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Jason McCourty, Barkevious Mingo, Joe Thomas. They were seen as possible trade targets by those who follow the Patriots. Apparently, only the Patriots themselves didn't see it that way: today's trade deadline came and passed and New England didn't make a deal for one of those three – or any other players for that matter.
Bill Belichick has been active the last three years when it comes to acquiring outside talent on the NFL season's last day open for trades. Aqib Talib (2012), Isaac Sopoaga (2013) and Jonathan Casillas (2014) were all brought in close to the deadline the last few years to help the team down the stretch. 2015, however, is different as the Patriots did not pull the trigger.
While this means that New England does not get any outside reinforcements, they will likely get some help from within as center Bryan Stork, defensive tackle Chris Jones and linebacker Dane Fletcher are all eligible to return from their respective reserve lists soon. Even without a trade, the 2015 Patriots' roster will likely get deeper in the upcoming weeks.