The trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and the New England Patriots are viewed as a potential buyer this year. They are an ascending young football team with an elite quarterback under center and plenty of money to spend.

The New England Patriots have not qualified for the NFL playoffs since the 2021 season, their longest such drought since the early 90s. However, all signs point toward them ending their three-year streak of missing the postseason in 2025: currently sitting at 7-2 and as the second seed in the AFC — one who will be facing a favorable schedule down the stretch — the team of head coach Mike Vrabel is as close a playoff lock as any team in football right now.