The End is Near?

The New England Patriots have now played in three of the last four Super Bowls.  Their one miss came during the 2015 season when the Denver Broncos beat them in the AFC Championship Game.  Despite that outcome, the Patriots have owned the AFC in winning two of their past three Super Bowl appearances.  But the loss in Super Bowl 52 to the Philadelphia Eagles brings a legitimate question to the Patriots run of success.

Is it over?  

The Patriots have been one of the best teams in the NFL at replacing coaches who have moved on for greater opportunities.  This time around, defensive coordintor Matt Patricia landed the Detroit Lions head coaching job and will need to be replaced on the Patriots staff.  So there's that.

But there's more that makes any question about the future of franchise worth asking.  Can a 41 year old quarterback in Tom Brady continue to kick hell out of father time?  Is head coach Bill Belichick having issues with team ownership?  Does tight end Rob Gronkowski plan to play in 2018 after publicly stating that his 29 year old injury plagued body will need time to decide if another NFL season is worth it? 

None of these questions even take into account the problems on the field for the Patriots.  New England had tremendous success in 2017 playing a bend-don't-break defense that allowed a ton of yards but was much tougher in the red zone.  The team will have to use their draft picks and smaller amount of cap space to improve the front seven and return the teeth that typical Patriots defenses have.

Then again it could all be just typical offseason talk.  The Patriots may go 13-3 next season once again and continue to find themselves showing up in Super Bowls.  If that happens, we'll all have our proof that everything discussed this offseason was just NFL gossip.

Offensive Ranking: 1st

Defensive Ranking: 29th

Key Free Agents:  

Nate Solder - LT - Due to the previous contract Solder had with the team, Patriots can not use the franchise tag on their starting left tackle.  A 95 game starter in the NFL over his seven seasons.

Malcolm Butler - CB - The Super Bowl benching should not have an impact on his value in the open market.  Having played 95% of the snaps for the Patriots in 2017 proves his value.

Rex Burkhead - RB - Part of the stable of backup running backs who produce.  It may be a situation of who will take the least to stay in New England.

Dion Lewis - RB - Has proven to be a dynamic option in the Patriots offense.  But there are limits to what Patriots will spend on complimentary running backs.

Danny Amendola - WR - The short receiver played huge in the playoffs and Super Bowl.  Caught 61 passes in 2017, and plays an important role as the trusted punt returner.  At 32 years old, Amendola is valuable but won't break the bank.

Potential Cuts/Restructures:  

Rob Gronkowski - TE - If Gronkowski elects to retire this offseason the Patriots will save a significant amount of cap space on his contract. Cap savings: $6.9M

Martellus Bennett - TE - Signed a two year deal with the Patriots during the 2017 season and went on injured reserve after just two games.  Bennett's release wouldn't cost the Patriots any cap dollars, he may also be subject to a salary reduction.  Cap savings: $6.1M

Dwayne Allen - TE - One of those players who signs with the Patriots and seemingly never figures out their complicated offense.  Allen caught just 10 passes during the season.  Cap savings: $5M