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.
Verdict: Pay cut
TE Dwayne Allen
When the Patriots traded for Dwayne Allen, last offseason, the assumption was that he’d replace the aforementioned Bennett.
This was not the case.
Allen, 28, played 16 games for New England in 2017, hauling in 10 catches for 86 yards and one touchdown.
Although his receiving production was underwhelming, Allen was a solid blocker for the Pats. In Week 12, his run blocking earned praise from head coach Bill Belichick on a 22-yard run by Rex Burkhead.
Bill Belichick's game plan against the @MiamiDolphins?
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) November 30, 2017
Put multiple @Patriots defenders on @God_Son80.#GoPats#TurningPoint @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/8ECZ9zsdA9
Allen found his niche in New England as the season went on, however, his pay far outweighs his production. According to Spotrac, his $5 million cap hit in 2018 is higher than wide receivers Julian Edelman and Chris Hogan. He has a potential out in his contract after 2017, with no dead cap hit.
It’s apparent that Belichick values Allen as a blocker but he could be asked to take a pay cut to stay with the organization.
Verdict: Pay cut
LB Shea McClellin
2017 was a lost season for Shea McClellin. He was placed on IR in September with a concussion and reportedly ‘suffered a setback’ in his return in November.
McClellin, 28, flashed at times during his first season with the Patriots in 2016, amassing 39 combined tackles, one sack, and a highlight-reel field goal block. His unavailability hurt the Patriots in 2017, with linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy missing time due to injuries.
Now, the team will need to decide whether or not he’s a part of their future plans.
The Patriots awarded McClellin a three-year $9.05 million contract in 2016, per Spotrac. And his cap hit in 2018 will be $3.18 million. There’s a potential out in his contract after 2017, leaving the team with $833,334 in dead cap.
New England may opt to revamp its linebacker corps, this offseason, and cutting McClellin would free a good chunk of cap room to do so.
Verdict: Release
DT Alan Branch
Alan Branch’s days in New England could be numbered.
Branch, 33, saw a decrease in snaps during the beginning of last season and was a healthy scratch for New England’s Week 5 matchup against the Tampa Buccaneers. In addition, he missed the final three games of the regular season due to an injury and was made inactive throughout the postseason, including Super Bowl LII.
Branch will carry a $4.5 million cap hit in 2018, per Spotrac. Although, he has a potential out in his contract after 2017 with $1 million in dead cap.
Considering his lackluster 2017 campaign, Branch’s cap hit far outweighs his value. New England may opt out of his contract, take on the dead cap, and look to replace him altogether rather than trying to negotiate a pay cut.
Verdict: Release
RB Mike Gillislee
Mike Gillislee came up far short of expectations in his first season with the Patriots.
Despite rushing for five touchdowns, Gillislee failed to climax 400 rushing yards and was inactive for seven games, along with the entire postseason.
According to Spotrac, Gillislee will carry a $2.1 million cap hit in 2018, however, he has a potential out in his deal after 2017 with no dead cap.
With only one other running back (James White) under contract next season, the Patriots would be wise to negotiate a pay cut with Gillislee rather than cutting him outright. He was a viable short-yardage back, last season, and had a knack for finding the end zone.
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