New England will save about $14.4 million by letting go of

The New England Patriots have ventured into uncharted territory by choosing to replace six-time Super Bowl champion head coach Bill Belichick with rookie head coach Jerod Mayo.

Although it may seem like a step back to let go of the greatest coach in history, the Patriots have the freedom to start the next chapter of the team’s history in better form than the Belichick era concluded. In light of that, the following are the trades, cuts, and signings that New England ought to make in the upcoming months.

The Patriots don’t seem committed to selecting a quarterback with the third overall choice in the 2024 NFL Draft, despite the fact that they clearly need a franchise quarterback. Some league members think that New England is willing to move back in the first round of the April draft to choose a veteran quarterback in free agency, according to a report earlier this month by ESPN’s Dan Graziano.

Although Graziano identified Atlanta and Minnesota as possible trade partners, a transaction with Denver would benefit both parties and provide New England with the most return.

For the majority of the upcoming ten years, Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert will play in the AFC West, therefore the Broncos need to improve at quarterback as soon as feasible. Denver, nevertheless, is ranked No. 12 overall.choose in April and a constrained quantity of draft money to advance. The Broncos might hope to draft Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, but they should make a deal based on pick 12 and CB Patrick Surtain II for the third overall pick in order to guarantee they acquire their quarterback of the future.

This acquisition would not only position the Patriots to make a big trade the following year, but it would also give them Christian Gonzalez, a 2023 first-round pick, and Surtain, the greatest young cornerback combination in the NFL.

CUT: Cornerback Jackson, J.C.

The Patriots are already expected to have the second-most cap space available in the NFL this offseason ($69.5M), according to Over the Cap. However, New England may push the Washington Commanders for the club with the most cap space if Jackson is cut, which appears certain.

Jackson, who appeared in eight games following his reacquisition through a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers in October, will be released by New England without costing them any dead money, saving them around $14.4 million. The Pro Bowler for 2021is still only 28, so maybe the new Patriots management will give Jackson a year’s grace in the hopes that he will eventually regain his form.is still only 28, so maybe the new Patriots management will give Jackson a year’s grace in the hopes that he will eventually regain his form.

Kirk Cousins, quarterback, has signed.

The Patriots will need to acquire a quarterback this summer, as was previously said, so why not choose the best available choice given the plenty of cap space?

Despite having just recovered from a season-ending Achilles tear, Cousins, who turns 36 this offseason, ought likely fetch the highest price among free-agent signal-callers. While it is impossible to completely rule out Cousins returning to Minnesota, NFL analyst Albert Breer claims the Vikings are unwilling to give the 12-year veteran a fully guaranteed contract.

If that’s the case, even though Cousins’ age and Achilles injuries are concerning, New England should make whatever offer necessary to get him. Cousins is one of the NFL’s top 10 quarterbacks when healthy, and he wasin the midst of what is likely one of his greatest seasons to date (2023). Prior to his injury, Cousins had thrown just five interceptions, was tied for the lead in touchdown passes (18), and was second in the league in passing yards (2,331).

Cousins won’t be the long-term solution in New England, of course, but he would at least provide the club reliable quarterbacking as they develop a squad that would eventually house his replacement.