Patriots Swimming In Cap Space After High-Profile Opt-Outs

The New England Patriots didn’t really have too much cap space in the past few months. They couldn’t get high-profile players and Cam Newton agreed to a thin contract. But, the recent opt-outs will give the Patriots some extra cash. Right tackle Marcus Cannon and outside linebacker Dont’a Hightower have given the Patriots $15 million, and now the team has $24 million in cap space.

Let’s not forget that Rex Burkhead agreed to a lower deal. Newton agreed to get $1.5 million. Maybe he would love to get more money.

New England won’t play with Cannon, Hightower and running back Brandon Bolden. These may be out, but the Patriots now have more money to make some moves. Head coach Bill Belichick will have to replace Cannon and Hightower with available free agents. Offensive tackle Cordy Glenn and edge defender Jadeveon Clowney are still out there.

How will the Patriots handle their cap space?

New England will have to play smart with all this cap space. The team will receive less money due to the partially empty stadiums. This means the 2021 salary cap will be slightly lower. Carrying over cap space will reduce the impact of the leaguewide adjustment.

Who will come as a substitute for Cannon, Hightower and Bolden?

Belichick still has Burkhead, Damien Harris, Sony Michel, J.J. Taylor and James White at running back. Harris will see more responsibilities and Taylor has higher chances of making the roster. New England is still doing fine with this unit.

Yodny Cajuste, Korey Cunningham and Justin Herron are behind Isaiah Wynn on the offensive tackle depth chart. New England may add a veteran to this group. Getting Glen or LaAdrian Waddle is an expected scenario. The team may also try to get Marshall Newhouse.

Franchised left guard Joe Thuney may go to tackle, but this would lead to a hole at guard where the team has Jermaine Eluemunor, Hjalte Froholdt and Michael Onwenu right behind Thuney and Shaq Mason.

Ja’Whaun Bentley, Shilique Calhoun, Brandon Copeland, Terez Hall, De’Jon Harris, Anfernee Jennings, Cassh Maluia, Josh Uche, Derek Rivers, John Simon and Chase Winovich will support their position. According to analysts, the Patriots may have problems with their linebackers.