Patriots linked to two star players ahead of trade deadline

The New England Patriots are off to a surprising 4-2 start this season, but they have not gotten much help from their running game. They may look to address that ahead of the trade deadline, and two star players are viewed as potential targets for Mike Vrabel’s team.

Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston discussed the current state of the Patriots during a Tuesday appearance on WEEI’s “Jones and Keefe” show. When asked if he believes there is a chance the team could look to acquire a running back ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline, Curran said that is “undeniably” an area in which New England should want to improve.

Host Adam Jones then asked Curran if the reporter believes the Patriots could target a Pro Bowl-caliber player like New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara or New York Jets star Breece Hall.

“I think they’d be open to anything, which is kind of a cop out on my part,” Curran said. “But what will it cost for Alvin Kamara? What will it cost for Breece Hall? Would Breece Hall even be entertained by the Jets within the division? Look, any port in the storm, you cannot walk around with a running back and a half, which is basically what they are doing right now.”

The Patriots have averaged just 91.5 rushing yards per game, which ranks 26th in the NFL. Rhamondre Stevenson is averaging 3.1 yards per carry and has lost four fumbles. Rookie running back TreyVeon Henderson has not emerged as the explosive playmaker many expected him to be after his outstanding showing during the preseason.

As Curran mentioned, a lot of what the Patriots do (or don’t do) will depend upon price. The Jets are unlikely to trade Hall within the AFC East. Kamara is on the wrong side of 30, so New England probably would not want to give up much for him.

What we do now is that Patriots fans have made it clear they are tired of the current situation. Drake Maye looks to have taken a huge Year 2 leap, and New England needs to find a way to support him with a run game. It would not be a surprise if they attempt to do that via trade.