"Derek Rivers was supposed to be the top draft pick of the class, checking in as Belichick’s first selection that year at No. 83 overall in the third round," according to Morgan.
Rivers was expected to be the guy to replace Trey Flowers. However, Rivers cannot stay healthy and with how the Patriots build and rotate guys; Rivers has not had the production expected. Over his career, he as played in six games. He has recorded 2 solo tackles and 1 sack.
Rivers is on the books to make $3.3 Million. Being that the Patriots have several players that can do what he can and the Patriots running a base nickel, the team might be better off cutting him to make way for a defensive back.
Beau Allen just signed a contract for $7 million plus. However, he will have competition and just like Rivers; the Patriots maybe better off letting him walk.
"Allen is the natural replacement for Danny Shelton, who signed with the Lions in free agency..." "but the Patriots have shown a ruthless tendency to cut veterans before they’ve ever played a regular season snap before..." said Morgan
If Allen plays for the Patriots, this will be his third team in seven seasons. Allen has played in 90 games but only started 16. Over his career, he has 117 tackles, 15 quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks.
That equals approximately 19 tackles and 2 quarterback hits a season. The Patriots had issues stopping the run the past few seasons, especially in 2019. Having a DT who will stop little over 1 carry a game is not ideal. Granted he could plug holes and allow for others to make plays.
The Patriots are probably going to play Joe Thuney on the Tag, which means cutting Allen for his cap space makes sense. Allen my end up being a victim of circumstance.
The last guy Patrtick Morgan listed is a guy I have mentioned several times. That is Rex Burkhead. My honest opinion with Burkhead is that before the Patriots cut him, they will try to trade him to Tampa Bay.
Burkhead is a weapon. However, the Patriots have Damien Harris, who is cheaper and can fill the powerback role. Nobody knows how good his hands are. The Patriots also have James White, who can catch better, and is a dangerous runner. Then the Patriots have Brandon Bolden who is a better special teama player, that can do everything else Burkhead can do at a lower level.
Burkhead has struggled to stay healthy during his time in New England. Burkhead has only played in 31 regular season games as a Patriot out of 48. Starting 8 of them. Burkhead Is a weapon that cannot stay healthy.
Patrick Morgan makes the case for why Burkhead won't be part of the 2020 Patriots. "Rex Burkhead is in the final year of a three-season deal that’s set to pay him nearly $10 million. In terms of total contract value, only 14 players are set to earn more over the span of their deals than Burkhead..."
There are other names to watch, Brandon Bolden, Ryan Izzo, Matt Lacosse, Muhamad Sanu, Marquis Lee, Yodny Cajuste, Hjalte Froholdt, Dedric Wise, and so on. The Patriots have talent and with a shortened off season and virtual workouts, nobody knows who's safe and who's truly in danger. That's if there is a 2020 NFL season.
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