Bill Belichick is standing by his phone.
As Tuesday's trade deadline approaches (4 p.m. ET), the Patriots have yet to make a move, though they've already swung trades for Jon Bostic and Akiem Hicks earlier this season.
"We're always open to discussions," Belichick said on WEEI Monday, via CSN New England. "I think everybody in the league probably knows that. Our phone lines are open. Who knows? It's hard to tell. It takes two to make a deal and it has to be the right situation and all that."
Belichick has proven himself over the years to be far more receptive to a deal than other contenders, confident that his multiple defenses and machine-like offense have a place for everyone. In 2012, he snagged Aqib Talib, and in 2014, he landed former Titans second-round pick Akeem Ayers.
New England obviously needs some help across the offensive line despite the fact that position coach Dave DeGuglielmo has done a nice job rotating players and creating depth across the front five.
A big target for Tom Brady is never far out of the realm of possibility, either. The Patriots did sign Reggie Wayne this preseason before Wayne opted to retire. Belichick dealt for Randy Moss back in 2007 and there are a slew of unhappy veteran targets waiting to move as we speak.
Cornerback would not be a huge surprise, either.
Belichick knows how to create a contender but he also knows when he has an absolute contender on his hands. This year's Patriots team seems like the safest bet to reach the Super Bowl, especially with all other obvious competitors touting a glaring weakness. The Broncos attempted to solve one of their problems on Monday, trading for versatile tight end Vernon Davis in exchange for a trio of late-round picks. It couldn't hurt to add another piece into the mix.
