On Football: The Patriots, like most other teams, are held in check at deadline
Tuesday, October 29
• Trent Williams is reportedly ending his holdout and will return to the Redskins this season, according to ESPN. Previously, the team had said they would be open to trading the left tackle, who hasn’t appeared in a game this season due to issues with the Washington medical staff.
• The Patriots cut kicker Mike Nugent, according to Sports Illustrated/MMQB. But don’t expect New England to trade for his replacement. Nora Princiotti explains why.
The Patriots are cutting K Mike Nugent, per sources.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 29, 2019
• Former Patriot Aqib Talib is on the move: The cornerback has been traded from the Rams to the Dolphins, along with a future pick, according to ESPN.
Talib, who was on the Patriots from 2012 to 2014, was placed on injured reserve in mid-October due to a rib injury.
• At 0-8, the Bengals are sellers, not buyers, at the deadline. According to the Athletic, the Patriots are among the teams showing “the most interest” in Cincinnati tight end Tyler Eifert.
The Patriots are among the teams that have shown the most interest in Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert, per source. Not sure if the Bengals will relax the price enough to trade him.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) October 29, 2019
Adding a tight end makes sense for New England -- Ryan Izzo and Matt LaCosse both missed Sunday’s win over the Browns.
• The New York Daily News is reporting that the Jets are open to trading RB Le’Veon Bell, who signed with the team during the offseason.
The trade will require “the right price” and would allow general manager Joe Douglas, who left the Eagles to lead the Jets in June, a chance to clear out salary while he tries to shape his roster.
That’s not all: ESPN’s Rich Cimini says there’s a chance the Jets could deal star safety Jamal Adams as well.
The hot name right now is Jamal Adams. It wouldn’t shock me if he gets dealt. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) October 29, 2019
• During a conference call Tuesday morning, coach Bill Belichick acknowledged the constraints of the Patriots’ cap room: “We wouldn’t have enough cap space right now to just go out and acquire any player.” Belichick also noted the team cannot use all of its available room at the deadline because some must be available for moves in the second half of the season.
Honest assessment from Belichick about one major trade constraint: “We wouldn’t have enough cap space right now to just got out and acquire any player... there are some players we just wouldn’t be able to do that with. You can’t change the contract”
— Nora Princiotti (@NoraPrinciotti) October 29, 2019
Monday, October 28
• NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Washington Redskins are “open to dealing” left tackle Trent Williams, who was first linked to the Patriots during training camp. Williams, disgruntled over Washington’s medical staff, has not yet played in a game this season.
Related: Forget about receivers or tight ends, Patriots need offensive linemen (and a kicker)
• Jay Glazer of FOX Sports said the Patriots are “still in the market” for a receiver, even after they traded for Sanu.
• Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported tight ends Tyler Eifert (Cincinnati Bengals) and O.J. Howard (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) are “players that appeal to the Patriots.” La Canfora also reported that some general managers believe coach Bill Belichick will pursue Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green. He also floated out the possibility that the team could re-acquire offensive tackle Nate Solder from the New York Giants.
Sunday, October 27
• Former Patriots coaching assistant Michael Lombardi said Sunday the team was “not involved in any deals” because of its limited cap space. The team has $2.8 million in room.
I would never say never, but the Pats are not involved in any deals right now, as they are limited in cap room. The trade of Bennett was essentially for Sanu, in terms of cap room.
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) October 27, 2019