I disagree. $2M is 1.6% of the Pats cap allotment. If you split the Pats cap number equally among 53 guys, each would average taking up $2.4M in cap space, so you could argue he is being paid as a below average player, unless he exceeds expectation and hits his escalators.
So, clearly, the guy is being paid as a backup player. I would argue he is a very good backup because he can back up all 3 positions on the DL and contribute on ST. Could he be sturdier against the run? Maybe, but I think he has played very well when asked and considering his versatility, contributions on ST and cost he is a great signing as a role player.
As a bonus, with 4 years in the system he knows what he is doing. If you had to bring someone in to replace him that player would likely take some time to learn the system and get accustomed to the players around him.
I think this is exactly the kind of signing that makes the Pats a great team. A versatile depth player that fills multiple roles at a low cost. That separates them from a lot of teams who have depth guys who are minimum-level rookies because they don't spread the wealth throughout their roster.
