FOXBORO — The NFL trade deadline passed without much excitement on Tuesday, with the New England Patriots making no significant moves aside from a single practice-squad signing. The team has chosen to remain with the current roster that has helped them achieve a tie for the league”s best record. Although the front office reportedly considered acquiring edge rushers and running backs to bolster areas with questionable depth, head coach Mike Vrabel indicated on Wednesday that no deals were close to being finalized.
Inside the locker room, players interpreted the lack of trades as a vote of confidence from the front office. “We”re 7-and-2 with the guys that we”ve got in this room, and I think most of it is just for the future,” said Milton Williams, a defensive tackle for the team. “(The front office) is trying to ensure they make all the right moves for the future. From my perspective, I believe our group has been performing well all year, and we just need to maintain that momentum.”
Last week, the Patriots took proactive steps ahead of the trade deadline, trading safety Kyle Dugger to Pittsburgh and defensive lineman Keion White to the San Francisco 49ers. These trades involved pick-swap agreements, sending out seventh-round picks in exchange for sixth-round selections. However, if White appears in at least seven games with the 49ers, the Patriots will retain their seventh-round pick according to NFL Network. White participated in 33 snaps during San Francisco”s recent victory over the New York Giants, although he did not record any tackles.
