Over the next few weeks, NFL teams will be releasing players who have high cap hits as they look to save money heading into the 2021 season.
With the fourth-most cap space in the NFL this offseason, the Patriots could look to capitalize on some of these players who will become available.
Here are five names to keep an eye on for the Patriots.
QB Marcus Mariota (Raiders)
The Raiders are up against it from a salary cap perspective and will certainly be releasing players to save money. Mariota counts $11.35 million towards the salary cap, which is quite a bit for a backup. It’s likely they will look to trade him first, but if they cannot get anything for him they might not have a choice but to release him. The veteran would make a lot of sense for the Patriots, whether it’s giving up a late-round pick and then restructuring his deal, or signing him if released.
TE David Njoku (Browns)
Njoku’s name has come up quite a bit in recent years when it comes to either a trade or a release, so it’s bound to happen at some point. The 24-year-old could benefit from a change of scenery and be more productive than he’s been in recent years. His best year came in 2018 when he recorded 56 receptions for 639 yards and four touchdowns. Njoku would certainly help the Patriots at the tight end position.
WR Tyrell Williams (Raiders)
Not many receivers seem primed to be released, but Williams is a name to keep an eye on, especially since he would save Las Vegas $11.6 million. The 29-year-old has battled injuries in recent years, including not playing at all in 2020. He did have a 1,000-yard season in 2016 and he feels like a potential cheap option that has high upside, which would make some sense for New England.
DT Nick Williams (Lions)
Williams could benefit from a new team, as after recording six sacks with the Bears in 2019, he only had one sack and three QB hits with Detroit last season in 13 starts. New England certainly needs to upgrade its defensive line, especially if some of its own free agents depart, and Williams seems like a good option.
DT Allen Bailey (Falcons)
Bailey is very similar to Williams and he’s already been released. He saw increased playing time last season due to injuries and finished with 1.5 sacks, 15 combined tackles (two for a loss) and five QB hits. The Patriots will likely be in the market for virtually all of the available defensive tackles.
