Smith highlighted Vrabel’s contributions in discussions on situational football, leveraging his understanding of the opposing team’s tendencies.
The defensive line has been a strong point for the Patriots, with coach Clint McMillan noting that the unit has prevented opposing running backs from surpassing 50 rushing yards in games this season. Players like Christian Barmore, who has logged 65% of the defensive snaps, have been critical to this success, contributing both in tackles and quarterback pressures.
The offensive line also features rookie Will Campbell, who has drawn attention for his performance and the speculation surrounding his draft position. Campbell humorously shared an anecdote about receiving a plastic inflatable T. rex from a fan, attributing it to concerns about his arm length during the draft process.
The Patriots have also seen strong contributions from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who stepped in last Sunday when starter Drake Maye was assessed for a concussion. Dobbs executed a key 12-yard completion that helped secure the victory over the Tennessee Titans, demonstrating the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations. Vrabel praised Dobbs for his professionalism during this critical moment.
Additionally, the team celebrated the return of former defensive tackle Lawrence Guy, who signed a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a member of the Patriots. Guy reflected on his seven seasons with the team, expressing gratitude for his growth as a player and person during his time in New England.
As the Patriots prepare to host the Browns, they remain focused on maintaining their current momentum while contemplating strategic enhancements to ensure they remain competitive in the league.
