The New England Patriots recently suffered a major injury blow, losing star linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley for the season. This loss has left a large hole in the Patriots’ defense.

With Bentley out for the season, New England is viewed as a team that could consider trading for a linebacker before the deadline.

ESPN has revealed an interesting name to keep an eye on as a possible transfer target. Dan Graziano suggested that the Patriots could be a potential trade suitor for linebacker EJ Speed ​​from the Indianapolis Colts.

“They just put Ja’Whaun Bentley on the injured list (torn pectoral muscle), so that makes sense. The Bills and Raiders are other possibilities.”

Speed ​​would certainly be a good fit for New England. He showed great talent with the Colts and would be an immediate fit as a starter and key player on the team’s defense.

So far in the 2024 NFL season, Speed ​​has totaled 22 tackles in two games, but he has not recorded any other notable statistics.

In 2023, Speed ​​​​had the best year of his career, totaling 102 tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles and four passes defensed.

These numbers show the impact Speed ​​can make. At 29, he would also be a player the Patriots could keep beyond the 2024 season.

However, Speed ​​will hit the free agent market after the 2024 season. New England could try to tie him to a contract extension if they trade him. Or, if things don’t go as expected, they could move on.

Granted, this is all just speculation and a simple suggestion for a possible trade target. Speed ​​would make sense for the Patriots, but for now, it’s just an idea they’d be very happy to pursue.

Don’t forget to bookmark New England Patriots on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film analysis and more!