Last we heard, the Patriots have yet to enter negotiations with free agent center Ryan Wendell about a new deal or talk to Logan Mankins about an extension to reduce his cap number. If the Pats do come to the table, however, both are expected to be receptive. The latest out of Foxboro..
- It seems likely that the Patriots will approach defensive back Devin McCourty about working out a new contract, but he’s not concerned about it either way, writes the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe. McCourty has a year remaining on his rookie deal, which saw his 2014 cap number skyrocket to $5.115MM. The Pats could reduce that cap hit by about $2MM by shuffling around some money through a new deal.
- Rob Gronkowski signed a lucrative contract extension with the Pats to give him a total deal of $55MM+ over eight years, keeping him off the open market. But, with Jimmy Graham perhaps on the brink of a record-breaking deal, Field Yates of ESPNBoston.com wonders what Gronk would get if he were a free agent.
- Adam Lefkoe and Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald (video link) looked at the Patriots’ situation with cornerback Aqib Talib and whether they’ll be able to sign him to a long-term contract. Howe doesn’t believe that New England will hit him with the franchise tag if they can’t hammer out a new deal.
Just a little side note, I think McCourty is primarily viewed as a safety now. Only plays CB when they absolutely need him, like when Talib went down in the game against Denver he played there a little.