This week, defensive tackle Christian Barmore and cornerback Carlton Davis were mentioned as potential trade candidates by Sports Illustrated Albert Bréer. According to Breer, trading either player would give New England an opportunity to add needed capital while getting younger.
Speaking on Wednesday, head coach Mike Vrabel responded to the report.
“I think sometimes national reports tend to do that. I haven’t shared that information with anyone,” Vrabel said. “You know, this time of year, I think all those things come into focus. So we’re focused on getting ready for Green Bay, fixing the game. I mean, that’s normal here. So, I don’t know where a lot of those things are coming from. Certainly no conversations with me.”
Davis, 29, played four games this season while dealing with a neck injury. When healthy, he played his usual starting role opposite Christian Gonzalez, with Vrabel showcasing his physicality and competitiveness.
Barmore, 27, has seen his playing time decrease slightly, playing just 50 percent of New England’s defensive snaps this season after recording 65 percent last year. The defensive tackle was productive at times, recording 3.5 sacks, his highest total since 2023.
Neither player has guaranteed that there will be money left on their contract beyond this season, making a potential trade a realistic possibility. However, would getting rid of two defensive contributors make sense for a 5-3 Patriots team with competitive aspirations?
“I don’t know. There’s probably a few ways to make this team better,” Vrabel responded. “You know, coach better, execute better, whether it’s adding guys on the street or in any number of ways. Again, we would have those conversations every day.”
Vrabel said he didn’t feel the need to discuss trade rumors with players, but instead kept the conversations focused on football and team preparation.
The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, November 10 at 4 p.m. ET. With less than a week to finalize the moves, Vrabel remains focused on the present.
“Right now, there’s still a week until the trade deadline,” Vrabel said. “We’re going to Munich next week. We’re focused on today and how we get better and how we can move the ball better, how we can affect the quarterback. All those things that, if we don’t do it, are going to be difficult.”
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