They are as much a part of National Football League training camp as hamstring pulls and gassers – the veteran “contract casualty.”
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has made a point in his tenure to note that a huge piece of his job is to find someone younger, better and cheaper.
The heat could be on some well-paid vets in New England, as it is in all 32 NFL camps.
With that in mind, inside of three weeks from the opening of camp, we look at four potential “contract casualties” on the current Patriots roster and why the team might deem them expendable.
Carlton Davis
The best thing – for multiple reasons – that could happen to Davis is some kind of “hold-in” by Christian Gonzalez.
Slated to make almost $15 million in the No. 2 cornerback slot, Davis could use the time with Gonzalez on the sideline to prove his worth and importance to this defense.
Committing $30 to $40 million a year to Gonzalez, if the Patriots were to extend him, might make the team consider trying to piece together lesser contracts in the defensive backfield around him.
Davis is coming off a superb season, playing at a high level, but again, “younger, better, cheaper,” might deem him to be a luxury and not a necessity.
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Christian Barmore
The Barmore package, complete with health woes and alleged off-field issues, will always be a point of concern.
Yes, he was durable and dependable on the interior defensive line, starting double-digit games (16) for the first time in his career. But $14 million for 15 solo tackles with two sacks is a pretty steep price tag.
Harold Landry
Another vet, at the edge rusher spot, whose production will be closely monitored. Set to make nearly $13 million, he will be pushed by some youngsters like Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson and rookie second-round pick Gabe Jacas, if he ever signs.
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Morgan Moses
The Patriots have drafted tackles in Round 1 of the draft each of the last two years, and reports say rookie Caleb Lomu is ahead of schedule.
Moses has been a great soldier and team leader, but if he slips, or health is an issue in camp, it could get a little dicey.
