Patriots Players We Know Won’t Be Back

Since the Patriots had such a litany of injuries this season other players had to step up and come in. Many of them did a decent job, but most of the won’t be back next year. Let’s take a quick look at all of the players who will almost certainly not be on the team next year.

Tavon Wilson

I honestly have no idea how he was able to make it this far. He was a stretch as a second round pick a few years ago and he’s never really seen the field at all. There is no way he makes the roster moving forwards.

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Aaron Dobson

Another year, another disappointing season for the former second round pick. He can’t stay on the field and he just doesn’t do anything to make you think he’ll be on the team next year. With the extension of Keshawn Martin, Dobson is expendable. If the Patriots sign a veteran receiver this off season (please Anquan Boldin), he’s as good as cut.

Jerod Mayo

I love this guy, he’s one of the oldest tenured players on the roster but he just can’t stay on the field. This is the third time in three years he finds himself ending the season on IR, I think he’ll be a cap cut.

Steven Jackson

Jackson came in and really didn’t do much. I mean, the line wasn’t that great but still, he just doesn’t have much left in the tank and the Patriots have four very solid backs on the roster. Yes, two of them will be coming back from injury, but they’ll be ready when the season starts and James White can start the season if Blount and Lewis aren’t at 100%.

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James Develin

Develin’s entire season was spent on IR after he broke his leg in pre-season. I think the Patriots would keep him only if they don’t get Glenn Gronkowski (Rob’s little brother and a FB/TE hybrid). Baby Gronk is a later round pick (4-6) right now, if he’s there in the fifth round I can see the Patriots getting him and letting Develin go. The Patriots love versatility (think Kyle Juszczyk from the Ravens), and that’s what Glenn Gronkowski would probably bring.

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Brandon LaFell

LaFell’s season was riddled with injuries, Belichick applauded LaFell’s ability to fight through them, which may help his case to stay around another year. This is Brandon’s last year on his three-year contract, and the Patriots already have 3 solid receivers ahead of him. LaFell was MIA all throughout the playoffs, seriously I don’t remember seeing him at all. If the Patriots are able to sign someone like Anquan Boldin (who I really want if you can’t tell), LaFell might also be fighting for a roster spot.

Next: 5 positions Patriots must address in free agency

Every year it seems like there will be a surprise cut that will leave everyone scratching their heads, but these are just some of the obvious players that will be seeing their way out of New England in order to make room for new players who might fit the scheme a little better.