The New England Patriots entered the off-season with a ton of salary cap, and they cut that down a lot with their incredibly active week.
Bill Belichick went shopping, adding guys like Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry and Matthew Judon, while rehiring guys like David Andrews and Kyle Van Noy. It’s a long list (you can see all the details here), but we know what you’re asking yourself now: how much money is left?
A good amount, actually.
Miguel Benzan of the Boston Sports Journal (@PatsCap on Twitter) gave its last analysis.
Most unaccounted deals should be relatively cheap, with the exception of perhaps Brown.
Regardless, the Patriots’ wage cap situation looks pretty solid. The limit is tight this year, which is why the purse strings have been tightened for almost every team except New England. Most deals so far for the Patriots have been delayed, which gives them flexibility now, as well as in the future, when the limit increases.
As for the quarterback’s situation, it is unclear what the plan is. Perhaps the Patriots can go after Marcus Mariota if he is cut, or Jimmy Garoppolo may be an option (although negotiating for him would significantly narrow the boundary situation). The Patriots could also try to scale a quarterback, and then let him compete with Cam Newton and Jarrett Stidham at camp for the starting position.
Following this path would obviously be cost-effective and, if that choice worked, the Patriots would have been cheap for a few years before he was eligible for a big payout. Not having to take up a lot of cover space on a player, obviously, is a good way to build sustainability.
Newton, for his part, is ready to retaliate because he hears people saying that New England has an uncertain quarterback situation.
Miniature photo via Bob DeChiara / USA TODAY Sports Images