Quote:
Originally Posted by workhorse
Wouldn't they have to make some mid-season cuts and restructuring of some deals to make something happen before the off season?
|
Only if they changed his contract terms for 2007. You can extend contracts without giving pay raises for the current year, which the Patriots have done in the past.
To the OP, I actually believe Donte's going to stick around. That option bonus is large, but it can be converted and spread throughout the cap in order to lesson it's effect on the 2008 numbers. Also, the overall value of that contract isn't anything more than what NE had offered Deion Branch.
Kelley Washington is the guy not coming back without a major pay cut in 2008, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's cut this year.
Rosevelt Colvin has a big cap hit in 2008, so I believe they'll attempt an extension in order to adjust his effect on the 2008 cap.
Brady could probably take another restructure as well.
Right now the Patriots have around 6M left of their 2007 cap space, so they could afford to make a couple of moves as the season goes along.