The New England Patriots are seeking a trade partner for Malcolm Mitchell as he attempts a comeback from a knee injury that sidelined him all of last season.

According to a source, Mitchell had his knee evaluated by doctors on Monday morning.

Mitchell was a fourth-round pick in 2016 out of Georgia. He had five catches for 63 yards in the second half of Super Bowl LI as the Patriots rallied against the Atlanta Falcons.

Earl Thomas used social media to nudge the Seattle Seahawks in contract negotiations, suggesting they either sign him to an extension or trade him.

The safety is entering the final year of a four-year, $40 million extension.

Thomas posted a picture of himself working out on Instagram with the captain: "Always been the underdog ain't nothing new. Extend .....if you don't want me let's make a trade happen I understand it's a bizz."

He has missed seven games due to injury the past two seasons after missing zero previously.

At least one AFC executive believes Rob Gronkowski won't be fully off the trade block until he signs an extension with the New England Patriots.

"Where's the restructure of his contract?" an AFC personnel executive told Boston Sports Journal's Greg A. Bedard. "Until that's done, I think he's still available. I wouldn't be surprised if (head coach Bill) Belichick is going to test Gronk's buy-in with the contract."

Gronkowski reportedly considered retirement this offseason.