New England Patriots: 5 players in danger of being cap cuts
Check out which five New England Patriots that could be cut ahead of free agency.
The 2018 NFL offseason is underway, and with free agency just on the horizon, some house cleaning for the New England Patriots is due.
According to Spotrac, the New England Patriots are projected to have just over $19 million in cap space in 2018.
With back-to-back Super Bowl berths under their belt, the Patriots don’t need to make any major signings but they definitely have some remodeling to do.
In order to free some cap space, the team should look to trim some of their pricier players. Below are a handful of players who could be cut or asked to take a pay cut ahead of free agency.
TE Martellus Bennett
2017 was an interesting year for Martellus Bennett. After signing with the Packers in free agency, the veteran tight end played seven games for Green Bay, before being released by the team in November with an injury designation.
Bennett was claimed off of waivers by the Patriots and went on to play two games for New England until being placed on injured reserve with shoulder and hamstring injuries.
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Despite hinting at retirement during last season, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Bennett does want to return in 2018.
According to Spotrac, Bennett is under contract with the Patriots until 2019 with a potential out after 2017. However, with a $2 million roster bonus due March 14, 2018, and a $6.2 million cap hit for the 2018 season, his price tag may be too steep for New England.
Bennett flourished with the Patriots in 2016, posting a career-high seven touchdowns. His production took a hit in 2017 but that can be linked to his lingering injuries.
Bennett will be 31 years old next season. If he’s willing to take a pay cut, the Patriots could try and resurge his 2016 form. If not, he may be headed for the open market.