The New England Patriots have the most cap space in the league, with $128 million cap space to work with, but that does not mean they will not release or trade players this offseason. Since they hired Mike Vrabel as their next head coach, New England will build their defense around players who fit his scheme and part ways with those who are not a scheme fit. The Patriots made their first significant roster move, cutting Sione Takitaki last week after a disappointing inaugural season.
Also Read: New England Patriots: Announce Devastating News Regarding Linebacker With 40 Career Starts
Highlighting one defender who is not considered a scheme fit and could end up being a cap casualty is their interior defensive lineman.
The New England Patriots veteran defensive tackle could be dealt this offseason
Davon Godchaux had a decent 2024 campaign, recording 67 tackles, one TFL, and one QB hit in 17 starts. However, Godchaux is primarily known as a run stopper and is not known for his abilities to rush the passer, hence his 5.5 sacks in his eight-year NFL career, and he is not considered a scheme fit because of his inability to rush the passer. Therefore, the star defensive tackle is a prime trade candidate this offseason.
Godchaux is in the first year of his 2-year, $18 million contract extension, which he signed last offseason. He is set to earn a $4 million base salary and a $8,333,333 million cap hit in 2025, along with a $6.5 million base salary and a $11,833,334 cap hit in 2026. If the Patriots were to trade him, they would free up $1,666,666 rather than losing $2,333,334 with a pre-June 1st cut.
Patriots veteran defender granted permission to seek trade
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the New England Patriots have granted Davon Godchaux permission to seek a trade. As Rapoport points out, Godchaux has received interest from some teams.
The #Patriots have given DT Davon Godchaux permission to seek a trade, sources say.
There has been contact with interested teams, and the veteran is likely on the move given the team’s defensive scheme shift. pic.twitter.com/yMLiwkTWhQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2025
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