FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots traded former first-round pick Sony Michel to the Rams for two conditional late-round picks (fifth and sixth round).
For the Patriots, the deal opened up a roster space by dealing from a position of strength.
With Damien Harris entrenched as the starter, young backs Rhamondre Stevenson and JJ Taylor showing they are ready for roles, and James White and Brandon Bolden as the old-reliables, the Patriots were possibly looking at keeping upwards of six running backs on the 53-man roster. That's just not sustainable if you're building a roster.
The Rams needed to make a deal because Cam Akers tore his right Achilles tendon before training camp, and no one stepped up to help Darrell Henderson Jr.
BSJ ANALYSIS
Good to see Bill Belichick just take what he could and move on, instead of dragging this out in hopes of driving a harder bargain. In previous years, Belichick would have kept Michel on the roster and parted with a younger like Taylor who, might not be perfect right now, but could be given a chance for more reps.
The trade compensation is disappointing. Perhaps if the Patriots gave Michel the fifth-year option at $4.53 million, they could have received more in return. For the Rams, there's no guarantee they will get more than a season from Michel. If he leaves in free agency, we can't see them getting more than a 4th or 5th for a compensatory pick — in the best scenario.
Michel was a good, solid player for the Patriots, but he just never lived up to being a first-round pick, much like N'Keal Harry.