For the first time in three seasons, the New England Patriots have achieved a winning record.
The Pats have the best record in the NFL after Week 11 and are getting closer to locking in the first seed for the 2025 playoffs, which would be the first time since the 2017 season.
Despite having the best record in the league, the Patriots’ defense has had issues, primarily getting to opposing quarterbacks.
In an offseason spent revamping the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots have recorded 24 sacks, which is right in the middle of the sacks among other teams.
The Patriots had one of the weakest strength of schedules entering this season, which has helped them to their 9-2 record. New England has played two teams who have been considered playoff contenders this season (winning them both), which leads some to worry about their chances when the playoffs arrive.
Trade Proposal In 2026 Offseason
Getty ImagesCleveland Browns star Myles Garrett
The player who leads the Patriots in sacks isn’t one of the team’s biggest free agent signings. EDGE rusher K’Lavon Chaisson signed a one-year, $3 million contract and became the Pats’ biggest pass rush threat.
The Pats look like they won’t have any defender with double-digit sacks this season, but continue to fare well without one. There are seven more weeks in the season, but it isn’t too early to look for a rushing threat in the next offseason.
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report dropped a trade proposal in which the Patriots would land 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, from the Cleveland Browns.
“The Patriots are one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 season, jumping out to the best record in the league after two consecutive four-win campaigns. While New England is set to snap a three-season playoff drought, there’s still some improvements that could push the organization to perennial Super Bowl contender status,” Kay wrote.
“One of New England’s more glaring issues this year has been an inability to limit opposing quarterbacks. The team has allowed 215.9 yards per game and given up 19 touchdowns through the air, numbers that a superstar pass-rusher like Garrett would instantly improve… It helps that the Patriots are well-positioned to splurge during the upcoming offseason. They dumped some salary and added more draft capital at the deadline, giving the club more flexibility to swing a big trade.”
If Garrett were to find his way to Foxborough ahead of the 2026 season, it would cost the Patriots much of their draft capital for the next few seasons.
In his proposal, Kay believes the Patriots would need to give up their 2026 1st-Round Pick, 2026 3rd-Round Pick, 2027 1st-Round Pick and a 2027 3rd-Round Pick in exchange for the six-time All-Pro pass rusher.
Pats Have Resources To Acquire Myles Garrett
GettyCleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett
As of entering Week 12, Myles Garrett leads the league with 15 sacks. He has almost triple the Pats sack leader and more than half of the entire Patriots defense combined.
One of the biggest issues that other teams worry about when considering trading for the EDGE rusher is taking on his $160 million contract.
The Patriots have their franchise quarterback on a rookie deal, making it easier for the team to take on Garrett’s deal. New England will have around $51 million in salary cap space next season, making it easy for them to take his deal without causing many financial issues for the next free agency.
New England has the keys to success for the next few seasons that would allow the team to return to its Super Bowl-winning ways; it’s just a matter of pulling the final strings.
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