Wolf: Patriots keen to commerce a prime draft decide to assist group

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have probably the most wage cap area within the NFL, and government vp of participant personnel Eliot Wolf stated Monday that the group is open for enterprise if a major commerce alternative presents itself.

“Yeah, completely. We’re speaking to all 31 groups and making an attempt to do what’s finest for us,” Wolf stated earlier than the group’s apply. “I feel these issues are sometimes much more sophisticated than the followers and a few others wish to make you imagine. But when there’s something we expect might help us, we might positively be open to it.”

The Patriots, who’re 2-0 within the preseason and have proven notable enchancment underneath first-year coach Mike Vrabel, have about $60 million in cap area.

Requested particularly whether or not the franchise can be keen to half with a first- or second-round draft alternative in a hypothetical commerce, Wolf stated: “Positive. Simply doing what’s finest for the group. If there was a participant on the market that we really feel like might help us, and it prices that, then we’d take into account doing that.”

Wolf’s remarks come at a time when a number of high-profile stars throughout the NFL — a bunch together with Dallas Cowboys defensive finish Micah Parsons, Cincinnati Bengals defensive finish Trey Hendrickson and Washington Commanders extensive receiver Terry McLaurin — have been at a contract deadlock with their respective groups.

One potential hurdle for New England in a doable daring transfer is its longer-range wage cap outlook.

Earlier in coaching camp, Vrabel famous how the Patriots entered this season with a two-year plan for the wage cap and have been intentional about following that plan. The group is at the moment over the wage cap for 2026, a 12 months wherein second-team All-Professional cornerback Christian Gonzalez might be eligible for a contract extension for the primary time.

Requested Monday about how New England views its abundance of cap area, and whether or not that displays that the mind belief does not see the group as a contender, Wolf stated: “It is a big-picture view. Additionally, we’ve the quarterback [Drake Maye] on a rookie contract. I actually assume we spent some huge cash in free company this 12 months, so I do not assume it is indicative of the place we expect we’re as a group.”