The New England Patriots have a golden opportunity to position themselves as legitimate playoff contenders.

Mike Vrabel’s club sits atop the AFC East at 4-2 and has by far the NFL’s easiest remaining schedule, with just three of its remaining games against opponents with winning records. Drake Maye has played like a legitimate top-10 quarterback, and only six teams have allowed fewer points per game than New England’s defense.

Those factors — and the team’s NFL-leading $54.6 million in cap space — present a compelling case for the Patriots to add ahead of the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline. But which positions should they target, and who might be available?

The Athletic’s senior NFL insider, Dianna Russini, joined Patriots insider Phil Perry on a new episode of the Next Pats Podcast to share what she’s hearing about the current trade market — particularly on topics that impact the Patriots.

Eagles standing pat with A.J. Brown?

While disgruntled Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has been the subject of increasing trade speculation, Russini says Philadelphia has shut down potential suitors to this point.

“I can tell you Philadelphia is telling teams they are not moving him,” Russini said. “They’re not. Because teams have called.”

Still, Russini believes the situation in Philly is worth monitoring over the next three weeks before the deadline. If the Eagles — who have lost two straight after starting the season 4-0 — continue to lose, and if Brown’s frustration with his role continues to grow, perhaps the situation would come to a head.

“We’ve seen trades happen in the past where the two sides just don’t want to be together anymore,” Russini added. “… It’s pretty obvious to everybody watching: there’s dysfunction there, and something’s not working. … A.J. Brown — he’s not happy. I don’t think that takes a lot of insider knowledge. He puts it out there for you. So, I think the challenge for Philly is going to be, can they actually make him happy?”

Either way, Russini sees Mike Vrabel and the Patriots at least doing their due diligence by keeping tabs on Brown’s status.

“We’ve got to see how this goes, but I can tell you, New England has got to keep their eye on it,” Russini added. “They’re going to call just to see, because you don’t know.”

Albert Breer joins Pregame Live to provide context on a possible Patriots pursuit of A.J. Brown

Patriots not involved in RB trade market

Running back is an obvious area of need for the Patriots. After losing Antonio Gibson to a season-ending injury, their RB depth chart consists of struggling veteran Rhamondre Stevenson, rookie TreVeyon Henderson and recent practice squad call-up Terrell Jennings.

But according to Russini, Vrabel’s club hasn’t made much effort to seek reinforcements.

“I don’t think they make a move (at running back),” Russini said “… Teams I’ve talked to who I know are trying to move their running backs have not received calls from New England.

“That could change, of course. … But I think they would have been ahead on this. I think if they felt the way fans felt about the running back play, (they would have made calls).”

Russini did note the New York Jets have fielded calls about running back Breece Hall, just not from the Patriots. New England added ex-New York Giants running back Jashaun Corbin to its practice squad earlier this month, so perhaps the club would prefer to invest its resources elsewhere. Such as…

Prioritizing defense?

While the Patriots have been solid on defense through six weeks, Russini still believes a trade for a defender is most likely for New England.

“To me, it’s defense. If New England’s going to be picking up the phone and making a move, it would be on the defensive side of the ball,” Russini said. “Unfortunately pass-rushers and corners, the supply and demand, every team is calling on that.

“So, we’ll see what happens over the next few weeks, but I firmly believe New England’s got to keep an eye on all this.”

Also in this episode:

How badly does Vrabel want to beat the Titans?

How much buzz is Drake Maye getting in NFL circles?

What’s the latest on Bill Belichick at UNC?