I think that you underestimate the depth of the issues in 2015. For example, we will have to sign a full set of running backs.
I expect that the team will take care of business in 2014, but almost all of the focus will be on extensions.
2014
Kicking the can on CB for another year is possible. But it would seem that at least one defensive back should be signed long-term, hopefully two.
I don't accept the idea that it is OK to keep losing starting quality linemen. We have gone from 7 starting quality linemen (some would ay 8) in 2012 to only 6 this year. Most would keep Connolly OR Wendell. After all, a rookie can pick up the slack. Wendell will go to the open market. My strong preference is that he be the next to be extended. IMHO, one of the strengths of the patriots is the OL, and its consistency. I would want to keep all six starters.
We use 6 starters. Solder has been a TE. And, of course, injuries happen.
So for me, I look forward to another extension in the next few weeks; of Wendell. Also, Edelman may be willing to sign a long-term deal.
I agree with you that 2015 will be a challenging year, and also that the team will likely be trying to get some of these issues worked out ahead of time. My feeling is that the 2 most important signings will be McCourty and Solder, but Solder's 5th yr option would likely be kicked in thus pushing him off another year to 2016.
That would mean that the TWO most important guys can both be erased from 2015 if we come to an extension with McCourty prior to Feb.2015. I would also imagine an extension coming for Wilfork too. That would then erase the top 3 players. Things become a lot different when you take those 3 away, and even if they only resign just one of DMcC/Wilfork that will make things a lot different.
Once you erase those players and then attempt to cross off some fraction of players who will walk/not be retained, the list becomes less intimidating, although still quite a challenge when compared to most years. As always, there will be players who we'd like to keep that will have to be let go, just like any other year.
As far as needing to retain a "full set of RB's," along with your concerns about the offensive line, keep in mind that we'll have the next 2 years of the draft to bring in some new talent too. The position of RB would actually fall relatively lower on my "worry" list, since they have been rather effective with less talent. If just one of Ridley/Vereen can be retained, they'll certainly be in an okay position (IMO). I certainly agree with you that they'll need to keep
one of Wendell/Connelly, possibly even both if they can get Connelly to a restructuring of sorts--which is definitely a possibility. I think that the trenches of OL/DL will be a focus in the next 2 drafts, which should help to continue to move in the right direction.
I still am not nearly concerned about 2014, especially with the low amount of players "needed" to be retained and the current 7-8 million in available cap space that will likely be carried over. The lessened concern of 2014 jumps up to quite a challenge for 2015, so the two years likely even themselves out a bit in my opinion. Either way, Belichick does a pretty good job of looking towards the future so we'll have to put our trust in his hands. I don't see much reason in worrying too much about it though, as they may be able to address the 2015 FA challenge by taking things in a more conservative way for 2014.
I wouldn't mind seeing another draft strategy much similar to the one we used this past April where they traded down/out of the first round. That may allow them to continue to acquire some extra picks in the all-important rounds of #2 and #3. It could be argued that the strategy has helped them to rebuild on the fly in certain areas in the past 4-5 yrs, outside of the obvious struggles of the early 2009 class.
