My Ridiculously Early Start on a 2026 Offseason Plan

[mayoclinic]

The Patriots now have:

1.
2.
3.
4 (from Chicago).
4.
5.
6.
6 (from Dallas).
6 (from Pittsburgh).
6 (from SF).

They could probably package 2 6ths to move into the 5th round. In a very deep draft, they could get 8 significant contributors.

They could also trade a 3rd or a 4th before the trade deadline, and still pick up quality contributors day 3.

 

[manxman2601]

The Patriots now have:

1.
2.
3.
4 (from Chicago).
4.
5.
6.
6 (from Dallas).
6 (from Pittsburgh).
6 (from SF).

They could probably package 2 6ths to move into the 5th round. In a very deep draft, they could get 8 significant contributors.

They could also trade a 3rd or a 4th before the trade deadline, and still pick up quality contributors day 3.

They’re pretty thin at safety now unless they like that guy they just signed to the PS as depth.

I have to think they’re definitely trading for an edge at least.

 

[mayoclinic]

I think they are setting themselves up to trade. Barring a Jeffery Simmons miracle (not happening, but fun to dream) I'm hoping for Kayvon Thibodeaux, and for Bradyn Swinson to be moved up.

I think Richie Grant gets elevated. Not expecting much, but Duggar set a low bar. The Pats also had Lewis Cine in recently. Again, not expecting a lot.

 

[manxman2601]

I think they are setting themselves up to trade. Barring a Jeffery Simmons miracle (not happening, but fun to dream) I'm hoping for Kayvon Thibodeaux, and for Bradyn Swinson to be moved up.

I think Richie Grant gets elevated. Not expecting much, but Duggar set a low bar. The Pats also had Lewis Cine in recently. Again, not expecting a lot.

They just signed a safety off the Dolphins PS so as I understand it, he has to be on the roster for the at least the next five games which probably means safety depth is covered for now.

 

[mayoclinic]

3 games. I believe.

 

[manxman2601]

I am intrigued by the speculation about trading for Myles Garrett. I don't think it happens but it is interesting. As a draftnik I obviously hate the idea of giving up two first round picks, but with Garrett, Maye, this D/Line and our CBs, the SB window suddenly bursts wide open. And let's face it, with a roster like that, they'd be two very late first round picks, injuries allowing. I'm not even sure we could afford it but if you're going to take advantage of Maye's rookie deal, that would be a hell of a way to do it.

Edit: Having looked at his contract, we'd be committed to him through 2029, his age 34. That's probably too long for my liking, especially as his cap hit in '29 is 65m. Nevermind.

 

[mayoclinic]

But it's fun to dream.

God Cleveland's cap management is atrocious.

 

[rkarp1]

I appreciate the cap savings angle of the two trades, starting next year, as it appears they paid the entire freight on Dugger's deal the remainder of this year.
but going into week 9, with a reasonable remaining schedule, from my vantage point, the team is not playing with an average safety in Hawkins, an average safety, albeit with upside in Woodson, 2 ST players in Pettus and Schooler, and another teams PS player picked up only yesterday that will now have to learn the defensive schemes.
for a team that might be a team with a playoffs bye in week 1, and home field week 2 playoffs, that is dangerously thin.
again, Dugger's cap relief next year is noticed. but only last week Dugger did play 100% of the defensive snaps and 48% of the ST snaps.

 

[Clonamery]

I appreciate the cap savings angle of the two trades, starting next year, as it appears they paid the entire freight on Dugger's deal the remainder of this year.
but going into week 9, with a reasonable remaining schedule, from my vantage point, the team is not playing with an average safety in Hawkins, an average safety, albeit with upside in Woodson, 2 ST players in Pettus and Schooler, and another teams PS player picked up only yesterday that will now have to learn the defensive schemes.
for a team that might be a team with a playoffs bye in week 1, and home field week 2 playoffs, that is dangerously thin.
again, Dugger's cap relief next year is noticed. but only last week Dugger did play 100% of the defensive snaps and 48% of the ST snaps.

Up until now, they have been consistent that changes made would not be solely about this year. Will that change? Doubtful.

 

[stelfans]

Hop

I am intrigued by the speculation about trading for Myles Garrett. I don't think it happens but it is interesting. As a draftnik I obviously hate the idea of giving up two first round picks, but with Garrett, Maye, this D/Line and our CBs, the SB window suddenly bursts wide open. And let's face it, with a roster like that, they'd be two very late first round picks, injuries allowing. I'm not even sure we could afford it but if you're going to take advantage of Maye's rookie deal, that would be a hell of a way to do it.

Edit: Having looked at his contract, we'd be committed to him through 2029, his age 34. That's probably too long for my liking, especially as his cap hit in '29 is 65m. Nevermind.

Dont do us like that manx.

Can you imagine Garrett, Barmore and Williams?

 

[manxman2601]

Hop

Dont do us like that manx.

Can you imagine Garrett, Barmore and Williams?

I can and it makes salivate.

 

[mayoclinic]

The Pats could get Myles Garrett tomorrow. All they would have to give up would be Drake Maye.

Not happening.

 

[mayoclinic]

For Manx and Stelfans:

Cleveland Browns: Is it time to trade Myles Garrett?

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer believes the Browns need to strongly consider taking the cap hit a deal would require.

www.dawgsbynature.com

If Bert Breer believes it, it can't be true.

 

[mayoclinic]

From Overthecap:

Myles Garrett Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Myles Garrett contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history

overthecap.com

Only $5M in money if Garrett is cut in 2029.

One concern:

Jason Lloyd: “It’s well known within the Browns that Garrett is frequently late to the facility. He has skipped mandatory team activities on multiple occasions.

“Veterans typically police the locker room on those types of things and create the culture of accountability, but here, it’s the best player breaking the rules.”

Myles Garrett isn’t happy, but Patrick Mahomes is, plus Week 9 fantasy prep

Is Kansas City inevitable? Is Myles Garrett right to be upset? How can fantasy teams replace Cam Skattebo?

www.nytimes.com

 

[patsfaninpa]

Not sure what moves we make this week. I would like to look at 3 positions this off-season.

1. A younger WR1 who will grow with Maye. He hasn’t been great. But, Marvin Harrison Jr would be better in a structured system like ours. Than free lancing with Kyler.

2. Edge. Nick Herbig. is finishing year 3 of his rookie contract. Pitt has mucho dinero committed to Watt and Highsmith. If Pitt extends Herbig. Can probably get Highsmith on the cheap.

3. RT. In draft. With 1st. Unless dealt for Marv Jr. Or. a trade up in 2nd. Giving up 2&3.

 

[captain stone]

I think they are setting themselves up to trade. Barring a Jeffery Simmons miracle (not happening, but fun to dream) I'm hoping for Kayvon Thibodeaux, and for Bradyn Swinson to be moved up.

I think Richie Grant gets elevated. Not expecting much, but Duggar set a low bar. The Pats also had Lewis Cine in recently. Again, not expecting a lot.

Vrabel had Arden Key in TN for the '23 season. He should be available, if the Price is Right. He represents the Minimum at DE we should be targeting on Tuesday.

 

[manxman2601]

For Manx and Stelfans:

Cleveland Browns: Is it time to trade Myles Garrett?

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer believes the Browns need to strongly consider taking the cap hit a deal would require.

www.dawgsbynature.com

If Bert Breer believes it, it can't be true.

Those first 4 years are really quite reasonable and who knows where the cap is in five years?

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Around $10M in 2026 cap space created by trading Duggar and White.

Onwenu still to be cut after the season. Another $17.5m in 2026 cap space.

Cole Strange is playing RG for the Dolphins. Do you think Vrabel will resign Strange?

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

They just signed a safety off the Dolphins PS so as I understand it, he has to be on the roster for the at least the next five games which probably means safety depth is covered for now.

3 games or 5 games?

 

[silentone]

Duggar and a 2026 7th traded to Pittsburgh for a 2026 6th.

More importantly, I believes that frees up $8M in 2026 cap space.

Hi mayoclinic -
I was under the impression that the Patriots would take a $9mm dead cap hit in 2026 if they either traded him (as they did yesterday) or cut him at the end of this season. Maybe I have it wrong, but I don't think this trade frees up cap space in 2026 assuming they would just cut him in at the end of this season. I think that the possible gains for the Pats are - freeing up a roster spot, saving some 2025 salary if they didn't pick up the whole tab, the pick swap going from a 7th to a 6th, and removing the cap risk associated with Dugger getting hurt.