The NFL trading deadline is Nov. 1. But Bill Belichick and the Patriots didn't wait till the last minute to make some moves.
Already one of the more active trade teams in the league in training camp and the early season, New England dealt away tight end AJ Derby to the Broncos on Tuesday.
ESPN says the Patriots got a fifth-round pick from Denver to "entice" them into the deal. The site also has a breakdown of the New England dealing for former Lions linebacker Kevin Van Noy.
Another way the Patriots could add depth to the team is from players on PUP, as the Boston Globe reports that guard Tre’ Jackson and running back Dion Lewis may both be close to returning to action. What the Globe hypes as Bill-Patriots II could be different than the first matchup in many ways. The Globe also writes that based on numbers the Patriots defense is getting better, while noting the two trades.
The Globe looks at the release of a trailer for the Tom Brady-backed documentary series.
The Boston Herald thinks the Patriots defense could use a “real test” before the playoffs in order to find out what it's made of. The Herald *notebook has Devin McCourty wishing Derby the best with the Broncos after the trade. *Herald columnist Steve Buckley believes that as a football fan you have to love Rex Ryan. The Herald also looks at a career year for one Patriots offensive star.
The* Providence Journal's film review says the Patriots defense bears watching. The *ProJo also notes the Derby and Van Noy trades.
ESPN says running back LeGarrette Blount is “having a blast” this season and it shows on the field. The site also lists three linebackers who worked out of the Patriots this week, including one with New England ties.
WEEI.com focuses on the season that first-year captain Rob Gronkowski is having in New England. WEEI.com looks at how Van Noy could fit with the Patriots. WEEI.com notes Ryan saying the Patriots and Bills "don’t like each other."
CSNNE.com says there hasn’t been a lot of talk about right tackle Marcus Cannon, and that’s a good thing. CSNNE.com says Bill Belichick won’t rule out Lewis and Jackson beginning to practice this week.
NFL.com notes that for the third-straight year the Patriots added linebacker depth via a midseason trade. The site also says that the Falcons have signed former Patriots running back Stevan Ridley.
BuffaloBills.com has the top storylines for this week’s battle with the Bills.
