With the trade deadline clock ticking toward 4 p.m. ET, and a 7-2 record fueling championship hopes, the New England Patriots are in a race against time. The team is actively exploring the market for running back help, according to league sources, as they navigate injuries and a lack of depth at the position. This situation has forced the front office into a high-stakes decision: gamble with the current roster, or pay a premium to acquire a final piece for a deep playoff run.
Why Is Running Back Such an Urgent Need for the Patriots?
Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on a table prior to a press conference at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on a table prior to a press conference at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
An apparent vulnerability in the backfield has complicated New England’s late-season push. The team’s situation became more urgent after starter Antonio Gibson was lost for the season with a torn ACL. While rookie TreVeyon Henderson has shown promise, averaging 4.3 yards per carry and accumulating 228 rushing yards through eight games, the coaching staff appears hesitant to give him a full-time workload between the tackles. This uncertainty has amplified the need for outside help. The search for stability extends beyond just one injury, as noted by ESPN’s Dan Graziano:
“The Patriots … are looking for a veteran to add depth even if Stevenson’s absence is short-term.”
It is rare for a team to openly acknowledge its needs, which often suggests that a move is imminent. For the Patriots, the pieces are in place to make something happen. Their financial flexibility is currently unmatched, as no other team has as much available cap space. When you add their ten draft picks for 2026 to the equation, New England is sitting on an impressive arsenal of assets. Combined with their 7-2 record and the real possibility of January football, the logic behind acquiring another running back is clear.
However, there is a major obstacle: the market is thin. Few teams are selling quality running backs, and those that are know they can demand a high price. This leaves New England juggling a difficult balance. The front office can either pay the premium and risk disrupting a strong locker room, or it can stand pat and gamble that the current backfield is enough to carry the team through a playoff run. Head coach Mike Vrabel addressed this delicate dynamic directly, emphasizing the importance of team chemistry.
“We never want to disrupt the locker room. We also want to bring in good players that we think could fit.”
The Patriots are clearly motivated to add a running back before the deadline passes. Their need, assets, and ambition all point toward a potential move. Whether they can execute a trade that satisfies both the market price and their locker room culture remains to be seen. The next few hours will tell the story.