The NFL's trading deadline ends at 4 p.m. today. The New England Patriots already added linebacker Akeem Ayers from the Tennessee Titans last week. Will they continue to add pieces for a playoff run?
It wouldn't be out of character for this franchise. Last season, they dealt for defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga, and in 2012, they acquired cornerback Aqib Talib. It appears as if the offense is where the Pats may look to upgrade should they make a deal.
"Over the weekend, one report had them among the callers checking in with Tampa on wide receiver Vincent Jackson, and perhaps running back Doug Martin," Karen Guregian of BostonHerald.com wrote.
"The latter target makes more sense at this stage. The bigger need is a veteran running back to carry the load. While rookie Jonas Gray did well against the Bears, the Pats might be more comfortable down the road with a more experienced player."
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 1-6 in what has become a lost season under new coach Lovie Smith. The Bucs are considering offers for several players, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported.
#Bucs will consider offers for two former first-RD picks: RB Doug Martin and S Mark Barron as trade deadline approaches. .
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) October 28, 2014
#Bucs have received interest from teams in Martin, Barron and V. Jackson. Less likely to deal VJax because age will prevent fair value — Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) October 28, 2014
ESPN's Pat Yasinskas argued that a fire sale is the best course of action for Tampa Bay at this current juncture.
"Usually, you can shrug off trade rumors because trades don't happen often in the NFL," Yasinskas wrote. "But I'm not pushing aside the rumblings about Jackson and Martin. That's because trading one or both of them makes sense. The Bucs, who entered the season saying they planned to win now, have shifted gears and they're talking about how young they are and how it takes time to develop. That's what happens when you get off to a 1-6 start. It's no longer about this season. It's about next year and that's why Jackson and/or Martin could be expendable. Both players should have decent trade value and it might be wise for the Bucs to start stocking up on draft picks for next season. ... Still, I'll say there's only about a 25 percent chance the Bucs trade Jackson before Tuesday afternoon's deadline. But I'll double the chances on the possibility of a Martin trade."
Patriots' coach Bill Belichick has maintained that his primary focus is preparing the team for their tough matchup against the 6-1 Denver Broncos this weekend. Nick Caserio, New England's director of player personnel, will be the one orchestrating any potential trades.
