Patriots Roster Projection 2.0

[RedOctober3829]

QB(2)--Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe
Cut: Malik Cunningham, Trace McSorley

RB(4)--Rhamondre Stevenson, Zeke Elliott, Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong
Cut: Kevin Harris, JJ Taylor(could put Strong on IR if his injury is serious after the initial 53 and sign Taylor to the active roster)

WR(6)--DeVante Parker, Juju, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thortnon, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte
Cut: Tre Nixon, Raleigh Webb, Thyrick Pitts

OL(9)--Trent Brown, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, Riley Reiff, Sidy Sow, Jake Andrews, Atoni Mafi, Conor McDermott
Cut: Andrew Stueber, Chasen Hines, James Ferentz, Bill Murray, Micah Vanterpool, Kodey Russey
NFI: Calvin Anderson

TE(3)--Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, Anthony Firkser
Cut: Scotty Washington, Johnny Lumpkin, Matt Sokol

DL(4)--Lawrence Guy, Davon Godcheaux, Christian Barmore, Carl Davis
Cut: Daniel Ekuale, Sam Roberts, Jeremiah Pharms, Justus Tavai

EDGE(5): Matt Judon, Josh Uche, Keion White, Anfernee Jennings, Deatrich Wise
Cut: Ronnie Perkins, Diego Fagot

Off Ball LB(4): Ja'Whaun Bentley, Mack Wilson, Marte Mapu, Jahlani Tavai
Cut: Joe Giles-Harris

CB(5): Christian Gonzalez, Jon Jones, Marcus Jones, Myles Bryant, Jack Jones
Cut: Isaiah Bolden, Rodney Randle, Quandry Moseley, Shaun Wade

Safety4): Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jalen Mills
Cut: Josh Bledsoe, Ameer Speed, Brad Hawkins

ST(7): Matthew Slater, Chris Board, Brendan Schooler, Calvin Munson, Chad Ryland, Brice Baringer, Joe Cardona

PUP: Cody Davis, Trey Flowers

 

[Pxer]

No major gripes. I'd like to see them keep Cunningham, as it's likely someone takes a flier on him on their 53. Maybe jettison Munson?

It would be nice to have Ekuale for depth, but if everyone else is healthy, I guess you cut him. Sake with a fifth safety.

 

[RedOctober3829]

No major gripes. I'd like to see them keep Cunningham, as it's likely someone takes a flier on him on their 53. Maybe jettison Munson?

It would be nice to have Ekuale for depth, but if everyone else is healthy, I guess you cut him. Sake with a fifth safety.

Munson started on almost every ST unit

 

[Van Everyman]

Cunningham played a lot at receiver last night. It def. looked like they were trying to see if he could stick there, tho I don't recall him reeling in any catches. And, obv., we didn't get to see him play QB in the 4th.

 

[Arroyoyo]

QB(2)--Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe
Cut: Malik Cunningham, Trace McSorley

RB(4)--Rhamondre Stevenson, Zeke Elliott, Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong
Cut: Kevin Harris, JJ Taylor(could put Strong on IR if his injury is serious after the initial 53 and sign Taylor to the active roster)

WR(6)--DeVante Parker, Juju, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thortnon, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte
Cut: Tre Nixon, Raleigh Webb, Thyrick Pitts

OL(9)--Trent Brown, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, Riley Reiff, Sidy Sow, Jake Andrews, Atoni Mafi, Conor McDermott
Cut: Andrew Stueber, Chasen Hines, James Ferentz, Bill Murray, Micah Vanterpool, Kodey Russey
NFI: Calvin Anderson

TE(3)--Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, Anthony Firkser
Cut: Scotty Washington, Johnny Lumpkin, Matt Sokol

DL(4)--Lawrence Guy, Davon Godcheaux, Christian Barmore, Carl Davis
Cut: Daniel Ekuale, Sam Roberts, Jeremiah Pharms, Justus Tavai

EDGE(5): Matt Judon, Josh Uche, Keion White, Anfernee Jennings, Deatrich Wise
Cut: Ronnie Perkins, Diego Fagot

Off Ball LB(4): Ja'Whaun Bentley, Mack Wilson, Marte Mapu, Jahlani Tavai
Cut: Joe Giles-Harris

CB(5): Christian Gonzalez, Jon Jones, Marcus Jones, Myles Bryant, Jack Jones
Cut: Isaiah Bolden, Rodney Randle, Quandry Moseley, Shaun Wade

Safety4): Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jalen Mills
Cut: Josh Bledsoe, Ameer Speed, Brad Hawkins

ST(7): Matthew Slater, Chris Board, Brendan Schooler, Calvin Munson, Chad Ryland, Brice Baringer, Joe Cardona

PUP: Cody Davis, Trey Flowers

Pretty much agreed with all of this, though I think Thornton is cut or traded and Cunningham stays.

Also can’t help but wonder if BB is scratching his chin a bit on Juju.

 

[BigSoxFan]

Going to be very interesting to see what they do at WR. They were clearly trying to see what Cunningham could do there but they couldn’t connect on like 5 targets. Boutte had a really nice TD play and looked pretty fast. Pop Douglas is an obvious lock at this point. I can’t imagine any of the vets are getting let go at this point so that leaves Tyquan and Cunningham to me for a spot. Given Cunningham’s potential utility at QB, I’d probably prefer to trade TT for whatever late round pick we could get and keep Cunningham. But I am admittedly not so bullish on TT and the coaching staff might have a higher evaluation.

 

[pjheff]

I realize that TT hasn’t flashed, and there’s a chance he never will, but I’d be reluctant to sell low and early on a fast second rounder who has had to deal with an injury, a questionable coaching staff, and now a new offensive system in his first year as a professional.

 

[Dogman]

I don't remember if the rule changed with IR with return designation or not but can they stash Montgomery to ensure his health and keep both Cunningham and TT?

 

[RG33]

QB(2)--Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe
Cut: Malik Cunningham, Trace McSorley

RB(4)--Rhamondre Stevenson, Zeke Elliott, Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong
Cut: Kevin Harris, JJ Taylor(could put Strong on IR if his injury is serious after the initial 53 and sign Taylor to the active roster)

WR(6)--DeVante Parker, Juju, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thortnon, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte
Cut: Tre Nixon, Raleigh Webb, Thyrick Pitts

OL(9)--Trent Brown, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, Riley Reiff, Sidy Sow, Jake Andrews, Atoni Mafi, Conor McDermott
Cut: Andrew Stueber, Chasen Hines, James Ferentz, Bill Murray, Micah Vanterpool, Kodey Russey
NFI: Calvin Anderson

TE(3)--Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, Anthony Firkser
Cut: Scotty Washington, Johnny Lumpkin, Matt Sokol

DL(4)--Lawrence Guy, Davon Godcheaux, Christian Barmore, Carl Davis
Cut: Daniel Ekuale, Sam Roberts, Jeremiah Pharms, Justus Tavai

EDGE(5): Matt Judon, Josh Uche, Keion White, Anfernee Jennings, Deatrich Wise
Cut: Ronnie Perkins, Diego Fagot

Off Ball LB(4): Ja'Whaun Bentley, Mack Wilson, Marte Mapu, Jahlani Tavai
Cut: Joe Giles-Harris

CB(5): Christian Gonzalez, Jon Jones, Marcus Jones, Myles Bryant, Jack Jones
Cut: Isaiah Bolden, Rodney Randle, Quandry Moseley, Shaun Wade

Safety4): Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jalen Mills
Cut: Josh Bledsoe, Ameer Speed, Brad Hawkins

ST(7): Matthew Slater, Chris Board, Brendan Schooler, Calvin Munson, Chad Ryland, Brice Baringer, Joe Cardona

PUP: Cody Davis, Trey Flowers

This looks pretty solid to me. The only name that jumps out to me on your CUT list is Ekuale. It feels like this coaching staff has seen improvement from him the last 2 years and is invested in him a bit, and those are guys that usually stick around. I am also of the mind that you let Cunningham walk as the value that he may potentially bring as QB3 is so limited for this team.

 

[brendan f]

I’d probably prefer to trade TT for whatever late round pick we could get and keep Cunningham. But I am admittedly not so bullish on TT and the coaching staff might have a higher evaluation.

Given his current injury, I think it's more likely he starts the season as a PUP. That would allow the Pats to put 5 WRs on the 53 (and hold onto Boutte).

Hard to know what they are planning to do with Cunningham. My guess is they roster him as a "gadget"/ RPO player but it's unclear.

Jake Andrews has been pretty garbage so far. I'd be surprised if they roster him. Same with McDormett but they might need him depending on tackle depth. Reiff has been so bad they've had to stick him at guard but my guess is he stays there as he's too expensive to outright cut. I think Hines offers decent value as a guard and back-up center.

Myles Bryant is expensive to keep. Will be interesting to see what they do there.

I think they keep Ekuale. Not sure on Munson. He's been a "core" special teamer but who else would want him if he gets cut initially?

 

[k-factory]

Big week for Cunningham to show that he can be useful at WR. His versatility gives him a roster edge to be that 6th receiver plus third QB. But Boutte has him so clearly beat at the position now it’s a roster crunch.
Poor Thornton - if he ends up on reserve/PUP to navigate the crunch - that’s going to be a tough hole to climb out of. With the shit line his skill set is the one that won’t get enough of a chance to shine.

 

[lexrageorge]

Thornton is not eligible for PUP, as he has practiced in the preseason and was not on active/PUP to start training camp.

 

[lexrageorge]

I don't remember if the rule changed with IR with return designation or not but can they stash Montgomery to ensure his health and keep both Cunningham and TT?

My understanding is that only those players placed on IR after the final cutdown date are eligible to return. So Montgomery would still need to make the initial 53. After that, then any player placed on IR can return in 4 weeks, up to a max of 8 such players over the course of the season.

 

[brendan f]

Thornton is not eligible for PUP, as he has practiced in the preseason and was not on active/PUP to start training camp.

Ah right, so would have to be IR. Tough call on Thornton.

My understanding is that only those players placed on IR after the final cutdown date are eligible to return. So Montgomery would still need to make the initial 53. After that, then any player placed on IR can return in 4 weeks, up to a max of 8 such players over the course of the season.

This is correct. Once the player is cleared to practice the team then has 21 days to decide what to do with him (activate him to the roster, place him on season ending IR, release him, or trade him). And a player can be designated twice during the course of the season.

 

[brendan f]

Given he's listed as week to week, it seems unlikely the Pats would put Thornton on IR and end his season. It also seems like both Douglas and Boutte have played their way onto the roster. As long as Gesicki is still on track to play in week one, I think the most probable scenario is that the Pats carry 6 wideouts and 2 tight ends to start the year (initial 53). I could also see them going thin at running back (rostering three) as both Stevenson and Zeke are workhorse types who can play on three downs.

 

[j44thor]

Overall agree but can't see Montgomery sticking, "you can't make the club from the tub".
He has no long term value and very little short term value.

 

[Jungleland]

3 QBS/6WR/3RBs feels like the way to keep Cunningham and Boutte to me. I'm not even that down on Strong and Harris, it's preseason behind a horrible line. But if there's a position where they can afford to go one less than the norm and then see where the chips fall after initial cut to 53, I think it's there. Keep Strong, IR him right after cuts, and I think one or both of Harris and Taylor will still be there to bring back.

 

[Saints Rest]

Montgomery is veteran enough that he doesn’t have to go through waivers, right? So he can be shadow-rostered while some players get moved to IR or Patriot PS?
Seems like a few vets could be in that area, like Ferentz or Munson or Wilson or Folk.

 

[Ale Xander]

I think they keep Taylor over Monty

 

[Zedia]

Montgomery is veteran enough that he doesn’t have to go through waivers, right? So he can be shadow-rostered while some players get moved to IR or Patriot PS?
Seems like a few vets could be in that area, like Ferentz or Munson or Wilson or Folk.

I’m having trouble finding definitive info, but I THINK Munson only has 3 accrued seasons, so he’s not a vested vet. Montgomery should be.

 

[Mugsy’s Walk-Off Bunt]

I realize that TT hasn’t flashed, and there’s a chance he never will, but I’d be reluctant to sell low and early on a fast second rounder who has had to deal with an injury, a questionable coaching staff, and now a new offensive system in his first year as a professional.

This times ten. It's a ridiculously quick hook on a guy with potential, who has a trait that's rare for this team – elite speed. And if they trade him for a late round pick...I mean, it's like they're not even trying.

 

[BigSoxFan]

This times ten. It's a ridiculously quick hook on a guy with potential, who has a trait that's rare for this team – elite speed. And if they trade him for a late round pick...I mean, it's like they're not even trying.

It’s all about who they like the most. TT is fast. He’s proven little else. The book isn’t written on him yet but if they like Boutte’s potential more, for instance, they should keep Boutte, if they can’t find another roster spot. Personally, I like the idea of only keeping 3 RBs and using the extra roster spot to keep all 6 WRs. You’d have a really nice balance of near-term veteran production and long-term growth potential.

 

[Saints Rest]

I’m having trouble finding definitive info, but I THINK Munson only has 3 accrued seasons, so he’s not a vested vet. Montgomery should be.

You're right. I looked fast at his stats and saw that his first season was 2017 and figured he qualified. But he's only played in 43 games across those 5 seasons (he didn't play in 2018 at all).

 

[Cabin Mirror]

Is Chad Ryland a lock for PK? Folk is still on team and was about to try a FG at the end of the 3q (I think) against the Packers. They wound up going for the short 4th and 2, but wouldn't you want to give that try to the kid if you were planning to cut Folk?

 

[brendan f]

You're right. I looked fast at his stats and saw that his first season was 2017 and figured he qualified. But he's only played in 43 games across those 5 seasons (he didn't play in 2018 at all).

I wouldn't say this is definitive. I think he could still be considered a vested vet without playing full seasons.

Generally, you earn a credited season if you are on the active, inactive, IR or PUP roster for three or more regular or post-season NFL games.
You also earn a Credited Season if you are released injured and receive an injury settlement or grievance for the equivalent of 3 or more regular season games.

https://nflpa.com/active-players/faq/what-is-a-credited-season-and-what-does-it-mean-to-be-vested

 

[Saints Rest]

Is Chad Ryland a lock for PK? Folk is still on team and was about to try a FG at the end of the 3q (I think) against the Packers. They wound up going for the short 4th and 2, but wouldn't you want to give that try to the kid if you were planning to cut Folk?

Folk seems destined for the veteran practice squad for the beginning of the season, as he did last year.

 

[Van Everyman]

Folk seems destined for the veteran practice squad for the beginning of the season, as he did last year.

The one thing about Folk is, if you are another team thinking about plucking him off the Pats’ practice squad, you don’t want him doing kick offs. So that team has to have somebody else on the roster already who can cover that.

 

[Saints Rest]

I wouldn't say this is definitive. I think he could still be considered a vested vet without playing full seasons.

Generally, you earn a credited season if you are on the active, inactive, IR or PUP roster for three or more regular or post-season NFL games.
You also earn a Credited Season if you are released injured and receive an injury settlement or grievance for the equivalent of 3 or more regular season games.

https://nflpa.com/active-players/faq/what-is-a-credited-season-and-what-does-it-mean-to-be-vested

According to Patriots.com, Munson exceeded 3 regular season games in 2017, 2020, and 2021. 2022, he was on IR until mid-October, so maybe that gets him a 4th season. 2018 and 2019 were all PS.

 

[Saints Rest]

The one thing about Folk is, if you are another team thinking about plucking him off the Pats’ practice squad, you don’t want him doing kick offs. So that team has to have somebody else on the roster already who can cover that.

I thought that the whole thing with vets on the PS was that they could refuse to sign with a team. IOW, it's up to Folk if he wants to change teams, not the "plucking" team (as it would be for any non-vested vets).

 

[brendan f]

According to Patriots.com, Munson exceeded 3 regular season games in 2017, 2020, and 2021. 2022, he was on IR until mid-October, so maybe that gets him a 4th season

Right, and those are just his active games. I would assume he was part of the inactive roster for at least some games which would in theory get him to the vested vet status. If he's not there by this point, the NFL is even more screwed up than I thought.

 

[EL Jeffe]

QB: JONES, Zappe
RB: MONDRE, Elliott, Strong, Harris
WR: JJSS, PARKER, Bourne, Douglas, Boutte, Thornton*
TE: HENRY, Gesicki
OT: BROWN, McDEROMOTT, Anderson, Sow, (Reiff*)
OG: STRANGE, ONWENU, Mafi
C: ANDREWS, J Andrews
K: RYLAND (24 offense)
DL: GODCHAUX, BARMORE, Guy, Eukale, Davis
EDGE: JUDON, WISE, Uche, White, Jennings
LB: BENTLEY, Tavai, Wilson, Mapu
CB: Jon JONES, GONZO, Marcus Jones, Bryant, Bolden
S: DUGGER, PHILLIPS, Peppers, Mills
P: BARINGER (24 defense)
LS: CARDONA
ST: Slater, Board, Schooler, Munson

Reserve/Suspended: Jack Jones
PUP: Cody Davis, Flowers
* Thornton makes initial 53,put on IR with return designation and replaced on roster by Reiff

 

[astrozombie]

I really hope they find a way to keep Cunningham.

 

[k-factory]

This times ten. It's a ridiculously quick hook on a guy with potential, who has a trait that's rare for this team – elite speed. And if they trade him for a late round pick...I mean, it's like they're not even trying.

I mean…if this guy can’t even stay on the field it’s a problem. Maybe it’s all flukey but he got hurt contacting the ground. Shades of N’Keal Harry. May not be fair but a roster spot is incredibly valuable.
Im sure they are being extra cautious but this is a big week for him to demonstrate NFL toughness

 

[brendan f]

2.0

QB (3) Jones, Zappe, Cunningham
RB (3) Stevenson, Zeke, Strong
WR (6) Smith-Schuster, Parker, Bourne, Douglas, Thornton, Boutte
TE: (2) Henry, Gesicki
OL: (8) D Andrews, Brown, Strange, Onwenu, Mafi, Sow, Hines, J Andrews
DL (7): Barmore, White, Wise, Guy, Godchaux, Ekuale, Davis
Edge (4):Judon, Uche, Tavai, Jennings
LB: (4)Bentley, Mapu, Wilson, Board
CB: (5) Gonzalez, Ja Jones, M Jones, Jo Jones, Wade
Safety: (5) Dugger, Phillips, Peppers, Mills, Bledsoe
Specialists: (6) Ryland, Beringer, Cardona, Slater, Schooler, Speed

Analysis:
Offense
*RB: Could be Strong vs. Montgomery for third back duty. I'll give the nod to the younger player.
*OLine: Projection hinges on Onwenu moving to tackle with Sow as his back-up. Reiff has been bad enough that they might just eat his money and hope J Andrews can help sooner rather than later. McDermott has largely been bad so I didn't roster him. He could find his way back after initial cuts.

Defense
*DL: Could see one of C Davis or L Guy being surprise cut due to salary cap/age/lack of versatility. I have them both sticking for now.
*CB: I see it as Wade vs. Bryant. Reports say Wade has had a good camp so I'm giving him the nod for now. I Bolden could still sneak on instead.

 

[pjheff]

I mean…if this guy can’t even stay on the field it’s a problem.

Can he not? He played in 13 games last season after breaking his collarbone.

 

[Zedia]

Right, and those are just his active games. I would assume he was part of the inactive roster for at least some games which would in theory get him to the vested vet status. If he's not there by this point, the NFL is even more screwed up than I thought.

I wouldn't say this is definitive. I think he could still be considered a vested vet without playing full seasons.

Generally, you earn a credited season if you are on the active, inactive, IR or PUP roster for three or more regular or post-season NFL games.
You also earn a Credited Season if you are released injured and receive an injury settlement or grievance for the equivalent of 3 or more regular season games.

https://nflpa.com/active-players/faq/what-is-a-credited-season-and-what-does-it-mean-to-be-vested

Credited seasons is different from Accrued seasons. You need six games on the 53 (or IR) for Accrued.

I didn’t see that Munson started last year on IR for the Dolphins. Looks that gives him 5 games plus the one he played for the Pats. So he should be good.

It‘s weird a player‘s status isn’t just on their stat page.

 

[Mugsy’s Walk-Off Bunt]

I mean…if this guy can’t even stay on the field it’s a problem. Maybe it’s all flukey but he got hurt contacting the ground. Shades of N’Keal Harry. May not be fair but a roster spot is incredibly valuable.
Im sure they are being extra cautious but this is a big week for him to demonstrate NFL toughness

Yes, absolutely, I don't think a lot of people here would disagree that it's becoming problematic. I just don't think they'd cut him after ONE YEAR in a shitty system, and with a WR group that is...question mark-y. It's not ideal, but they need to suck it up, recognize that this is likely to be a developmental year for the team and find a way to make it work with arguably too many guys at WR.

 

[Jinhocho]

Yes, absolutely, I don't think a lot of people here would disagree that it's becoming problematic. I just don't think they'd cut him after ONE YEAR in a shitty system, and with a WR group that is...question mark-y. It's not ideal, but they need to suck it up, recognize that this is likely to be a developmental year for the team and find a way to make it work with arguably too many guys at WR.

Hence they either cut one of the rookies and maybe Cunningham or there is a surprise veteran cut or trade. It is just tough to imagine Schuster (new signing), parker (extended), or Bourne (playing well) being cut.

 

[luckylatch]

Obvious caveats apply but when you reflect on this time in 2000 and BB decided to keep 4 QBs, isnt the discussion about "6 is too many WRs" kind of moot? BB is not afraid to buck conventional wisdom if he sees potential in a player - irrespective of depth, position, etc. I believe that if he thinks they can go with 6 WRs plus Cunningham - even if they see Cunningham as a 7th WR and not a 3rd QB - he will do so because Douglas, Boutte, Thornton, Cunningham are all better than Sokol, Harris, Montgomery, etc (whoever he cuts).

 

[rodderick]

Obvious caveats apply but when you reflect on this time in 2000 and BB decided to keep 4 QBs, isnt the discussion about "6 is too many WRs" kind of moot? BB is not afraid to buck conventional wisdom if he sees potential in a player - irrespective of depth, position, etc. I believe that if he thinks they can go with 6 WRs plus Cunningham - even if they see Cunningham as a 7th WR and not a 3rd QB - he will do so because Douglas, Boutte, Thornton, Cunningham are all better than Sokol, Harris, Montgomery, etc (whoever he cuts).

If I'm not mistaken, Belichick has said more than once that he didn't believe they had 53 NFL caliber players to fill the roster in 2000, which is why at the bottom he prioritized potential in lieu of positional fit. It's not the case this year, the team is talented enough and I think with Gesicki's injury in particular they won't go into the season with just him and Henry at that spot, which already makes fitting Cunningham and both rookie receivers on the 53 almost impossible.

 

[j44thor]

NE guaranteed Cunningham $180K only 10K less than Sow got as a 4th rounder. I think they find a way to get Cunningham on the roster, they invested a lot in him for a UDFA.
Firkser and Sokol can both be cut with no dead $ then brought back after players hit IR and very little chance either is claimed.

 

[lexrageorge]

Where's Ross Ventrone when you need him?

 

[k-factory]

They could risk rostering just 2TE but that Gesicki injury makes it tough and in any case blocking is not a strong suit for him. With a porous line I’m not sure BB takes that gamble.
I do wonder though if they will go back to some more 21 personnel with Zeke onboard. Could he conceivably play a FB role? A lot of wear and tear risk there but some blocking upside.
But if you are going to roster 6WR + Cunningham then you are likely depleting either RB or TE depth.

 

[Super Nomario]

They could risk rostering just 2TE but that Gesicki injury makes it tough and in any case blocking is not a strong suit for him. With a porous line I’m not sure BB takes that gamble.
I do wonder though if they will go back to some more 21 personnel with Zeke onboard. Could he conceivably play a FB role? A lot of wear and tear risk there but some blocking upside.
But if you are going to roster 6WR + Cunningham then you are likely depleting either RB or TE depth.

Like @j44thor said, they have guys they can get through waivers and then add later. So the initial 53 doesn't need to include Sokol or Firkser (or Conor McDermott, or Kevin Harris, etc.) but maybe those guys find their way to the roster, maybe even before Week 1.

I don't really see where Cunningham fits on the roster, to be honest. He's no higher than WR7 and might be lower than that. I'm not convinced that they see him as a realistic QB option other than gimmick Wildcat stuff. And he doesn't really play special teams. He seems like a nice option on the practice squad to give them scout team looks against running QBs while they develop his skills.

 

[Shelterdog]

W

They could risk rostering just 2TE but that Gesicki injury makes it tough and in any case blocking is not a strong suit for him. With a porous line I’m not sure BB takes that gamble.
I do wonder though if they will go back to some more 21 personnel with Zeke onboard. Could he conceivably play a FB role? A lot of wear and tear risk there but some blocking upside.
But if you are going to roster 6WR + Cunningham then you are likely depleting either RB or TE depth.

Even if Sokol is better than some tight ends out there it’s still unlikely that he gets picked up by another team-they all have their shitty tight ends who know their systems. So cut him or Harris or strong and they probably make it back to the roster.

 

[mcpickl]

NE guaranteed Cunningham $180K only 10K less than Sow got as a 4th rounder. I think they find a way to get Cunningham on the roster, they invested a lot in him for a UDFA.
Firkser and Sokol can both be cut with no dead $ then brought back after players hit IR and very little chance either is claimed.

This isn't right.

Sow got a 764K signing bonus as a 4th rounder
Cunningham got a 30K signing bonus, and another 170K guaranteed.

That money isn't out of their pocket. It just means if he doesn't make 170K in salary in the NFL this year, which he would in a full season on a practice squad, the Patriots would owe him the difference.

 

[j44thor]

This isn't right.

Sow got a 764K signing bonus as a 4th rounder
Cunningham got a 30K signing bonus, and another 170K guaranteed.

That money isn't out of their pocket. It just means if he doesn't make 170K in salary in the NFL this year, which he would in a full season on a practice squad, the Patriots would owe him the difference.

Fair I was just looking at the dead $$ cap hit for cutting him which is $180k for Malik, $192k for Sow. Boutte by comparison is 46k and 33k for Douglas.

 

[mcpickl]

Fair I was just looking at the dead $$ cap hit for cutting him which is $180k for Malik, $192k for Sow. Boutte by comparison is 46k and 33k for Douglas.

You're only looking at one year for Boutte/Douglas. Their signing bonuses, 187K for Boutte and 133K for Douglas, are prorated over 4 years.

Again on Cunningham, he got 30K. If they cut him, the 170K guaranteed he got goes on the cap. But when he actually makes the 170K in the NFL this year, they get that 170K credited back on next years cap.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

I don't really see where Cunningham fits on the roster, to be honest. He's no higher than WR7 and might be lower than that. I'm not convinced that they see him as a realistic QB option other than gimmick Wildcat stuff. And he doesn't really play special teams. He seems like a nice option on the practice squad to give them scout team looks against running QBs while they develop his skills.

I think he could be justified as a 3rd QB who can also play some WR/ST. The Patriots do carry third QBs sometimes, and rarely do those guys amount to anything. If he could run a Wildcat package effectively that would put his value ahead of many of the QBs who have been on the roster during the BB era (Michael Bishop, Rohan Davey, Matt Gutierrez, Kevin O'Connell, Jarrett Stidham, etc.). McSorely seems like a guy who offers less value and can be moved to the practice squad.

All that said, if they don't think he's a project worthy of a roster spot, they won't give him one. He may get through to the practice squad, and if he is claimed it is not the end of the world.

 

[Cellar-Door]

Cunningham seems like exactly the type of guy who has some fun late-game moments in the pre-season, but you aren't all that worried about cutting and putting on the practice squad. He didn't show enough to someone else is going to use a roster spot on him likely. Especially since what he did show was at QB, where most teams aren't looking for a project to take up a 53 spot. Someone like Boutte though, someone in the league will be looking for a WR sooner rather than later.