The New England Patriots have surprisingly emerged as one of the best teams in the AFC this season. After drafting in the top five in back-to-back seasons, their turnaround has been instantaneous and spectacular. The rise of Drake Maye to superstardom, coupled with the arrival of a new head coach in Mike Vrabel, has helped elevate the team.
At 6-2, they have the second-best record in the conference and a blockbuster victory over the Buffalo Bills. However, they aren’t without fault, as the running back room remains a question mark. As a result, with doubts remaining about their current core, one analyst has a perfect candidate in mind for the franchise with the trade deadline fast approaching.
New England Patriots Could Aim for Running Back Help
Maye has earned the MVP buzz that has accompanied him this season, ranking third on PFSN’s QB Impact. He has been the biggest reason for the success New England has had thus far this year, as the running back room remains in shambles.
Their two primary options, Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, both rank outside the top 30, with the fumble problems for the former and the inexperience for the latter serving as major hurdles for the team to overcome.
However, with an electric start that has them hoping to make a splash in the postseason rather than just making it, the team could seek ways to improve the unit. As a result, Ayden Stroupe of PFSN believes the Patriots could seek to add Chubba Hubbard.
The Carolina Panthers star has seen his role diminished with the addition of Rico Dowdle to the roster. However, he still remains wildly effective with 282 yards on the ground and 118 yards through the air, despite splitting snaps with Dowdle.
“For the Patriots, Hubbard provides a legitimate starter who can handle volume and bring more explosiveness than their backfield has shown. The price is reasonable, the upside is substantial, and it gives New England one less variable to worry about in the second half of the season.”
Thanks to the ascension of Dowdle, Carolina could be open to moving Hubbard, despite signing him to a four-year extension worth $33.2 million in 2024. After 1,195 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry through 15 games last season, the upside is undeniable.
He might not fix every problem that New England has, or could potentially encounter through the season. Still, he offers a straightforward solution for one of the biggest weaknesses currently on the roster.
