Shopping Spree: 20 Free Agents (Not Named DeAndre Hopkins) Still on Market for Patriots
All that money and ... nothing to spend it on? After - intentionally? - missing out out DeAndre Hopkins, the New England Patriots are now on to Plan B. Or, is Plan A to simply keep their financial flexibility for a rainy day?
The Pats are estimated to be $18 million under the NFL's salary cap. They were at $13 million at the beginning of June, but created more space by re-working the contracts of veterans DeVante Parker and Ja'Whaun Bentley.
Those savings were thought to be earmarked for making a run at Hopkins, but now that the receiver eschewed the Pats for the Tennessee Titans where does the money go? Maybe to free-agent running back Dalvin Cook, who would certainly add punch and depth behind workhorse Rhamondre Stevenson. Or maybe to another player, or two?
Just a week ahead of the start of training camp in Foxboro, New England's roster is at 88 (the maximum this time of year is 90). If the money is burning a hole in the Pats' pocket, there are attractive, high-profile free agents still on the market.
Quarterback: Matt Ryan (Colts), Carson Wentz (Commanders)
Running back: Dalvin Cook (Vikings), Kareem Hunt (Browns), Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys).
Receiver: Jarvis Landry (Saints), Kenny Golladay (Giants).
Offensive lineman: Dalton Risner (Broncos), Ben Jones (Titans), Justin Britt (Texans), Trai Turner (Commanders).
Defensive lineman: Carlos Dunlap (Chiefs), Jadeveon Clowney (Browns), Yannick Ngakoue (Colts), Justin Houston (Ravens), Matt Ioannidis (Panthers).
Linebacker: Kyle Van Noy (Chargers).
Cornerback: Marcus Peters (Ravens), Ronald Darby (Texans), Casey Howard (Falcons).
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