The Patriots are moving on from Davon Godchaux… or at least they hope.
New England reportedly has given the veteran defensive tackle permission to seek a trade. Godchaux’s representatives have been in contact with interested teams, per the report, which states the veteran likely will be on the move given a defensive scheme shift.
It’s a smart move on the part of the organization, in more ways than one.
Godchaux has been a good player since joining the fold in 2021, but moving in a different direction would send a few pointed messages: the club is obviously changing the scheme, clearly intends to invest heavily in the trenches this offseason and — to be quite frank — needs to re-define what a leader is in their system.
NEW-LOOK DEFENSE
The Patriots have run a similar base defensive scheme for nearly three decades, but that appears to be changing under Mike Vrabel and Terrell Williams.
Williams will have full autonomy over the unit, which likely means he’ll bring tenants from his stints with the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions — both of which primarily featured four down linemen. New England typically used less, calling on the interior defensive front to two-gap their way through games and open up opportunities for the linebackers to make plays. Tennessee and Detroit do the opposite, letting the big boys cause chaos, leaving the second level to clean up whatever spills past the front lines.
How does that relate to the trade?
Godchaux is a classic two-gap run defender, which means the cost to keep him on the roster no longer gels with the importance of his role. New England will pay to get rid of him, but the little money that is saved from an eventual trade is nowhere near the importance of an opening along the defensive front.
(LITERALLY) BULKING UP
New England is going to dedicate a ton of resources to the offensive and defensive lines.
Vrabel has already mentioned his intention of shoring up those units, and one look at the market would suggest there are opportunities to do so. Levi Onwuzurike (free agency), Milton Williams (free agency), Darius Alexander (draft) and Alfred Collins (draft) are personal favorites, serving as just a few options in a very deep class of attainable upgrades.
LEADERSHIP IS EARNED
Godchaux was almost forced into a leadership role last season, with vocal leaders like Ja’Whaun Bentley, Lawrence Guy, Jabrill Peppers and Matthew Judon being removed from the equation for a litany of reasons.
The Patriots can’t afford to let that happen again.
Godchaux just doesn’t mesh with that role, and specifically didn’t after he spent the entire offseason angling for a new contract, called out teammates during the season and saw his production slip.
It’s a “New Era” in New England — which should be trademarked at this point — and resetting the table with guys who have proven their ability to establish a positive environment is important.
