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Perry’s bold plan to revamp Patriots’ roster in 2024 free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Before the New England Patriots decide how to use their highest draft pick since 1993, they need to figure out how to spend Robert Kraft’s cash.
The Patriots currently project to have roughly $74.5 million in cap space, per Patriots cap expert Miguel Benzan. If they release cornerback J.C. Jackson — who was plagued by discipline issues last season — they could enter Day 1 of NFL free agency on March 13 with nearly $90 million in cap space.
The front office appears to have Kraft’s blessing to spend that money; head coach Jerod Mayo recently said his team is “bringing in talent, 1,000 percent” and plans to “burn some cash.” But who should that cash be spent on?
Our Patriots Insider Phil Perry laid out a full plan for New England to use that money in free agency on a new Next Pats Podcast.
🔊 Next Pats Podcast: Perry’s plan to spend Robert Kraft’s money | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube
Here’s a full rundown of Perry’s plan:
Projected annual salary: $16.5 million
If the Patriots sign Ridley to a multi-year deal, they could work his Year 1 cap hit down to $8 or $9 million, Perry notes. Ridley missed the entire 2022 season due to a suspension for illegal sports betting but racked up 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season and would give New England the true No. 1 receiver it has sorely lacked for years.
“I think he has real upside,” Perry said of Ridley. “… He can play all over the formation. If you need him play inside, you want him to play to Z, you want him to play the X — the ability to do that has a real juice.”
Re-sign OL Mike Onwenu
Projected annual salary: $15 million
Onwenu was a bright spot on the Patriots’ offensive line last season, making a seamless transition from guard to right tackle. He’d demand a significant raise, but New England currently doesn’t have an offensive tackle under contract, making…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/perrys-bold-plan-revamp-patriots-145040546.html
Author : NBC Sports Boston
Publish date : 2024-02-21 14:50:40
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