The New England Patriot's offense still feels to be in a bit of a state of flux since the offseason. While Tom Brady is still in the driver's seat, the unit lacks a real marquee name outside of the quarterback position. The offseason saw the Patriots basically depleting their offense almost every wide receiver and now another player might soon be seeing himself leaving New England. According to The Boston Herald's Jeff Howe, the team is discussing trade possibilities of Jeff Demps.
Demps is most known for his world class speed. He was part of the United States Track Team at last summer's Olympic Games in London. He earned a silver medal as part of the 4x100 relay team. His bursts of speed paired with his ability to be both a running back and return man makes him very attractive to most teams.
Demps however made headlines earlier this season when he made it known that track was his top priority and football was second. His training and competing schedule for track would cause him to miss part of the football season. This will make possible trade partners hard to find for the Patriots. The team signed Leon Washington in the offseason to cover them while Demps' status remains unclear.
Demps was a key member of the University of Florida football team, helping them win a third national title, but went undrafted until signing with the New England Patriots. He originally agreed to a three-year deal with the team. Demps spent the entire 2012 season on injured reserve with a foot injury and could likely never play another down of football again if the Patriots are unable to trade him.
The trading of Demps comes after the Patriots were unable to sign restricted free agent Emmanuel Sanders. The team originally signed him to an offer sheet, but the Pittsburgh Steelers matched the Patriots' offer and retained the wide receiver. This leaves the Patriots to look towards the draft to stock up on a few offensive players. The Patriots will draft at No. 29 overall and then again at No.59 in the second round. While the team is likely to target a defensive player in the first round, they may make a pull at a running back in round two. Eddie Lacy is considered this year's best back and could fall to the second round after an underwhelming Pro Day.
If the Patriots are unable to trade Demps, it is unclear what exactly the team will do with him. Demps is expecting the team to work around his track schedule and if they are unwilling, he may find himself simply released.
