3 New England Patriots players the Detroit Lions could trade for before the deadline

2. EDGE Josh Uche

Playing on the final year of his rookie contract, Uche fits the expiring contract template that may compel the Patriots to trade him. Albert Breer of SI.com has pointed right to the fourth-year edge rusher as someone who could be gone.

"And Uche, who’s more of a designated pass rusher in the Patriots’ defense, is the guy most likely to be moved, because he’ll probably be the most difficult of the group to re-sign. He also has, as an edge rusher, a premium skill that could bring New England a decent return."

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has also advanced Uche as a top trade candidate at the deadline.

Uche has just two sacks in six games played (36 percent of the defensive snaps in those games) this season, and he will miss his second straight game on Sunday due to toe and ankle injuries. His breakthrough campaign came last year, when he had 11.5 sacks in 15 games.

The injuries Uche is currently dealing with would not necessarily push away trade suitors, as they don't appear to be season-threatening. Some simple due diligence there would be good, so as to know if he'll miss any more games (the Lions having their bye in Week 9 shouldn't be overlooked).

Uche will be cheaper to get than some bigger name edge rushers (Brian Burns), and he would only be a rental as a sheer situational pass rusher. The Lions need some pass rush help for Aidan Hutchinson.

This is where I mention Uche is a Michigan alum and overlapped there with Hutchinson for two years, as if it really matters. But Hutchinson may have some insight into Uche, and we know the Lions value fit and team chemistry as much as pure football talent.