Three New England Patriots' players who could be post-June 1st cuts
The New England Patriots might not be done making moves this offseason. Could they part with these three players as post-June 1st designations? The main reason why teams will cut players with a post-June 1st designation is because that usually gives them more salary cap relief.
The Patriots don't necessarily need salary cap space, but it's always good to have a good bit handy. I think there are three players, all on offense, who still could be cut this offseason for varying reasons. At the end of the day, the NFL is a business, and business moves sometimes have to be made.
Which three players could end up being post-June 1st cuts for the Patriots?
Three New England Patriots' players who could be post-June 1st cuts
1. Kendrick Bourne, WR
The wide receiver room suddenly has a ton of bodies in it, and that might be bad news for Bourne, who is in the last year of a three year deal he signed with the Patriots back before the 2021 season. His 2021 season was solid to the tune of 800 receiving yards, but he came back down the earth in 2022 and seemed to be put in the doghouse.
With the Pats adding three wide receivers to the room in 2023, Bourne might be on his way out.
2. DeVante Parker, WR
For the same reasons, the Pats could part with DeVante Parker for some cap savings. Parker was more productive than Bourne in 2022 and I think he's the better player, but I also think that one of them will be cut this offseason. Parker might be someone who raises the floor of the WR room, so the Pats might prefer him to stay over Bourne.
A wide receiver room with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte, and DeVante Parker doesn't seem so bad, especially if Boutte can live up to what he did at points in college.
At this point, unless the Patriots can somehow pull off a DeAndre Hopkins' signing, the WR room isn't going to have much variance to it. I do think other additions on offense and Bill O'Brien running the show will certainly help some.
3. Trent Brown, OL
Trent Brown was a shaky left tackle last year for the Patriots and might not be as safe as we think. He's got one year left on his current deal and did have to witness the team sign both Calvin Anderson and Riley Reiff in free agency, two tackles who not only can play both sides, but may also have distinct advantages over Brown.
Reiff is simply more experienced at playing both sides and is a better tackle, and Anderson, while less experienced, has a higher ceiling that OL coach Adrian Klemm may enjoy. Honestly, the Pats might decide to go forward with Brown and Reiff at both tackles, which is fine, but I do think there is a scenario that the Pats opt for cap savings and say goodbye to the hot and cold Brown.