The New England Patriots are interested in acquiring a running back at the NFL trade deadline (Nov. 4), according to various reports. The 6-2 Patriots are fielding a middling rushing attack right now, averaging an 18th-best 112.6 rushing yards per game.
Lead back Rhamondre Stevenson is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry and has lost two fumbles. Quarterback Drake Maye is within 30 yards of being the team’s rushing leader. Most concerning of all, head coach Mike Vrabel is unimpressed with rookie TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson is averaging six carries per game and has also lost a fumble.
The 6-2 Patriots haven’t run the football with consistent effectiveness. Acquiring an impact ball-carrier before the NFL trade deadline would improve their postseason chances. We’ve identified three potential targets.
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are in fire sale mode. They’ve traded cornerbacks Jarvis Brownlee and Roger McCreary in recent weeks to improve their capital in the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Mike Borgonzi and president Chad Brinker are trying to accumulate draft picks to accelerate the rebuild around franchise quarterback Cam Ward.
Tony Pollard is almost certainly available. Signed to a three-year, $21.75 million contract last offseason, he projects as a potential cap casualty this offseason if he’s not traded. Furthermore, interim head coach Mike McCoy has increased Tyjae Spears‘ playing time since taking over for Brian Callahan. The Titans could pair rookie running back Kalel Mullings with Spears to finish the season. Pollard is still a reliable running back who gets the yards that are blocked for him.
Breece Hall, New York Jets
Breece Hall is the most talented ball-carrier who may be available at the deadline. Would the New York Jets trade him within the division? The 1-7 Jets need additional 2026 NFL Draft capital. Hall is on an expiring contract. If general manager Darren Mougey isn’t interested in re-signing him, he shouldn’t possess any qualms about where he trades him, especially as a midseason rental.
Hall has been explosive and dynamic despite the Jets’ offensive struggles. The former Iowa State standout has rushed for 581 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 5.0 yards per carry, his best output since his eight-game rookie season. Hall’s dual-threat abilities would be an excellent fit in Josh McDaniels’ offense.
Devin Singletary, New York Giants
How aggressive are the Patriots getting in negotiations? If Vrabel is simply looking for a veteran to pair with Stevenson and Henderson, and options like Pollard and Hall are expensive, then Devin Singletary would qualify as serviceable. The New York Giants would almost certainly listen to offers on Singletary.
Giants rookie ball-carrier Cam Skattebo recently suffered a season-ending injury. That makes Singletary a little more valuable to Brian Daboll, but it’s worth noting that Joe Schoen almost certainly plans on cutting Singletary this coming offseason. They should accept draft-pick compensation for him if an offer materializes. The Giants could choose to ride Tyrone Tracy Jr. following Skattebo’s injury.
