FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have probably the most wage cap house within the NFL, and government vice chairman of participant personnel Eliot Wolf mentioned Monday that the group is open for enterprise if a major commerce alternative presents itself.
“Yeah, completely. We’re speaking to all 31 groups and making an attempt to do what’s greatest for us,” Wolf mentioned earlier than the group’s observe. “I believe these issues are sometimes much more sophisticated than the followers and a few others wish to make you consider. But when there’s something we predict will help us, we might positively be open to it.”
The Patriots, who’re 2-0 within the preseason and have proven notable enchancment beneath first-year coach Mike Vrabel, have about $60 million in cap house.
Requested particularly whether or not the franchise can be prepared to half with a first- or second-round draft selection in a hypothetical commerce, Wolf mentioned: “Positive. Simply doing what’s greatest for the group. If there was a participant on the market that we really feel like will help us, and it prices that, then we’d take into account doing that.”
Wolf’s remarks come at a time when a number of high-profile stars throughout the NFL — a gaggle together with Dallas Cowboys defensive finish Micah Parsons, Cincinnati Bengals defensive finish Trey Hendrickson and Washington Commanders extensive receiver Terry McLaurin — have been at a contract deadlock with their respective groups.
One potential hurdle for New England in a potential daring transfer is its longer-range wage cap outlook.
Earlier in coaching camp, Vrabel famous how the Patriots entered this season with a two-year plan for the wage cap and have been intentional about following that plan. The group is at present over the wage cap for 2026, a 12 months wherein second-team All-Professional cornerback Christian Gonzalez can be eligible for a contract extension for the primary time.
Requested Monday about how New England views its abundance of cap house, and whether or not that displays that the mind belief would not see the group as a contender, Wolf mentioned: “It is a big-picture view. Additionally, we now have the quarterback [Drake Maye] on a rookie contract. I actually assume we spent some huge cash in free company this 12 months, so I do not assume it is indicative of the place we predict we’re as a group.”
