The New England Patriots are 3-8 on the season but have given fans reasons for hope over the past month. They’ve won two of their last four games, showing promise for the future. Although they are in the beginning stages of a rebuild, the Pats didn’t want to participate in a flurry of deals at the deadline.

The trade deadline was on Nov. 5, but the Pats actively decided to stand pat and shut down trade offers regarding two defenders.

Patriots News: New England Didn’t Engage in Trade Talks

In an article released by Jeremy Fowler that was published on Wednesday, he talked about the Patriots’ inactivity at the deadline due to teams’ interest in cornerback Christian Gonzalez and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux.

That wasn’t what New England was interested in so they didn’t partake in any deals.

“They did nothing at the deadline, suggesting this isn’t as big of a roster teardown as most thought. Well, it is and it isn’t. New England knows it’s far too short on building blocks. But at the deadline, opposing teams had interest in only key players, such as corner Christian Gonzalez or defensive tackle Davon Godchaux. The first player was a hard no, and the second is good enough to help keep the defense afloat up front. The maligned receiver room generated minimal to no interest. So New England stood pat.”

– Jeremy Fowler

After his rookie season was cut short due to a torn labrum, Gonzalez has been stellar for the Pats. He’s third on the team in total tackles (46) with six interceptions and one interception. In addition, he has a 77.8 passer rating allowed in coverage.

As for Godchaux, he has 37 total tackles and disrupts the run game for opposing teams. He also inked a two-year extension this summer that can rise up to $21 million.

The Pats want these guys in the building and kept them instead of acquiring draft capital.