TreVeyon Henderson of Ohio State came aboard as Mike Vrabel's second-ever Patriots' draft pick in the 2025 second round. It was a massive investment in a player many observers thought could add a missing element, explosiveness, to a lackluster Patriots' backfield. The top returnees were fumbling Rhamondre Stevenson, who had as many fumbles as touchdowns (seven) in 2024, and all-purpose back, Antonio Gibson. Gibson is now out for the season with an ACL injury, and Stevenson has a toe issue. Thus, all signs now point to Henderson assuming the No. 1 back role.
While not quite on the Herschel Walker/ Eric Dickerson level, the Sauce Gardner blockbuster rivaled the Rams' Jalen Ramsey addition from 2019. Like the Ramsey exchange, the Gardner value brought two first-rounders and another asset (wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, in this case) for a 25-year-old All-Pro cornerback. Barely an hour later, the Jets followed through with a teardown by sending Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys for first- and second-round picks and defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
The Los Angeles Chargers, dealing with a decimated offensive line, agreed to a deal to acquire Trevor Penning from the New Orleans Saints, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday. The deal, agreed to just before the NFL trade deadline passed at 4 p.m. ET, gives the Chargers some depth in the wake of the season-ending ankle injury to Joe Alt on Sunday. But their offensive line woes don't stop with Alt's absence.
An impressive few weeks by the Patriots' receiving corps continued against the Falcons on Sunday, with Stefon Diggs scoring his second touchdown of the season, and DeMario Douglas having the best game of his career, recording four receptions for 100 yards and a score. Kayshon Boutte was also expected to be a big part of the offensive game plan, but suffered a hamstring injury that forced him to leave the game early.
Add defensive end Mykel Williams to the lengthy 49ers injury list, as the rookie first round draft pick sustained a torn ACL Sunday in a 34-24 road win over the New York Giants. The news was first reported by ESPN. Coach Kyle Shanahan, scheduled to speak to local media later Monday afternoon, said after the game the fear was Williams indeed had a torn ACL. You never know, so I
Dallas also appears to be open to trading 2023 first-round DT Mazi Smith, who has only played in five games this season. This is the first time the team has been mentioned as potentially moving on from Smith. Coming out of training camp, Smith was on the brink of being released after preseason standout Perrion Winfrey came on strong to finish the summer. The Cowboys also picked Jay Toia in the draft, who they were high on as a developmental player at the one-tech position.
One problem with the NFL trade deadline is that it's too early for some teams to make hard-and-fast decisions -- even though it has been moved back a week. The Panthers, for instance, enter Week 9 with a 4-4 record. Should they add? Should they trade players for draft picks? The answer probably depends on their outlook for the rest of the season, and whether they're real contenders now or still at least a year away. As a result, they probably stand pat this week.
Mafe, who turns 27 later this month, recorded a total of 15 sacks over the last two seasons, but he enters Sunday with zero sacks and only one tackle for loss in seven games this year. The 2022 second-round draft selection is set to become a free agent after this season. Woolen also was drafted in 2022 by Seattle -- in the sixth round -- and also has struggled this season after a great start to his career.
