{"id":50761,"date":"2020-03-28T19:31:21","date_gmt":"2020-03-29T00:31:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clnsmedia.com\/?p=50761"},"modified":"2021-08-29T05:59:49","modified_gmt":"2021-08-29T05:59:49","slug":"patriots-roster-reset-state-patriots-two-weeks-free-agency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clnsmedia.com\/?p=50761","title":{"rendered":"Patriots Roster Reset: State of the Patriots After Two Weeks of Free Agency"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Patriots are having a typical offseason outside of losing quarterback Tom Brady.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Although we understand the irony, the departures outside of Brady were all expected with linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins receiving big pay-days elsewhere, among others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And Bill Belichick surprised us when he used the franchise tag to retain left guard Joe Thuney.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, mostly due to Brady, the Patriots currently lost the most wins this offseason according to Pro Football Focus\u2019s improvement index based on their wins above replacement metric.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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(via Pro Football Focus<\/a>)<\/p>\n

The improvement index is the percent gain (or loss) in WAR for each team during the offseason, and the Patriots are currently last at minus-12.5, over double the next closest team (Texans: minus-6.2).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

New England finds itself in uncertain times without ample cap resources to make franchise-altering moves that will help lessen the blow from Brady\u2019s departure to Tampa.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With 67 players under contract, the Pats are tight against the cap with a shade over $800k to spare, according to cap wiz Miguel Benzan (@PatsCap). With so little wiggle room, they\u2019ll need to clear cap space to pay their draft class and account for in-season roster moves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Patriots have so little cap space because, first, they have nearly $26 million in dead money on their cap, which includes $13.5 million for Brady and $4.75 million for Antonio Brown.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

New England also has a league-high 37 players with a cap hit of at least $1 million as they prioritize depth, per Benzan. Plus, Stephon Gilmore ($18.7 million), Joe Thuney ($14.8 million), and Dont\u2019a Hightower ($12.4 million) are among the highest-paid players at their positions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The bill for the dynasty came due with Brady\u2019s voided years on his final Patriots contract and several salary conversions for Gilmore and others propping up their cap.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By seeking immediate relief, the Patriots kicked the can down the road with several players. The result was another championship, but now they’re here.<\/span><\/p>\n

As we reset the roster, we\u2019ll discuss ways to clear cap space, potential targets that fit their needs, and where things stand at each position:<\/span><\/p>\n

OFFENSE<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Quarterback: Jarrett Stidham, Brian Hoyer, Cody Kessler\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

The Patriots are unlikely to add another veteran to their quarterback room after signing Brian Hoyer; there\u2019s no room for Cam Newton, Jameis Winston, or Andy Dalton, and signing one of those three would signal a change of heart. The team is progressing with Stidham as the likely starter next season, but he shouldn\u2019t deter them from selecting a quarterback in the draft. We are all on the Jarrett train, and you can read my in-depth film review of Stidham\u2019s game here<\/a>, but if an upgrade is possible, you need to upgrade at the most important position. After studying this draft class, I’d take the following quarterback prospects over Stidham: Joe Burrow (will be no. one pick), Tua Tagovailoa (will be top-five selection), Jordan Love<\/a>, and Justin Herbert<\/a>. I’d also welcome a competition between Stidham and Washington\u2019s Jacob Eason<\/a>. The rest, such as Jake Fromm or Jalen Hurts<\/a>, don’t present potential upgrades over Stidham.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Running Back: James White, Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead, Damien Harris, Brandon Bolden<\/span><\/h5>\n

The Patriots have everything from between-the-tackles backs (Michel, Harris, Burkhead) and pass-catching backs (White, Burkhead) as well as veteran special teams ace Brandon Bolden. With that kind of depth, a young quarterback, and a great offensive line on paper (returning five starters), the Patriots could run the offense through their running backs.\u00a0<\/span>Although it seems unlikely due to the teams\u2019 feelings on the player, a Burkhead trade or release would save roughly $2 million in cap space. The running back depth chart is one of the best position groups on the roster.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fullback: James Develin, Jakob Johnson, Dan Vitale\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

New England will have a camp battle at fullback with two viable options behind Pro Bowler James Develin. Develin is progressing towards a return after neck surgery shortened his 2019 season, but still needs clearance for football activities. With Develin coming off a severe injury, the Pats could carry multiple fullbacks, as schematically, they like the advantages a lead blocker gives their rushing attack. The Pats lost two layers of depth a year ago, forcing them to use linebacker Elandon Roberts in an emergency role.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wide Receiver: Julian Edelman, N\u2019Keal Harry, Mohamed Sanu, Jakobi Meyers, Gunner Olszewski, Damiere Byrd, Devin Ross, Quincy Adeboyejo<\/span><\/h5>\n

The biggest hole on the Patriots roster is still a difference-maker outside of Julian Edelman in the passing game. New England has decent depth at wide receiver, but they lack a second stud. Harry hopefully makes a leap in year two, but with a loaded draft at wide receiver, the Pats should add another talented prospect rather than reach on a less-talented tight end. If you\u2019re looking at first-round possibilities, LSU\u2019s Justin Jefferson<\/a> or Baylor\u2019s Denzel Mims<\/a> top of our wish list. Reuniting Harry with college teammate Brandon Aiyuk<\/a> is another intriguing option at the top of the draft. The Patriots can also save roughly $6.5 million in cap space by trading or releasing Sanu, who could also take a pay cut to remain with the team.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tight End: Matt LaCosse, Ryan Izzo\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

The thinnest and most dire position group, the Patriots are no better off at tight end than they were a year ago. New England passed on the big-name free agents, and as mentioned earlier, the draft class at tight end is underwhelming. Notre Dame\u2019s Cole Kmet and Dayton\u2019s Adam Trautman<\/a> are intriguing in-line prospects with all-around skill sets and are the best this class has to offer.<\/p>\n

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Cole Kmet isn't a good blocker at this stage but he's a NFL-ready receiver with the frame to develop as a blocker if technique improves. <\/p>\n

Good initial burst making him a natural seam runner. Nice job here of holding the route inside & adjusting to the back shoulder. #Patriots<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/wFJTUVWJvO<\/a><\/p>\n

— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) February 11, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n