NFL insiders predict what moves the Patriots could make before the trade deadline

New England Patriots have a good thing going and don't need to act desperately. But they will monitor the market in case a move makes sense, particularly at edge rusher and possibly an offensive skill position.

The team has already started making moves by sending safety Kyle Dugger to Pittsburgh and defensive end Keion White to San Francisco on Tuesday. With their relatively easy schedule against the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday, ESPN gives them an 85.7% chance of making the playoffs.

Running back is a key area where the Patriots could use some depth, particularly with Antonio Gibson out for the season. Rhamondre Stevenson and Treveyon Henderson have been carrying the workload but their run game has been underwhelming. Could the solution be in-house? On Wednesday, the Patriots elevated back Terrell Jennings to the 53-man roster and signed veteran D’Ernest Johnson to the practice squad.

NFL insiders are making predictions about who the Patriots could acquire before the trade deadline on November 4 at 4 p.m. Some predict a third running back would be useful with Gibson out for the season, while others suggest looking in other skill positions. Rashid Shaheed of the Saints is one name mentioned as someone who fits nicely into the spread-the-wealth style of quarterback Drake Maye.

Meanwhile, edge rusher Anfernee Jennings is another name being tossed around as a potential player on his way out for the Patriots. With Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson doing well in their roles, Jennings' playing time has been limited this season. A six-year veteran who started in the previous Bill Belichick-Jerod Mayo defense, he may not be a good fit for New England's current roster.

Overall, fans will be keeping an eye on any breaking news over the next few days to see whether New England sticks with what has been working or shakes things up.

It's better to have no reason at all than just one reason .

I'm thinking of the Pats' run game...

imagine a diagram like this:
+-----------------+
| Rhamondre |
| Treveyon |
+-----------------+
|
| underwhelming
v
+-----------------+
| Antonio Gibson |
| out for the season|
+-----------------+

now, let's add a new player to this diagram:
+-----------------+
| Rhamondre |
| Treveyon |
| + Terrell |
| Jennings |
+-----------------+
|
| better
v
+-----------------+
| Antonio Gibson |
| out for the season|
| + D'Ernest |
| Johnson |
+-----------------+

this way, we can see if adding Terrell Jennings and D'Ernest Johnson would improve their run game

I'm low-key surprised they're actually doing something about their lackluster run game... not that it'll make a huge difference since Gibson's out for good . I mean, Terrell Jennings and Rhamondre Stevenson are just trying to fill the void, but we all know they can't do it on their own. And what's up with signing D'Ernest Johnson? Like, we haven't seen him do anything impressive yet... might be a case of 'oh well, he's cheaper than someone else' . Anyway, I wouldn't count my chickens just yet - if they're gonna make some moves, let's hope it's for the right reasons and not just to appease the fans .

Edge rushers are kinda easy to find in the market . I mean, Jennings is a vet but his playing time is limited. It's not like they're gonna break up the Landry-Chaisson duo unless it's for a huge price .

I'm loving this Patriots season so far , but I gotta say, their run game is kinda meh ... like, they're not getting that last push from Rhamondre & Treveyon, you know? And with Antonio out for the year, it's time to bring in some fresh legs . Terrell Jennings looks promising, but can they find someone who brings that extra oomph? Maybe a veteran like D’Ernest Johnson on the practice squad could be the answer? Who knows, maybe they'll make a surprise move and bring in Rashid Shaheed from the Saints? That would be sick!

I think the Patriots should just stick to what's working and not make a big move ...they got that 85.7% chance of making the playoffs which is pretty solid already . I know they need some depth in running back, but Terrell Jennings being elevated to the 53-man roster might just do the trick . And an in-house solution isn't a bad idea at all ...the problem with bringing in new players is that it can disrupt the whole chemistry of the team . Plus, Anfernee Jennings' playing time has been limited this season, so maybe they just need to give him more chances .

idk why ppl think patriots need 2 make huge moves lol they're doin fine rn, plus its not like they're gonna break the bank for someone besides, they gotta see how treveyon & rhamondre handle it w/ antonio out of commission

I don't know why they gotta make moves! Back in my day we wouldn't trade away our best players just 'cause we're feelin' a little uncertain. Now it's all about the analytics and stats, but I think that's what makes football so unpredictable. They got some good guys like Rhamondre Stevenson and Treveyon Henderson, maybe they should just give 'em more reps instead of changin' them up?

I think they're being smart by not making big moves now. They've got a solid squad and can weather any storms that come their way . But, gotta be honest, that run game is pretty weak atm . I'd love to see them pick up another RB, maybe someone who can bring some excitement to the table . Jennings and Stevenson are good guys, but they're not exactly setting the world on fire . And what's up with all these rumors about Jennings leaving? He was a key player in the past, I hope they don't let him go without giving him a proper farewell .

I don’t usually comment but I gotta say, the Patriots are definitely in a good spot right now... they've got a solid team and their schedule is looking pretty manageable . But at the same time, if they want to make some noise in the playoffs, they might need to make a move or two... maybe scoop up that Rashid Shaheed guy? I mean, he seems like he could bring some energy to Drake Maye's offense. And on defense, I think Terrell Jennings is a cool pickup - he's already been doing some decent stuff with Rhamondre Stevenson and Treveyon Henderson. Still, it's hard to say whether they need to make a big change or not... maybe they're just good enough as it stands?

I think it's cool how the Patriots are being cautious but still making moves to strengthen their team. They're not in a rush to make a huge trade, which is smart considering they already have some decent depth on the roster . But yeah, that running back situation is a bit of a mystery... do they go for another outside guy or try to develop what they got? Either way, it's always exciting to see them shake things up!

I don't think Anfernee Jennings is as bad off as everyone's making him out to be ... I mean, sure, he hasn't been seeing a ton of playing time this season, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's not a good fit for the team at all. He's still got experience playing with the previous defense and we know how Belichick likes his guys . Plus, he's only 6 years in so I think it's unfair to write him off just yet .

I gotta say, I'm lovin' how the Pats are shakin' things up a bit . They're not afraid to make moves and that's a good sign for fans like me who've been through all the ups and downs of Belichick era . It's about time they bring in some fresh blood, especially in that run game department – those guys have been strugglin' to get anythin' goin' .

I mean, I'm not sure what's goin' on with Anfernee Jennings, but if he's not gettin' the time he needs, maybe it's time for him to move on . And as for that Rashid Shaheed guy, I don't know much about him, but if they're thinkin' of bringin' in a receiver like that, I'm down .

It's gonna be interesting to see what happens next, especially with the trade deadline loomin' . I just hope they make some smart moves and not panic .

I'm watching how this plays out but personally think they should just find another RB who can contribute in a bigger way than Stevenson & Henderson

idk man, they're doin alright without makin some crazy moves . but u know how it is, gotta stay on top of their game, especially w/ RB depth bein a major concern . terrell Jennings comin in and de'ernest johnson joinin the practice squad's a good start tho . i think rashid shaheed would be a sick addition tho , but u never know w/ belichick at the helm, he'll prob do what he thinks is best

Umm, I'm like totally unsure about this ... The Patriots are trying to avoid making a big move, but at the same time, they need to address their running back situation ASAP ... I mean, if Rhamondre and Treveyon can't deliver, then maybe bringing in someone new will help... But on the other hand, Anfernee Jennings is like, already getting limited playing time ... Should they just stick with what's working or shake things up? I don't know, man... Maybe they'll find a way to make it work without making a huge move?

I'm loving this Patriots season so far . They've got a solid team and don't need to make any drastic moves just yet. I mean, they're already getting rid of Kyle Dugger and Keion White, which is fair enough considering their roles aren't crucial. The fact that ESPN has them at an 85.7% chance of making the playoffs is pretty reassuring too .

But, you know, when it comes to running back, I think they're getting a bit desperate . Rhamondre and Treveyon are doing okay, but they need some depth and maybe even someone with some game-changing skills? Terrell Jennings looks like he's worth a shot, but we'll see how that plays out.

If I were them, I'd keep an eye on Rashid Shaheed from the Saints - he seems like he could fit in nicely to their spread-the-wealth style. And as for Anfernee Jennings, I think they should just stick with what's working and not make any moves at all . Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson are killing it this season, so why mess with a good thing?

I'm loving how the Pats are shaking things up by letting some players go . It's like they're saying "you know what, we've got this" . I think getting Terrell Jennings and D'Ernest Johnson on the roster is a good move – it shows they're not afraid to make changes and look for upgrades . The question now is if they'll find someone who can help with that running game . Rashid Shaheed could be a solid pick-up, but I'm also intrigued by Anfernee Jennings' potential release – it'd be weird to see him go . Bring on the trade deadline, folks! It's gonna be interesting to see what the Pats do next

I'm thinking maybe they should get that Rashid Shaheed guy... he seems like a good fit for their spread-the-wealth style with Drake Maye... but at the same time, I don't know if they need another running back with Stevenson and Henderson doing okay... I mean, Jennings is getting some depth at RB but what about on defense? Should they let Anfernee go or try to make him fit in a different role... it's like they're stuck between keeping things simple and shaking up the roster...