Sebastian Vollmer approached the Patriots about a contract extension in November, and they declined, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald tweets. Of course, Vollmer’s injury problems were part of the reason why the Pats were reluctant to commit to him on a new multi-year deal. Over the weekend, the Pats learned that the offensive tackle is headed to IR with an undisclosed ailment, so they’re probably glad that they do not have him under contract beyond the 2016 season.
Here’s more on the Pats:
- The Patriots could begin the season with just three offensive tackles and stash Cameron Fleming on the practice squad, Doug Kyed of NESN.com tweets. Center Bryan Stork and guard Joe Thuney can serve as emergency options if the team needs help at tackle, Kyed notes. For a full view of the Patriots’ depth chart, check out their page on Roster Resource.
- Meanwhile, Ben Volin of The Boston Globe doesn’t see Stork making the 53-man roster. He reasons that Stork appears to be losing the center battle with Andrews and he hasn’t been as consistent from a performance or injury standpoint as Josh Kline or Ted Karras. However, if Jonathan Cooper‘s foot injury lands him on IR-DTR, that could save Stork’s spot.
- Offseason pickups running back Donald Brown, tight end Clay Harbor, wide receiver Keshawn Martin, and defensive tackles Terrance Knighton and Markus Kuhn are fighting for their jobs, Howe writes. Some of these players have significant signing bonuses, meaning that the Pats will have effectively wasted that money if they don’t make the team.
- Could the Patriots make a play for the recently-waived Karlos Williams? The Pats are one of ten teams that we feel could have interest.