Free agency is one of the main ways teams improve their rosters, and the New England Patriots will have a chance to go after more stars this offseason.
The Patriots were big spenders in free agency last offseason, adding many key players. It was not quite enough to win a championship, so they could look to keep adding. The prize of this free agency cycle looks to be George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys. However, can the Patriots afford a player like him?
The Patriots have $40.5 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. However, that number could change quickly. The Patriots have some cut candidates who could drastically change how much cap space they have. Namely, Stefon Diggs is a name to watch. He has a $26.5 million cap hit next season, and the Patriots could clear up plenty of cap space by moving on from him.
The Patriots can also create cap space through restructures. However, just as easily as they create space, they can use space. Christian Gonzalez's looming extension could play a major role in how the Patriots spend this offseason. Additionally, they know a Drake Maye extension is looming.
As for Pickens, the Patriots could use another talented pass catcher for Maye, and Pickens is one of the best in the league. He would be a better No. 1 option than Diggs, whether the Patriots decide to release Diggs or not. However, Pickens will demand a payday that reflects his talent.
Spotrac projects Pickens to sign a four-year, $122 million deal. Can the Patriots afford such a deal? The simple answer is yes. However, given how much Maye's extension figures to cost them, adding Pickens could hurt them in other areas.
The pass rush could use some more juice, and spending $122 million on a receiver could prevent the Patriots from signing a star pass rusher or simply re-signing a player like K'Lavonn Chaisson. Additionally, Pickens could also cost the Patriots draft capital if the Cowboys franchise tag him, as many experts expect them to do.
Last season was Pickens' first season with the Cowboys, and his first season with objectively good quarterback play. He had 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. Both marks were career highs, and he made the Pro Bowl. He would be a great addition to the Patriots' offense, but they will need to decide if paying him is worth it.
If the Patriots do spend big on a player like Pickens, they could get creative with the contract by backloading it or including a heavy signing bonus that can be prorated.
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