With the NFL season moving past its halfway point this weekend, the New England Patriots have proven perhaps the league’s most surprising team of the first half. While NFL analysts generally believed that under new coach Mike Vrabel and with his revamped roster, the Patriots would improve on their dismal four-win total in each of the last two seasons, the bulk of fan and expert opinion saw New England winning anywhere from six to 11 games.
The Patriots are now reported to be looking to get even better with a surprising trade deadline acquisition â and according to recent speculation, a former Dallas Cowboys star may be their target.
Preseason Las Vegas oddsmakers placed the Patriots “over/under” number at 8.5, and “under” was favored at -140, to +120 for “over.” That means, if a bettor wagered $140 that the Patriots would win eight games of fewer, that bet would pay out a $100 profit if, in fact, New England failed to reach the nine-win mark.
Reports Say Patriots Targeting Ball Carrier
Now, the Patriots have already won six against only two losses, with nine games remaining on the schedule, making the “over” bet look pretty good.
But more importantly for the Patriots, they have put themselves in position for a playoff run, and to make the most if it they are expected to make some moves at or near the trade deadline on November 4.
Multiple recent reports have the Patriots looking to upgrade in a somewhat surprising area â running back. According, for example, to longtime Patriots ESPN correspondent Mike Reiss, “sources familiar with the team’s thinking said a running back and veteran pass rusher are the two most likely areas they will target.”
A veteran pass rusher has long been thought to be on Vrabel’s agenda â but a running back?
The Patriots already have five-year veteran Rhamondre Stevenson who just last year they signed to a new, four-year, $36 million contract extension.
New England Already Invested in Backfield
In addition, New England spent its second-round draft pick, the 38th selection overall, on another ball carrier, former Ohio State Buckeyes standout TreVeyon Henderson.
Stevenson through eight games has gained 279 yards on 83 carries with three lost fumbles. Henderson actually has a higher average per carry than Stevenson â 4.3 to 3.4 â with 228 yards on just 53 carries, with one fumble.
Rumored RB Target is 3-Time, 1,000-Yard Rusher
But Nick Cattles, host of the Locked On Patriots podcast (as well as the Greg Bedard Patriots Podcast with Nick Cattles), wrote on Thursday, “after the Tennessee game that Tony Pollard is likely someone Vrabel loves. He’s better than his stats. Runs, receives, and jumped out on the re-watch for his blocking.”
Pollard, a 2019 Dallas Cowboys fourth-round draft pick out of Memphis, rushed for 1,007 and 1,005 yards for the Cowboys in 2022 and 2023 respectively. After signing a three-year, $21.75 million contract as a free agent with the Tennessee Titans in 2024, Pollard proceeded to rush for 1,079 in his first year there.
“The Patriots could help out Drake Maye and boost its backfield by adding Pollard,” wrote Rob Gullo of College Sports Network. “They also have the cap to afford him.”
After trading safety Kyle Dugger and defensive end Keion White earlier this week, the Patriots now have $60.5 million on free cap space, according to NFL journalist Bobby Thomson’s calculations. Even before the trades, according to Spotrac, the Patriots had $52.4 million in cap space â more than enough to handle Pollard’s $8.5 million cap hit.
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