New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots have avoided contract disputes of their own this offseason, but they are keeping a close eye on negotiations unfolding across the league.
Armed with more than $60 million in cap space, the Patriots will enter training camp with the plenty of payroll flexibility. That could become a powerful advantage if player holdouts begin to escalate among other NFL teams.
Washington Commanders wideout Terry McLaurin is the most notable player to watch. The 29-year-old is coming off a 13-touchdown season and has topped 1,000 receiving yards in five of the last six years despite the Commanders constant turnover at quarterback.
His durability and locker room presence are proven, but his $23.2 million average salary ranks just 16th among wide receivers. If an extension fails to materialize, McLaurin could become a trade option — especially for a team like New England.
The Patriots may also be watching the linebacker market, where two of the league’s top playmakers remain in contract limbo. Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons did not participate in OTAs, but a new deal is expected.
“Most people believe a deal will get done at some point here in the coming weeks,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted, as reported by Joesph Zucker of Bleacher Report.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and linebacker T.J. Watt have also yet to finalize terms, though head coach Mike Tomlin recently said he remains optimistic, as noted by Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. .
First year head coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots have not committed to any specific moves, but the team’s new head coach made the team’s mindset clear.
“Trying to always continually make the roster more competitive… that has to happen,” Vrabel said, as transcribed by Nicole Yang of The Boston Globe. “It’s not going to keep us from looking.”
That search may soon include some of the biggest names still waiting to get paid.
