3 surprise cuts the Patriots could make this offseason

Oct 5, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jarrett Stidham (4) runs to the sideline with New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) and wide receiver Damiere Byrd (10) after scoring his first career touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

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New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38): (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports) /

2. Brandon Bolden

Brandon Bolden is the type of player Belichick loves. He’s a running back by trade, but he plays on most of the special teams units. There’s almost always a role for Bolden, but the fact is he didn’t play last season after opting out. It would have been the last year of his contract, so the Patriots might have been saying goodbye this offseason anyway.

Bolden’s contract rolls into the 2021 season since he opted out of the 2020 season. He’s set to make close to $2 million. If the Patriots cut him, that number drops all the way to $500,000.

The Patriots’ special teams were still one of the best units in the league last season despite Bolden staying home. Matthew Slater is still one of the best special teamers in the league, and he seems like the one indispensable piece on those units. Bolden is a nice piece to have, but other players can easily fill his void.

Bolden is also on the wrong side of 30 for the first time in his Patriots career. It might be time to realize running backs don’t last past 30 unless they are one of the best in the business. Bolden clearly isn’t that, and Belichick might decide to get out before his play plummets. Bolden has been with the Patriots for seven of his eight years in the league. He spent one season in Miami before the Patriots brought him back.

It looks like the Patriots could decide to let him try another franchise again.

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