With the New England Patriots ahead of schedule in their rebuild and sporting a 6-2 record ahead of the trade deadline, the team figures to do a little buying to improve positions of need.
One position the Patriots are rumored to be interested in adding to is running back, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.
"The Patriots are another team that has looked at running back, with edge also on the radar there," Breer wrote on Friday.
It's not totally surprising this is the case. After all, the Pats lost Antonio Gibson for the season and Rhamondre Stevenson is now dealing with a toe injury that will keep him out for at least Week 9.
That leaves rookie TreVeyon Henderson, who clearly doesn't have the full trust of the coaching staff yet based on his weird usage this season, and Terrell Jennings as the only healthy running backs on the 53-man roster. New England also has Jonathan Ward, D'Ernest Johnson and Rushawn Baker on the practice squad.
With the Pats' need at running back, USA TODAY's Jacob Camenker predicts the team will swing a trade for Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford at the deadline.
"Ford has averaged a respectable 4.3 yards per carry during his NFL career and has caught 102 passes across 52 games," Camenker wrote. "He's presently just a third-stringer with the Browns, so the Patriots can get him cheap and install him as a veteran depth piece who can help take pressure off Henderson."
Ford has been a productive player over the last two seasons, proving he can make an impact as a rusher and receiver.
In 2023, Ford finished north of 1,100 yards from scrimmage, including 813 on the ground. Ford tallied 790 yards from scrimmage in 2024, but he also missed three games.
With the Browns drafting two running backs in Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, Ford has become an afterthought and should be expendable.
He shouldn't cost more than a late Day 3 pick, or a Day 3 pick swap.
At that price, he would be a worthwhile addition for New England to shore up its running backs room.
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