Long way out...but will Pats be able to afford both Collins and Hightower?

[Marinlik]

This is a 2017 decision at the earliest. I think that this is really a 2018 decision. By that time, Morris might develop. Alternatively, we might draft another front seven player or two that will develop. Belichick might pick up a player from another team. A lot can happen in three seasons and two drafts.

2016
Hightower can play for there 5th year salary number. We would certainly pick up the 5th year options for Collins and Jones (there is no cost).

2017
Collins and Jones could be extended or could play for their 5th year contract amount.
There MAY be a choice between Mayo and Hightower. Or we may rework Mayo's deal and sing Hightower.

2018
Mayo will likely be gone, or being paid much less. We can then decide whether to pay Jones and/or Collins.

We have already picked up the 5th year option for Hightower and Jones. But of course, we can also decline that option before the next league year if we want, as it's only guaranteed for injury before then. Of course, I don't see that happening unless something very major happens. Also, the 5th year option is for 2016. And Jones and Hightower are not under contract for 2017 unless they are re-sign, or one of them gets the franchise tag.

Collins was a second round pick, so he doesn't have a 5th year option. So he will need to be resigned in 2017 or get franchise tagged to play for the Pats in 2017.

Mayo as you said will most likely be payed top dollar when it's time to sign the other guys. He's really good, or atleast was really good before his injury last year, but he's also 29 and will be 31 when Hightower, Jones, and Collins contracts are up.

 

[TBR]

I'm ok with letting Chandler Jones walk if it helps sign Hightower + Collins

Gotta hope Grissom and/or Flowers develop at DE

 

[mgteich]

We have already picked up the 5th year option for Hightower and Jones. But of course, we can also decline that option before the next league year if we want, as it's only guaranteed for injury before then. Of course, I don't see that happening unless something very major happens. Also, the 5th year option is for 2016. And Jones and Hightower are not under contract for 2017 unless they are re-sign, or one of them gets the franchise tag.

Collins was a second round pick, so he doesn't have a 5th year option. So he will need to be resigned in 2017 or get franchise tagged to play for the Pats in 2017.

Mayo as you said will most likely be payed top dollar when it's time to sign the other guys. He's really good, or atleast was really good before his injury last year, but he's also 29 and will be 31 when Hightower, Jones, and Collins contracts are up.

Thank you for the correction on Jones. We will need to make a decision in 2017 rather than wait until 2018. With regard to Mayo, I believe that we will be making a decision in each off-season because of his roster bonus.

 

[Joey007]

Let's put it this way though: if Chandler ends the teasing and finally becomes the 15+ sack guy we were hoping for the next two years, then what would we do in terms of resigning him in regards to Hightower and Collins?

 

[Joey007]

Isn't it funny how things change though? After the first two years Chandler was the guy we had to keep and Hightower was considered by some to be the underachiever.

I think Collins will be the bigger priority to get back, but I think Hightower will be the one resigned first. He seems like he is Bill's 100% prototypical player.

 

[mgteich]

I'll try it a different way since this is NOT a choice between two players.

There will be a 4-way decision in 2017 if no one signs a long-term contract before then. Obviously, it would be a good idea to be able to lock at least one player into a long term deal before then. My vote would be for an extension of Collins, even though he is the one that COULD be delayed.

GOING INTO THE 2017 SEASON
Hightower will be a free agent.
Jones will be a free agent.
Mayo will likely have a bonus that would essentially make him a free agent.
Collins will be playing under his 5th year contract.

 

[Brady6]

I'll try it a different way since this is NOT a choice between two players.

There will be a 4-way decision in 2017 if no one signs a long-term contract before then. Obviously, it would be a good idea to be able to lock at least one player into a long term deal before then. My vote would be for an extension of Collins, even though he is the one that COULD be delayed.

GOING INTO THE 2017 SEASON
Hightower will be a free agent.
Jones will be a free agent.
Mayo will likely have a bonus that would essentially make him a free agent.
Collins will be playing under his 5th year contract.

Collins was a second round pick so he doesn't have a 5th year option. Jones, Hightower, Collins, Butler, and Ryan are all slated to become UFAs after the 2016 season. Don't sleep on the fact that Butler might have to get paid big money as well. He appears to be the truth.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

I'm ok with letting Chandler Jones walk if it helps sign Hightower + Collins

Gotta hope Grissom and/or Flowers develop at DE

Hopefully at least 1 of them will

 

[mgteich]

Collins was a second round pick so he doesn't have a 5th year option. Jones, Hightower, Collins, Butler, and Ryan are all slated to become UFAs after the 2016 season. Don't sleep on the fact that Butler might have to get paid big money as well. He appears to be the truth.

Are you suggesting that Butler will sit out? Otherwise, we will tender him at the highest RFA tier in 2017.

 

[Brady6]

Are you suggesting that Butler will sit out? Otherwise, we will tender him at the highest RFA tier in 2017.

Admittedly I overlooked the RFA tender, but after thinking about it I do not think he would sign an RFA tender if he is the type of player many (including me) believe he can be.

 

[mgteich]

Admittedly I overlooked the RFA tender, but after thinking about it I do not think he would sign an RFA tender if he is the type of player many (including me) believe he can be.

So you think that Butler is the kind of play that would sit out, rather than playing the last year of his contract for $4M? You do understand that the player has zero leverage, other than signing with someone else in which case we get a 1st round draft choice.

 

[Brady6]

So you think that Butler is the kind of play that would sit out, rather than playing the last year of his contract for $4M? You do understand that the player has zero leverage, other than signing with someone else in which case we get a 1st round draft choice.

I just don't see it working for either sides. Maybe he would play maybe he wouldn't it doesn't much matter because of Butler is a good player I'm sure the team would extend him prior to having to tender him. Either way a decision will need to be made.