Unsurprisingly, the New England Patriots parted ways with wide receiver Brandon LaFell as well as tight end Scott Chandler, according to multiple reports.

In his second season with the Patriots, LaFell caught just half of the balls thrown to him, totaling just over 500 yards without a single touchdown, while also missing time with injury.

After a similarly disappointing performance, Chandler will leave New England after just a one-year stint. His 2015 stat totals barely reached 250 receiving yards for four scores.

LaFell was set to make $3.675 million in 2016, while Chandler’s cap hit equaled $3.050 million. The Patriots will carry $1 million in dead money but overall save over $4.6 million in cap space between the two transactions.

The Patriots are also expected to release offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, as he is set to earn over $4.75 million in 2016. If such a move occurs, the Patriots would have over $20 million to spend in the offseason, pending other releases.

As for replacing both LaFell and Chandler, the Patriots were already in search for wide receivers in the offseason. Since Alshon Jeffery was tagged by the Chicago Bears, significant remaining free agent wide outs include Rishard Matthews, Marvin Jones, Mohamed Sanu, Marques Colston, and Anquan Boldin.

Also, many immediate-impact wide receivers should be available by the 60th pick the Patriots hold in the upcoming NFL Draft. Ohio State’s pair of Michael Thomas and Braxton Miller, TCU’s Josh Doctson, Oklahoma’s Sterling Shepard, and Rutgers’ Leonte Carroo are the best prospects that could be available late in the second round. Miller and Shepard have outstanding speed and agility while the other three have size and strength.

Chandler, though, shouldn’t be hard to replace. His role with the Patriots wasn’t large in the first place. They should go after a tight end in the offseason, but they shouldn’t feel the need to spend too much money for one.

Firstly, the Patriots could target a tight end in the draft. This draft appears to be fairly average at the position, but there are certainly some standouts. Assuming the Patriots would like to wait until the third round to use one of their compensatory picks on the position, Ohio State’s Nick Vannett would fit well in the system. He’s 6-foot-6, weighs 257 pounds, and played under Urban Meyer who has had a strong connection with Belichick in drafts over the years.

New England could opt to sign a free agent like Jared Cook who was recently released by the Los Angeles Rams. Such a decision will be more expensive however and probably less likely to occur.

Finally, the Patriots could call upon 2015 draftee A.J. Derby. That being said, the Arkansas alum was already inexperienced at the position and spent the entire 2015 season on injured reserve. He’ll need to prove himself in the offseason for the Patriots to extend his role with the team.

With Jerod Mayo’s retirement, Tom Brady’s contract extension, and the waiving of LaFell and Chandler, the Patriots have had themselves a busy offseason with free agency yet to begin.

Share this: Email

Print

Facebook

Twitter

