Isaac Sopoaga (97) during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers. Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
The trade deadline had plenty of rumors, but it was a largely uneventful day that saw just one trade go down the pipes. It was rumored earlier in the day that the Philadelphia Eagles had some interest in shopping nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga, and ESPN Boston’s incredible Mike Reiss tweeted out his speculation that the Patriots could try and ask the Eagles about Sopoaga. Maybe Reiss wasn’t just speculating, as the Patriots sent a fifth-round pick to the Eagles for Sopoaga and a sixth-round pick.
So basically the Patriots traded down in this year’s draft in order to take a flier on a big defensive tackle who can stuff the run due to his massive size and help soften the blow of losing Vince Wilfork for the year. It was a great idea from Bill Belichick and the Patriots, since they tried to fill up a big need and gave up very little in order to do so.
Sadly, Sopoaga wasn’t the fix the team was looking for, and it’s becoming clear that the 32-year-old isn’t an effective player anymore. The Patriots will be getting Wilfork, Tommy Kelly, and Armond Armstead back from injuries, and any upgrades they make will be to get a younger player at the position. Plus, the underrated Sealver Siliga emerged as the guy Sopoaga was supposed to be (big, run-stuffing DT) and is certainly much cheaper and younger.
According to ESPN Boston’s Field Yates, the Patriots will “likely” make Sopoaga a cap casualty, as he will make $7 million in base salary in each of the next two seasons until his contract runs out in 2016; he’s not worth the price.