Three Patriots opt out, making room for the return of Will Hastings.

The NFL allowed players to opt out of the 2020 NFL season, and several have taken advantage of the option as covid 19 shows it's not going to be under control in the United States for some time to come.

For the Patriots this means fullback Dan Vitale, offensive linemen Marcus Cannon and Najee Toran are a loss for the 2020 season. Vitale played for the Packers in 2019, while Cannon was a key piece of the Patriots offensive line and Toran was a valuable practice squad member.

There maybe more names to come as players have until August 3rd to make the decision. With roughly seven days to decide, players have to think about their health and safety. Players with wives and kids will have the toughest decision. Is a pigskin worth more than spending years with their family.

The Patriots have resigned wide receiver Will Hastings, a player the Patriots have been scouting since high school. This comes according to Jim McBride of the Boston Globe.

"The #Patriots have re-signed rookie free agent slot receiver Will Hastings, who had been released Sunday, according to a league source. He played with QB Jarrett Stidham at Auburn and has a kicking background as well."

This is a huge opportunity for Hastings as the Patriots will want to improve their receiving corps after a dismal 2019 season. Hastings joins Jeff Thomas as the only two undrafted receivers on the roster.

While it is uncertain who else the Patriots will bring back in or sign. There are rumors going round on twitter that the Patriots may have interest in a reunion with LaAdrain Waddle. 

 Zack Cox of NESN wrote a little on the Cannon story. "Cannon’s medical history likely would classify him as a 'higher-risk player,' entitling him to a $350,000 stipend salary. Non-high-risk (aka “voluntary”) players who opt out will receive $150,000 in the form of a salary advance."

As far as Hastings goes, there was hope that he would pick up where he left off in 2018 with Stidham. However, the signing of Cam Newton and elimination of the preseason nipped that in the bud.

Hastings caught 26 receptions for 525 yards and four touchdowns in 2017 from Jarrett Stidham. He missed the 2018 season with a torn ACL costing Stidhama first round grade. Hastings had 19 catches, 222 yards, and a touchdown in 2019. 

Remember the only reason Jakobi Meyers made the team was because of his connection with Stidham in 2019. That is what Hastings' fans are counting on. However, if Newton is the Patriots long term plan, both Meyers and Hastings could be given their walking papers before week one.