Here’s the quick rundown of what Bill Barnwell thinks the Patriots should do:
1. Release Jerod Mayo.
2. Release Marcus Cannon and Brandon LaFell.
3. Re-sign Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower and Chandler Jones
4. Sign a veteran offensive linemen.
5. Pass up Matt Forte and add a big back to replace LeGarrette Blount.
Source: Fives moves the Bills, Dolphins, Jets and Patriots should make this offseason – NFL
Okay, here are my thoughts on each of these little nuggets.
- Releasing Mayo is a no brainer because yes it will free up a much-needed $7 million in cap space. I wouldn’t rule out Mayo coming back on a veteran minimum either, Belichick loves him that much. He started to show some pop toward the end of the season and yes, he’s ended up on IR three years in a row but I don’t think it’s a lock that he’s done. That will however scare other teams away and maybe keep the door open to a return in New England. Or, if he is done, there’s some speculation he could end up on the coaching staff in New England. That might be a stretch.
- I’m not down with releasing Cannon or LaFell. First, with Cannon I wrote a bunch about the offensive line earlier today. He is what he is, a backup swing tackle. Yes, they’re probably overpaying him a bit, but as we saw this year, it’s okay to overpay a guy a bit when he ends up being a starter at two positions in-season for you. But let’s not forget he’s been generally solid and with the return of his original mentor Dante Scarnecchia I don’t see why you don’t give him another year, hopefully in the role he’s best at. As for LaFell, he had a bad year, but let’s remember he had a foot injury that kept him on PUP and he never truly looked comfortable again. Despite the drops the guy is still a blocking demon who plays the position the way the Patriots want. He’s entering a contract year and he knows what is on the line. I like that combination, especially if he has a healthy offseason.
- Definitely re-sign Collins and Hightower, with Hightower being my top priority by a nose. As for Chandler, let him play it out this final season. He’s been so up and down and usually saves his most anonymous performances for the biggest stages. The depth at DE is great, with Jabaal Sheard really being a better fit for the Pats style than Jones at this point. Behind him will be second year players Trey Flowers and Geneo Grissom, not to mention preseason standout Rufus Johnson. Pats could even dangle Jones as trade bait, though his weird drug situation during the week before the first playoff game certainly didn’t help his stock. Ultimately I think Jones still has yet to prove he’s an every down force. Give him a chance to prove it this year, and either way he probably walks in 2017.
- Don’t really see the Pats springing for an offensive linemen as even Barnwell points out his example is probably too expensive. The OL is all about the draft with the Patriots. Develop the guys they have, add some rookies, maybe a cheap vet FA that no one knows and they’ll be fine.
- I agree the Pats need a power resurgence, but I think if there’s one place to throw a bit of money in FA it’s on a running back like Forte. Of course it would have to be at the Pats price but I don’t rule out Forte giving them a huge bargain. But someone like Tim Hightower is just the kind of Pats thing to do. Either way, there will be draft picks spent on at least one running back, preferably one with size and one-cut ability.
