Patriots Training Camp Storylines

Notable Players Nearing the Market

This year’s free agency was a breeze compared to previous offseasons. The most valuable free-agent the Patriots lost this offseason was defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, whose value soared as he signed a two-year, $10 million deal with the Chicago Bears, after being traded to the Patriots early last season. The Patriots have the depth to ease the pain of the Hicks departure, however, in regards to the upcoming 2017 free-agent class for the Patriots, not so much.

Malcolm Butler, Collins, Hightower, Logan Ryan, and Jabaal Sheard are the most prominent Patriots free agents in 2017. Many contributing starters and role players follow this group as the Patriots have 26 unrestricted free-agents next offseason and five restricted free-agents, thankfully including RFA Butler.

The most obvious candidate for an extension this summer is Hightower. The defensive leader is playing under his fifth-year option with a $7,751,000 cap hit, fourth-most on the team. An extension would certainly free cap space for the Patriots and would secure one of the best linebackers in the league at just 26-years-old.

Training camp is the goal for many Patriots fans to see their team’s star players extended, but with the Patriots’ inconsistencies in extending premier players, it’s very difficult to project when Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick will turn their attention to contract details. Regardless, these Patriots stars are destined for paydays, and their contracts will be a main topic of discussion at this year’s training camp.

Next: Jimmy Garoppolo's Favorite Targets

What are some storylines you all are interested in?