Pats Pulpit
The Patriots have loads of cap space this offseason. Other teams, not so much.
The New England Patriots are ready to enter NFL free agency strapped with cash. Other teams around the league will find their spending pockets a bit more shallow.
Prior to the start of free agency in March, teams will look to make necessary roster moves to free up as much cap space as possible. That could result with talented players being parted with and finding their way to free agency, where teams like the Patriots could benefit with nearly $120 million in projected cap space.
For the Patriots, let’s explore six potential cap casualties that they could be interest in if they reach the open market.
The Patriots need upgrades at wide receiver this offseason but the current free agent market leaves plenty to be desired (especially with Tee Higgins looking likely to stay in Cincinnati). That could lead them to look for some veterans to help raise the floor in the room. Apart of that group may be Christian Kirk, who posted 1,100-plus yards in his first year in Jacksonville in 2022 and could be a good fit inside with Josh McDaniels.
Kirk has seen his production drop the last two years as he’s battled injuries, however. He’s played just 20 total games over that stretch including eight last year due to a broke collarbone. The Jaguars were reportedly considering trading him at last year’s deadline and would save $10.4 million by releasing the 29-year-old.
Offensive tackle remains one of, in not the biggest, needs on the Patriots roster. With questions atop the free agent market and NFL Draft at the position, it could be another spot New England looks to bring in some veterans to help solidify certain spots. That could include right tackle Braden Smith, who enters the final year of a four-year, $70 million contract extension with the Colts.
Smith missed the final five games this past season due to a personal issue and dealt with an assortment of injuries in 2023 that limited him to 10 games. When on the field, however, Smith did not allow a sack in ‘23 and surrendered just four this season (three coming in one game). For Indianapolis, they would save $16.75 million releasing the 28-year-old.
One of Mike Vrabel’s first draft selections in Tennessee could soon find himself on the free agent market. Even after a nine sack season, the Titans could save nearly $11 million on the cap this season and an additional $17.5 million next season by releasing Landry this offseason.
For a Patriots team in desperate need of pass rushers, a reunion with Landry, who also attended Boston College, could make plenty of success. His advanced pass rush metrics have fallen off a bit in recent years, but the 29-year-old is still a finisher as he recorded 10.5 and then 9.0 sacks in...
