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).
Follow Richie Whitt on Twitter
Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here
More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.