Cap Space

[CreepCreep2014]

SO with all these moves BB has made, they have more than 9m in cap space. I can see why they did Nink, but there was no reason for DMC. Anyone think a BIG move is coming? I have a weird feeling that Joe Thomas will be on this team soon. Clev has no where to go now. Put him at LT, and move Solder to RT? I don't see Volly back with this team this yr, or next. They have over 60m in Cap space next yr, and that includes the 9m they owe Dolla. I know BB makes a lot of minor moves, but to create so much space.....makes ya think.

 

[cdumler7]

Only thing I would add though is that they do have some big name players coming up for contract soon. That $60 million disappears very quickly. So they might just be making room to keep Hightower, Collins, Sheard, and Butler.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

Only thing I would add though is that they do have some big name players coming up for contract soon. That $60 million disappears very quickly. So they might just be making room to keep Hightower, Collins, Sheard, and Butler.

Ya but look at the guys off the books. Ryan, Harmon, Long, Volly, Solder, Cannon, Dola, Bennett, Branch. That does not include Dola's 9m. Plenty to sign all of them, and tech Butler is under control for 2 more yrs, BB is in no hurry with him.

 

[cdumler7]

Ya but look at the guys off the books. Ryan, Harmon, Long, Volly, Solder, Cannon, Dola, Bennett, Branch. That does not include Dola's 9m. Plenty to sign all of them, and tech Butler is under control for 2 more yrs, BB is in no hurry with him.

Right but then all those players have to be replaced somehow and with the Patriots trading away a decent number of draft picks it won't be quite as easy to just throw a cheap option from the draft in their place. Also $60 million doesn't go as far as one might think anymore in the NFL. And I understand Butler is under control for 2 more years but my guess is the Patriots wouldn't mind getting him done quickly because the price tag for a top Corner just keeps going up and if you can convince him to sign early it should give the team a decent discount in the long run. Even if they do just use the RFA tag on him my guess is they give him the highest tag possible which isn't the cheapest thing in the world as it would cost the Patriots around $4 million. Better than $15 million a year but again why I think they would want to sign him early and say we will give you a 4-year/$40 million type deal and throw half of it up in guarantees. So it entices him to take it but then you have a cheap player compared to his playing ability for another 4 years.

 

[redseat]

Only thing I would add though is that they do have some big name players coming up for contract soon. That $60 million disappears very quickly. So they might just be making room to keep Hightower, Collins, Sheard, and Butler.

Honestly I am hoping they are keeping the money for these guys. They've earned it imo

 

[cdumler7]

Honestly I am hoping they are keeping the money for these guys. They've earned it imo

Yeah I would call most of them cornerstone type players. Collins and Butler for sure are two of the premier defensive young players in the league. I definitely am interested to see what BB does with Butler. He has been known to let great Corners walk out the door. Not sure why he doesn't value that position as high as many other teams. He always seems to find good replacements so maybe he just knows his scheme plays a big part in their success. Still it seems like the Patriots have won Super Bowls when they have actually had a premier player at the Corner position.

 

[redseat]

Yeah I would call most of them cornerstone type players. Collins and Butler for sure are two of the premier defensive young players in the league. I definitely am interested to see what BB does with Butler. He has been known to let great Corners walk out the door. Not sure why he doesn't value that position as high as many other teams. He always seems to find good replacements so maybe he just knows his scheme plays a big part in their success. Still it seems like the Patriots have won Super Bowls when they have actually had a premier player at the Corner position.

I think BB truly believes (as you stated) that good corners are a dime a dozen or that he can mold one into a good one. Then again, he probably values the DL and LB more anyway... They had a premier CB but the Butler did it and won it for them and he wasn't considered "elite" then... But man did he step up his game!

 

[cdumler7]

I think BB truly believes (as you stated) that good corners are a dime a dozen or that he can mold one into a good one. Then again, he probably values the DL and LB more anyway... They had a premier CB but the Butler did it and won it for them and he wasn't considered "elite" then... But man did he step up his game!

Butler has definitely been beyond impressive. You would think with all the new found fame after his big play that the limelight might make him shrink but he just seemed to step his game up all the more. Good for him for not just being a flash in the pan. He will definitely have earned his big payday whenever it comes.

 

[redseat]

Butler has definitely been beyond impressive. You would think with all the new found fame after his big play that the limelight might make him shrink but he just seemed to step his game up all the more. Good for him for not just being a flash in the pan. He will definitely have earned his big payday whenever it comes.

That just goes to show what type of guy he is. He just wants to play and play well and it appears he loves the Pats. Who knows if things will change and he will become a Revis or Cromartie type (I'm rule, all else suck) but I don't think he will.

 

[SDGuy73]

Ya but look at the guys off the books. Ryan, Harmon, Long, Volly, Solder, Cannon, Dola, Bennett, Branch. That does not include Dola's 9m. Plenty to sign all of them, and tech Butler is under control for 2 more yrs, BB is in no hurry with him.

Solder doesn't come off the books until 2018.

 

[BigKen]

Hightower will be franchised. Collins will be made an offer, but the NY Jets will offer him 5 years $125M and he'll be gone. Butler will have to play for short money in 2017. Belichick has already planned on losing a bunch of guys and has Caserio working on F/A OL, LB, DB.

It won't matter, the Patriots will be in the thick of it again in 2017. The Jets will have to jettison a bunch of guys to sign Collins and will be up against the cap again for the next 40 years.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

Most of these "replacements" are already on the team if those guys walk. Add some vet FA at a decent price, and your good.