We're On To ... 2024? Reeling New England Patriots 'Sellers' at NFL Trade Deadline

Owning the AFC's worst record at 2-6 and next April's No. 5 overall NFL Draft pick, it's time for 2023 New England Patriots to start focusing on 2024 and beyond.

The worst New England Patriots season in almost a quarter-century continues to deteriorate. But is it so hapless and hopeless that coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft will decide to raise the white flag on 2023 and hold a trade-deadline fire sale in hopes of improving in 2024 and beyond?

In lieu of their sad state - the last time they were 2-6 was 2000 - the Patriots might be "sellers" at Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. Why?

*After Sunday's 14-point loss in Miami, they have the worst record in the AFC. In the entire NFL, only the Carolina Panthers (1-6) and Arizona Cardinals (1-7) have fewer wins.

*In the Super Bowl era only three of 191 teams to start 2-6 recovered to make the playoffs (2022 Jaguars, 2020 Commanders and 1970 Bengals).

Bill Belichick is suffering his worst season with the Patriots since 2000

*A season besieged by injuries continued Sunday, with leading receiver Kendrick Bourne suffering a season-ending torn ACL. He joins the previous losses of leading pass-rusher Matthew Judon (biceps) and star rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez (shoulder).

Belichick is famous for his singular, week-to-week focus, but "we're moving on to ... " doesn't have the same impact when the reeling Pats next host 3-5 Washington next Sunday before traveling to Frankfurt, Germany to play the 3-5 Colts. Hard to believe, but the six-time Patriots are teetering on the brink of being wholly irrelevant.

"For someone like myself, and a lot of guys on this team, we're in unchartered waters," said special teams captain Matthew Slater, who has won three Super Bowls and played on 12 playoff teams in New England. "If you're going to play this game, you have to be committed to it, regardless of what your record is. We're going to find out a lot of things about who we are."

With this year all but ruined, New England can already turn its attention to repairing next season.

The Patriots currently have the No. 5 overall pick in next April's NFL Draft. And they have valuable commodities if another team seeking help for a postseason push comes calling at Tuesday's deadline.

Linebacker Josh Uche is drawing strong interest. Tight end Hunter Henry, receiver Tyquan Thornton, safety Adrian Phillips and offensive lineman Michael Onwenu are also all considered potential trade candidates.

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