Patriots: 4 players New England needs to extend before 2020 concludes

The Patriots stand to have a ton of cap space after the 2020 season, but they should get ahead of it now.

Even with the 2021 salary cap expected to drop to $175 million due to the global pandemic, the New England Patriots and Bill Belichick have found a way to come out on top.

Remember over a month ago when they had under $1 million to work with? Well, since then, they’ve signed Cam Newton and freed up nearly $25 million in additional space due to opt outs and settlements. While that’s good for this year, the news for next year is even better.

As things stand right now, the Patriots are expected to have over $65 million in cap space in 2021, according to OverTheCap.com.

When was the last time it felt like the Patriots had this much money to screw around with in free agency? Feels good, doesn’t it?

However, while it sounds like a ton, remember that there’s a lot of work to be done. As of now, the team does not have a legitimate quarterback for 2021 and a number of key players will once again hit the open market. But Belichick should take advantage now while there’s still uncertainty, because at this point, some players might want the security.

Here’s who the team should approach regarding a contract extension before the 2020 season officially comes to a close.

4. DL Deatrich Wise Jr.

The Patriots could keep Deatrich Wise Jr. on a reasonable contract.

Belichick loves continuity along the defensive front seven, so why not keep one of the key figures over the last three years? Wise doesn’t blow you away on the stat sheet, but he’s only missed two games since debuting in 2017 and has played in five postseason contests, including the 2018 Super Bowl against the Rams.

If anything, the Pats love to take advantage of keeping their mid-round draft picks, which Wise was in 2017 (he was taken in the fourth round). He was their best selection that year (though they only had four picks and didn’t begin drafting until the third round) and he’s been a regular starter on one of the best defenses in the league since.

Over three seasons he’s logged 82 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 45 QB hits and 13 tackles for loss. We’re not entirely sure what an extension might look like, but he’s making under $800,000 in 2020 and shouldn’t cost a whole lot. Plus, he’s found success in New England, so if he’s approached with an extension offer, why wouldn’t he consider signing?