Report: RT Marcus Cannon Opts-Out of 2020 Season

Cannon is the fourth Patriots player to opt out.

32-year-old New England Patriots offensive tackle Marcus Cannon is opting out of the 2020 NFL season, according to Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald.

According to a source, Cannon has seriously considered opting out in recent days, often discussing the possibility with his family. Along with the Patriots’ other veterans, Cannon was expected to report to Gillette Stadium on Tuesday for COVID-19 testing. However, as of Monday night, Cannon now plans on missing the season all together.

New England is now in the market for a starting right tackle. Per the team's unofficial depth chart, the options to replace Cannon are Korey Cunningham, who the Patriots acquired via a trade last September and played in one game last season, and Yodny Cajuste, who New England drafted in the third round in 2019 and was sidelined the entirety of the 2019 season due to injury.

One name to keep an eye on to replace Cannon is free-agent offensive lineman La'Adrian Waddle. Waddle played for the Patriots from 2016-18 and started three games for them in 2018. He signed with the Bills last offseason and was released by them earlier this offseason. He would be a cheap option that is familiar with New England's system. 

Cannon is one of four Patriots players to opt out. Fullback Dan Vitale and offensive guard Najee Toran reportedly opted out on Monday, and linebacker Dont'a Hightower reportedly opted out Tuesday morning. 

Per NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, Cannon’s opt out is considered a “high-risk” opt out, which means he is eligible to receive a $350,000 stipend. 

My understanding is Dont'a Hightower's opt-out is considered voluntary, meaning he's entitled to a $150,000 salary advance, whereas Marcus Cannon's is "higher risk" and he gets a $350,000 stipend. https://t.co/ogpx232J7m

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 28, 2020