Report: 2 Patriots Legends Will Need to Take a Pay Cut to Return

The New England Patriots entered the offseason a little too early this time. Head coach Bill Belichick and other members of the Patriots organization will have to upgrade the roster. Let’s not forget that the Patriots missed the chance to win a Super Bowl this year. The team will have to play smart with the cap space. Two Patriots legends will have to take pay cut.

Several key players are set to enter free agency. Belichick spent a lot of money to get free agents in 2021. Is he willing to spend money on current Patriots players?

Zac Cox of NESN reported that some of these players will have to agree to take a pay cut if they want to stay with the team. This leads us all the way to future Hall of Famers Devin McCourty and Dont’a Hightower.

The Patriots legends may not take pay cut

Belichick will have to make a big decision. These two are no longer in their prime, but their game is still sharp. Plus, McCourty has been relatively healthy throughout his entire career.

“The last time the Patriots played a game without McCourty in the lineup,” Cox said. “Week 16 of the 2015 season. He’s played almost every snap for this defense over the last decade. But at 34, the longtime co-captain is one of several players on this list who could retire this offseason. If he opts to keep playing, would he and the Patriots be able to agree on a new contract? McCourty had New England’s highest base salary ($8 million; tied with linebacker Dont’a Hightower) and second-highest salary cap hit ($11.1 million) this season. With the cap hits for several 2021 signees shooting up in 2022, he likely would need to accept less to return.”

McCourty is a valuable player, but he may not agree to get a smaller deal.

Devin McCourty had a minor procedure on his right thumb, per source. He's also still planning on playing next season. pic.twitter.com/MdZjSbxsck

— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) January 28, 2022

McCourty had a minor procedure to fix his right thumb, but he is definitely ready for another round.

What about Hightower?

Hightower missed the 2020 season due to health concerns related to the pandemic. In 2021, he had just 1.5 sacks and 64 total tackles, and also missed 2 games.