Patriots Potential Buyers; Jaguars Deny Thomas Trade

With the Nov. 4 trade deadline approaching, the New England Patriots (6-2) are being monitored as potential buyers who could add a defensive back, pass rusher or RB/WR depth. Trade chatter has also centered on Jacksonville second-year receiver Brian Thomas Jr., with reports that the Jaguars were listening to calls but coach Liam Coen has emphatically denied any plans to move him. Jacksonville views Thomas as a long-term asset despite a sophomore slump (27 catches, 365 yards, 1 TD through seven games) and elevated drops, and the team comes off a bye at 4-3 ahead of a Week 9 matchup with the Raiders. The Jaguars recently acquired veteran corner Greg Newsome in the Tyson Campbell deal; coaches say Newsome is settling into the scheme and is expected to grow into a meaningful role. While media speculation continues, outlets say much of the Thomas chatter remains rumor rather than imminent reality, and teams like New England could still make splash defensive or depth moves before the deadline.