The Patriots maintain the most cap space in the NFL, and they’re open to swinging a big trade as preseason winds down.
Before Monday’s practice, vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said the team is “absolutely” willing to execute a major move – but it’s never simple calculus.
“We’re talking to all 31 other teams, trying to do what’s best for us. If that presents itself, I think those things are often more complicated than fans and some other would like to make you believe,” he said.
The Patriots have nearly $60 million in cap space. The Detroit Lions come in second, with more than $11 million less, according to OverTheCap.com. Wolf insisted the free cap space doesn’t indicate low expectations for this year’s roster and cited Drake Maye’s rookie contract as one reason for their standing. New England is 11th in active cash spending across the league, at just over $325 million.
The NFL landscape continues to evolve late into the summer.
The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly listening to trade offers on defensive end Trey Hendrickson, while the Washington Commanders’ contract dispute with wide receiver Terry McLaurin remains unresolved – although they did active him off the Physically Unable to Perform list over the weekend.
What would it take to land a player of that caliber?
Wolf was asked by NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry whether the Patriots would be willing to trade a second, or even first-round pick for a player who they believe would immediately impact this year’s roster.
“Sure,” he said.