The New England Patriots enter the 2016 season with one of the most well-rounded rosters in the NFL. They have a franchise quarterback, two top-tier tight ends and a deep stable of running backs. The defense has play-making ability at every level, and the secondary looks to be the strongest it has been in years. However, next season the team needs to re-sign many key players on both sides of the ball and some familiar faces will have to go. Here are five players who may be wearing a different jersey next season.
Five Possible New England Patriots Departures in 2017
Aaron Dobson
The former 2013 second round pick, Dobson’s best season was his first when he gained 519 yards on 37 catches. Since 2013, he only has 12 catches, and has missed more than 15 games with injury. Dobson is buried behind fellow wide receivers Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and even Keshawn Martin on the depth chart. The Patriots passing attack is evolving with the addition of Martellus Bennett, Chris Hogan and Malcolm Mitchell. Dobson is no longer the only big-bodied receiver on the offense, and New England will look to move on from the injury-prone 25-year old.
Logan Ryan
Logan Ryan had his best year as a starting cornerback opposite Malcolm Butler last season. He led the team with four interceptions, and earned 74 total tackles. He is capable of covering the opponent’s number two receiving threat as Butler follows the number one. However, the Patriots may not be able to afford to keep both Ryan and Butler whose contracts expire this season, along with fellow defensive players Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower and Jabaal Sheard. The Patriots may choose to accept Ryan’s departure and keep their primary pass rusher, cornerback, and linebacker core on the roster.
Marcus Cannon
With the return of Nate Solder to the lineup following his biceps injury, Sebastian Vollmer retakes his spot at right tackle. This leaves Marcus Cannon and his $4.7 million cap hit on the second team. The versatile lineman has been unable to lock down a role for himself on the Patriots offensive line. He lost a starting position at left guard in 2014 to then-rookie Brian Stork after only three games, then started eight games in 2015 in Vollmer’s absence. However, Cannon struggled along with the rest of the offensive line against higher tier competition. While depth on the offensive line is a must, he is not a suitable guard or tackle replacement. Look for the Patriots to let Cannon go or re-sign him to a more team-friendly deal after this season.
Danny Amendola
With the addition of bigger wide receivers Chris Hogan and Malcolm Mitchell, Amendola may be the odd man out as the Patriots receiving corps grows larger. The team will expect rookie defensive back Cyrus Jones to take over kick return duties, leaving Amendola without a clear role on offense or special teams. The Patriots will likely let go of Wes Welker‘s successor, looking to avoid his eight million dollar cap hit in 2017.
Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy Garoppolo’s case to stay with the Patriots is the opposite of every other starter on the team. That’s because he’s more likely to stay if he does poorly during Tom Brady’s suspension. Everyone has said good things about the young signal caller and he appears to be establishing a rapport with veterans. If he plays above expectations, he is primed to receive a large contract at the end of the season that the Patriots may not be able to pay with the ageless Brady continuing at quarterback. Garoppolo will also be a trade target for a team in need, and the promise of a first to second round draft pick may be too good for the Patriots to refuse. A poor early season performance may drive his value down and keep him in New England.
