I think 2014 will be Mankins last year with the Pats. Even though he has a big cap number next year, we will only save about $2.5mil if we cut him. The question is can we replace him for less than that? I don't think so. Let him play out 2014 and then cut or trade him saving $7mil against the 2015 cap.
I think DT is obviously going to be the most interesting position to watch for the Pats in the offseason. Potentially it's a strong group if Wilfork and Kelly return 100%, Armstead becomes the player we hope and Vellano and Jones continue to develop. Unfortunately I don't have great hope that Wilfork and Kelly will both be the same players they were before getting hurt, Armstead hasn't even practiced yet and Jones and Vellano look like much better sub rushers than base DT's (as evident by our run defense). As difficult as it may be, Wilfork and his $11.6mil cap hit may be cut, saving $8mil. Although I would much prefer and extension to reduce the cap hit a few mil. Either way I don't see him playing at $11.6mil next year. If Kelly doesn't return to form he could also be a cap casualty saving $2.5mil. It will also be interesting to see how Sopoaga fits because we could save another $2.75mil cutting him also.
Some other potential cap casualties could be Connolly ($3mil saving) and Adrian Wilson ($1.16mil). With Gostkowski looking like a good extension candidate to reduce his $3.8 mil cap hit. With Wilfork, Mankins and Hernandez contracts coming off the books in the next few years there is some room for long term contracts, especially with Brady at a very reasonable price. We do also have to keep our own so I would expect McCourty to be paid next, then probably Solder. This doesn't include Talib who I think worst case scenario will be franchised, although I would hope for a long term deal.
In terms of bringing in FA, like most others Alex Mack would be my top target. He is a quality C and would be a nice upgrade over Wendell. I would also love OG Jon Asamoah from KC, who I think is one of the most underrated guards in the league. I doubt KC would let him get away but he would also be a great fit. I think an O-line of Solder, Mankins, Mack, Asamoah and Vollmer sure would look nice protecting Brady (unlikely though).
The other position I would look to target in free agency is TE. The two that interest me the most are Dennis Pitta and Brandon Pettigrew. Pitta is the better pass catcher while Pettigrew is the much better blocker. Pitta is coming off a major injury and is a major piece to the Ravens offense so he may be tough to get. While Pettigrew seems to be on the outs in Detroit and isn't a great fit for such a vertical offense. I think as the #2 TE, blocking and catching shorter passes from Brady he could be a valuable player. I must also say that Pettigrew was my binky coming out of Oklahoma State so I may have a higher opinion of him than most.
In terms of fantasy FA acquisitions I would love Michael Johnson, T.J. Ward or Lamar Houston, but they will all likely be out of our price range. However, if we can come out of free agency with a solidified O-line and a solid #2 TE I think we would be in a great position to go after a DT and developmental QB in the draft.
