NFL Rumors: New England Patriots expected to cut Isaac Sopoaga
By Josh Hill
The New England Patriots aren’t the type of team to keep a guy around to see if he’ll develop into a role on the team. Either you fit into Bill Belichick’s system immediately or you’re out. That’s the harsh reality for defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga, as ESPNBoston is reporting the Patriots are expected to but the defensive tackle this offseason.
Isaac Sopoaga was acquired from the Philadlephia Eagles for a fifth-round pick this past year, but he never fit into a role for the Patriots and the team deems him expendable after a so-so campaign in 2013.
"Desperate for bodies in the middle of their defense, the Patriots added Sopoaga via a trade. The maneuver didn’t cost them much (essentially about 25 draft spots), but Sopoaga had a limited on-field impact. With a big contract for the next two seasons, he seems like a likely cap casualty."
The team will look to upgrade their defensive line through the draft and possibly even in free agency but a big name isn’t expected to replace Spopoaga. The next question is will he find work elsewhere, as he may have to settle for a significantly smaller salary in 2014 than he’s been used to seeing in his career.