The New England Patriots have a few complications to normalize ahead of training camp. Bill Belichick has more drama than is typical for the coach.
In one case, he’s got a star cornerback in Stephon Gilmore, who is unhappy with his contract. Gilmore’s problem: He’s only making $7.2 million in new money in 2021. The Patriots’ problem: He’s tolling $16.2 million on the salary cap in 2021. The 30-year-old is due more money, but the Patriots have to decide how, exactly, they’ll mitigate risk in the process of giving him a raise.
And then there’s N’Keal Harry, a former first-round pick who is turning into one of the worst busts of Belichick’s tenure in New England. Harry demanded a trade, which was bold considering how little leverage he has to be telling his team what to do.
I’m going to go out on a limb: I say both players end up on the Patriots. Let’s dive into those decisions — and so many more — in this edition of the 53-man roster projection.