My understanding is that the cap hit for AB next season is $4.5 million. The Patriots are certainly going to try and get some relief from that, but if it comes, it will certainly NOT be next season, but some season in the future.Can't completely disagree although one thing that I'm not clear on (is anybody?) is what the cap hit from AB might be next year.
I'm sure there is some recency bias here, but my impression after this last season is that having a well functioning O-line is so vital to everything you are doing on offense, that I think I'd actually like to see them hold on to Thuney. With Andrews back (hopefully), and Thuney I think we'd see a much better run game and pass protection next season.
Could they afford a $25 million quarterback and upgrade the offense a little? They could, if they also draft a great TE and WR. It's not outside the realm of possibility, but also wouldn't call it probable. If Brady were willing to take $15 million a year and they grab a FA for one of those slots, I feel like the odds are better. I honestly don't quite understand why he wouldn't do that. I feel like his quality of life would be so much better than if he came back here at a $30 million number. He wouldn't enjoy that at all, in my opinion (because the team wouldn't be very good).
In my opinion, having a solid offensive line, getting some good weapons (TE/WR) - you can pretty much do okay with almost anyone at QB.