TreVeyon Henderson’s latest health update has pushed the Patriots’ running back situation into sharper focus, and if New England wants to add help before the Nov. 10 trade deadline, there are a few names worth watching.
Henderson had already been sidelined by ankle issues this season, and his absence has forced the Patriots to lean more on Rhamondre Stevenson and the rest of their available backs. But the situation took a more serious turn when Henderson said he went through an “unexpected and unusual medical emergency” that involved unexplained neurological symptoms and led to several days in the hospital. His test results were “positive and reassuring,” but doctors still haven’t found the cause, and there’s no clear timeline for his return.
That uncertainty makes the trade market a natural place for New England to look. And at the top of the list is Jonathan Taylor.
Taylor is the biggest name available, but he would also cost the most. The Colts have opened the door to a deal for the three-time Pro Bowler, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter has linked the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks to him.
Taylor has piled up 610 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 148 carries this season, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt. Indianapolis reportedly turned down an offer that included a 2027 second-round pick and another selection, and Schefter has said the Colts would want a package similar to the second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round picks Carolina got for Christian McCaffrey in 2022.
Taylor is under contract through 2028, so this would be much more than a short-term fix.
If the Patriots want a different style of back, Derrick Henry is another name to keep in mind. ESPN’s Dan Graziano said Henry is worth monitoring, and the Ravens have reportedly gotten inquiries about the veteran.
NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported that league executives believe Henry could fetch third-round value. Through nine games, the 32-year-old has run for 689 yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt.
Baltimore would still have to decide whether it wants to move one of its most established offensive players.
Tony Pollard could be the cleaner fit if New England is trying to avoid paying premium draft capital. The Titans have drawn interest from multiple teams, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, but general manager Mike Borgonzi has not entered trade talks.
There’s no confirmed asking price right now. Pollard has rushed for 595 yards and six touchdowns on 133 carries through eight games, averaging 4.47 yards per attempt.
He’s also coming off back-to-back strong outings, with 129 yards and three touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7, then 117 yards and two scores against the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday.
Breece Hall is also in the conversation, though the Jets have shown little interest in moving him. Aaron Glenn addressed the chatter on Nov. 2 and said the team was in the business of keeping good players and that Hall would stay in New York.
Hall has only 163 rushing yards and one touchdown on 51 carries through three games, averaging 3.2 yards per attempt, and a quadriceps injury has kept him out since Week 3. He ran for 1,065 yards last season and added 350 receiving yards, and the Jets would have to reverse course before any deal could happen.
There’s no reported asking price.
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