DeVante Parker will conceivably fill the role that N’Keal Harry should’ve been occupying over the last three seasons. But Parker’s presence could also impact Nelson Agholor.
With Parker taking up $6 million in cap space this season, and the Patriots tight up against the salary cap, there’s rightfully been speculation about how New England will look to clear space. As Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick reminded us last week, the offseason isn’t over — not even close.
With Parker now in the fold, Agholor and his $14.8 million cap hit could be dispensable. But the Patriots are counting on some underperforming free agents from last year’s free agent class to contribute this season. In fact, it seems to be central to their personnel strategy. Kraft said as much at the league meetings.
As NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Curran outlines, Parker and Agholor have different skills. Though they spent the majority of their snaps last season lining up on the outside (Parker 465; Agholor 467), Agholor is faster.
At 6-foot-3 and 219 pounds, Parker is a physical receiver who could give Mac Jones a dependable target on the outside. He enjoyed his best campaign in 2019, setting career highs in catches (72), yards (1,202) and touchdowns (nine).
Agholor, meanwhile, is 6-foot, 198. Early in his career, he was best known for beating defenders down the field.
But he amassed just 37 catches last year, his lowest total since his sophomore season. The Patriots are paying a big price for a receiver who barely made an impact.
That high price, however, is exactly what may keep Agholor in Foxborough. The Patriots would be forced to eat $10 million in cap space if they cut him, so that’s seemingly off the table. Trading Agholor would shrink the cap hit down to $5 million, but the other team would have to pick up his $9 million base salary.
It might not be bad to have Agholor as insurance, along with several other wideouts. Parker’s health is not a guarantee: he’s missed 10 games over the last two seasons. Miami’s adding Tyreek Hill and Cedrick Wilson Jr. made Parker expendable.
The Patriots are spending $38 million in cap space at wideout (third in the NFL), and $31 million at tight end (first). Getting rid of Agholor would be the equivalent of cutting some of their losses.
But that’s a risky proposition if you think he has something left.