Godchaux has appeared in every regular season game for the Patriots since 2021 — his first season with the team. He has started all but one of those games. The veteran defensive tackle is a prototypical run-stopper, who has racked up 123 tackles over the last two seasons with just three TFLs and zero sacks. His ability to stop the run likely led to the Saints trading for him after last year’s team ranked 31st in rush yards allowed and yards per carry (4.9) allowed. Godchaux is under contract for the next two seasons but can be released next offseason for a cap savings of $8.5 million if the Saints don’t want to pay him beyond 2025.

Godchaux was reportedly available at the trade deadline last year but nothing materialized. The Pats have since fired their head coach and hired Mike Vrabel as the team’s next boss. As Rapoport notes, the shift in defensive scheme is a reason for both Godchaux and the Pats to find a trade partner this time around. Godchaux logged six pressures and one TFL last year in his age-30 season. Given his age and lack of production, the Pats aren’t likely to get much in return for him in a trade.

Russini notes that the 49ers are looking to add help on defense and the team is aware of Godchaux’s availability via trade. While it’s unclear if anything will materialize before Tuesday’s trade deadline, San Francisco certainly fits the mold as a team that wouldn’t mind taking on Godchaux’s salary and parting with draft picks given where the 49ers are in their contention window. Russini also notes that New England is open to trading receivers Tyquan Thornton and Kendrick Bourne as well as safety Kyle Dugger.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the deal is worth “up to” $21 million and features $16.5 million in guarantees. Godchaux signed with the Patriots as a free agent in 2021 and has appeared in all 51 regular season games and the team’s lone playoff appearance. He has been a rotational lineman who sees the majority of his reps in run defense. Godchaux totaled 56 tackles, two TFLs, and one fumble recovery in 2023.