The Mike Vrabel era has started neutral for the New England Patriots. While the team is 1-1 to start the season, things have looked a bit iffy, mainly concerning the defense.
Throughout the first two games so far, the Patriots‘ D has given up 26.5 points per game, a high amount after the numerous defensive acquisitions made in free agency, which would be the 15th highest in the league so far.
The defensive position group the Patriots could see more production from is the linebacker group. Only one New England LB is in the top 5 tackles for the team this season, Christian Elliss, who leads the team with 16.
The Patriots signed linebacker Robert Spillane to a three-year, $33 million contract after he recorded 158 tackles last season for the Las Vegas Raiders, tied for the third most tackles in the league.
Spillane has underwhelmed so far in his first two games of his Patriots tenure, only recording 6 tackles.
To help combat the low tackle numbers from Patriot linebackers, the team could acquire a linebacker through trade. An NFL writer has listed the New England Patriots as a potential suitor for a linebacker who plays in the NFC South.
Patriots Trade For DJ Wonnum
GettyDJ Wonnum was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 4th round of the 2020 NFL Draft
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox released his NFL trade block big board before Week 3, naming a defensive end turned linebacker for the Patriots.
Knox listed Carolina Panthers LB DJ Wonnum as a fit for New England, as the Panthers are currently going through a rebuild.
The reality is that Wonnum is one of the better veterans on a Panthers defense in the midst of a rebuild. The 27-year-old is set to be a free agent in 2026, and the Panthers, if they continue to lose, could be in the market for a new coach and a new quarterback by then,” Knox wrote.
“Wonnum is an underrated difference-maker who should draw interest from multiple playoff hopefuls.”
Knox mentions rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen as reasons to trade away Wonnum, as it would give the first-year players more opportunities.
If the Patriots were to trade for the Panthers‘ linebacker, they would have to give up a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to Knox’s trade proposal.
What Wonnum Brings To Foxborough
GettyCarolina Panthers defender DJ Wonnum
DJ Wonnum is currently in his sixth season in the league and has entered his second with the Carolina Panthers.
The linebacker is off to a slow start to this season with only 4 tackles, but can be utilized more if he were to switch back to his old position
In his second season and fourth season with the Minnesota Vikings, Worrum find himself the more productive, as he recorded 8 sacks in both seasons as a pass rusher primarily.
The Patriots could trade for Wonnum and put him at the front 4, as the team had the least amount of sacks last season. Or put him in at linebacker, while waiting for players to come back from IR (Jahlani Tavai).
New England currently leads the league in sacks with 9, but if they want to see more prodcution, they could add DJ Wonnum.
Patriots Named Potential Suitor For 212 Tackle Linebacker In Trade