Belichick’s every move always goes back to improving the team and as much as I am excited about Shaq Mason, I don’t think there’s any doubt Mathis would improve the Patriots this season. But yes, it’s all about money and I just don’t think the Patriots could pay Mathis what he wants.
Mathis was unhappy getting $5.5 million from the Eagles this season. The Patriots currently have about $6.9 million in cap space. So unless Mathis gets desperate and the Patriots cut a big contract or two, I just don’t see how it could work.
Some context: the Pats signed veteran guard Brian Waters to a two-year, $3 million dollar deal in 2011.