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Patriots Make Trade With 49ers After 8 Games Played

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jackson Stone | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 7:12 PM ET

The New England Patriots have enjoyed a strong first half of the 2025 season, currently sitting at 6-2 after last week's home demolition of the Cleveland Browns by a score of 32-13. Quarterback Drake Maye was once again electric in this contest, completing 18-of-24 pass attempts for 282 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Overall, the Patriots have been able to take advantage of an easy schedule to place themselves firmly in the race for the AFC East crown this regular season, and all of the success has had many wondering whether the team would make any moves at all ahead of the trade deadline, set for Nov. 4, or be content to keep things as is.

On Tuesday, fans got their answer with an unexpected move from the team.

Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots lead the AFC East.Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

"Trade! The Patriots are sending DE Keion White to the 49ers, per sources. New England gets a 2026 6th-round pick for a 2026 7th-rounder and White, who had five sacks last season," reported Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network on X.

The 26-year-old White has appeared in five games for the Patriots this season, most recently on Oct. 19 against the Tennessee Titans, and amassed six total tackles on the campaign. As Pelissero referenced, White was much more productive a season ago.

The former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket was selected in the second round, number 46 overall, by the Patriots back in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The move signals New England's contentment with the defensive starting unit they've been trotting out on the field this year, as well as the team's desire to continue accumulating future draft assets as their rebuild reaches its conclusion.

Overall, the Patriots' defense has been a solid unit this season, continuing to put together solid performances even as the offense draws most of the headlines, all despite frequent injury concerns for star cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

The Patriots will next take the field on Sunday at home against the spiraling Atlanta Falcons at 1:00 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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