Patriots Could Add Running Back, Safety After 2 Big Trades

The Patriots got the week of the NFL trade deadline off to a fast start at Foxborough, with a pair of trades featuring high-profile players as well as a major new contract extension for one of the roster’s better role players.

The two players leaving town are pass-rusher Keion White and safety Kyle Dugger. Before those deals, the Patriots announced they’d signed cornerback and return man Marcus Jones to a contract extension.

White, a second-round pick from 2023 who started 13 games in 2024 but slipped behind new additions K’Lavon Chaisson and Harold Landry on the depth chart, will head to the 49ers. Dugger was also dealt, as he heads to Pittsburgh. Dugger, also a second-rounder in 2020, was a stalwart in the defensive backfield under Bill Belichick, but does not very well fit the style of safety the Patriots want under Mike Vrabel.

In both cases, the Patriots packaged seventh-round picks in 2026 with the veterans, and received sixth-round picks in exchange.

Patriots Will Need to Fill Roster Spots

While the trades are not major surprises, the timing of them might be. New England now has two spots open, and speculation holds that the Patriots have done so to create room for some new addition (or additions) that could be incoming this week.

The trade deadline is in seven days, on Tuesday, November 4.

The Patriots still value improving their draft stock and building out the roster going forward with young players. At the same time, the team is 6-2 and facing a very soft remaining schedule that makes 11 wins look not only doable, but likely.

The Patriots have the most cap space available in the league, and are in position to pull off a major trade if they so chose. That’s not likely, but they’re still positioned to make a shrewd acquisition ahead of the deadline, perhaps even before the Week 9 game against Atlanta.

Patriots Safety Depth Is Lacking

Certainly, the addition of a safety appears to be a must. Rookie fourth-rounder Craig Woodson has played nearly every snap on defense this year, and Jaylinn Hawkins has played nearly every snap when healthy–he missed two games with a hamstring injury.

Dell Pettus and Brenden Schooler are on the roster for depth, but have not played much. Expect the Patriots to elevate Richie Grant, the former Falcons starter who signed with the Patriots two weeks ago, to the 53-man roster.

Unless, that is, the team can find a better safety-depth answer via trade.

Trade Deadline Could Bring a Running Back, or Defensive Help

It’s likely, too, that the Patriots will fill another roster spot with a running back. Vrabel said this week that the plan is to elevate Terrell Jennings and sign him to a standard contract, which the team would have to do under NFL rules. Jennings has gone up and down from the practice squad to the roster the maximum three times.

But the Patriots added two running backs on Tuesday, too, signing Jonathan Ward and Rushawn Baker to the practice squad. The Patriots could potentially add one to the active roster, too.

And there’s still the looming possibility of a trade. The Patriots could be in the market for a running back upgrade or a new safety, both of which are non-premium positions and could be available for a relatively low cost.

The Patriots could also be on the lookout for pass-rushing help, as well as a wide receiver, though both of those spots would require a heftier outlay of draft capital to address. With a week to go before the deadline, though, it’s not likely the Patriots are done with the dealing.

BREAKING: 2-time Gold Glove Player Turns Down Tigers' $50M Offer to Stay with Yankees: 'My Heart Belongs to the Bronx Bombers'

New York, NY – October 17, 2025

The New York Yankees’ offseason, already mired in uncertainty following a disappointing ALDS exit, just received a major boost. Outfielder Trent Grisham has turned down a lucrative four-year, $50 million offer from the Detroit Tigers, opting to remain with the Bronx Bombers as a free agent. The decision, announced today, underscores Grisham’s deep loyalty to the team that revitalized his career after a challenging stint with the San Diego Padres.

According to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, the Tigers emerged as a frontrunner to snag Grisham, viewing him as the ideal solution to their glaring center field woes. Detroit’s 2025 season crumbled with Parker Meadows’ injury-plagued .220 average over 72 games—the first full-time center fielder since Anthony Gose in 2015. Grisham’s elite defense and breakout power (143 games, .235/.348/.464 slash line, 34 homers, 74 RBIs) made him a perfect fit for a lineup desperate for stability and pop.

Spotrac’s projected market value pegged Grisham at precisely $50 million over four years—a bargain for his two-way prowess. Yet, the 28-year-old lefty, who platooned effectively in New York’s outfield while providing Gold Glove-caliber range, chose heart over dollars. “I had glorious times in Detroit’s pursuit, but my heart has always belonged to the Yankees,” Grisham said in a heartfelt statement. “Now, if the team needs me, I’m ready to take a pay cut to return. For me, wearing the pinstripes again means more than any contract.”

Yankees GM Brian Cashman praised the commitment, calling it “a testament to the culture we’re building.” With the team eyeing rotation reinforcements and potential extensions for stars like Aaron Judge, Grisham’s willingness to accept a reduced deal (likely $12-15 million annually) provides crucial flexibility in a projected $300 million payroll.

For the Tigers, the rejection is a blow to their AL Central ambitions after blowing a 15.5-game division lead. Manager A.J. Hinch had envisioned Grisham stabilizing the outfield, but now Detroit must pivot to other targets.

Yankees Universe erupted on X, with #GrishamStays trending. “From platoon player to Bronx hero—welcome home, Trent!” one fan tweeted. As the hot stove simmers, Grisham’s loyalty could signal a turning point for New York’s 2026 campaign. The Bronx Bombers just got a reminder: some players are worth more than market value.

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