The New England Patriots are projected to enter the offseason with the most cap space in the NFL, but there are still decisions to be made about maximizing that money.
They aren’t likely to make cuts just for the sake of freeing up space. Instead, these moves will be about fit within Mike Vrabel’s system and the long-term direction of the franchise.
Realistically, there are only a couple of players on the roster that make sense to release purely for financial reasons. However, there are other factors—scheme fit, locker room dynamics and roster-building philosophy—that could lead to some unexpected departures.
Let’s take a look at four players who could be surprise cuts and why the Patriots might decide to move on.
Sione Takitaki, LB
Sione Takitaki signed a two-year deal with the Patriots last offseason after spending his early career with the Cleveland Browns. While he was brought in as a versatile linebacker under the previous regime, the Patriots may not have a true need for him moving forward.
With Ja’Whaun Bentley returning as the anchor of the linebacker corps and Christian Elliss emerging as a potential contributor, Takitaki’s role appears uncertain in the new defensive scheme.
Under Vrabel and new defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, the Patriots are expected to prioritize smaller, faster linebackers who can move sideline to sideline. Their system will rely more on defensive backs and defensive linemen being involved in run support, rather than depending on larger linebackers to clean up plays. With Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers—two of the team’s highest-paid defenders—expected to be featured in box roles, the need for a traditional downhill linebacker like Takitaki diminishes.
Cutting Takitaki outright would save the Patriots approximately $2.85 million, according to Spotrac, which isn’t a massive number but could be useful in reshaping the roster to fit Vrabel’s vision.
Jahlani Tavai, LB
Jahlani Tavai has been a polarizing figure in New England, both for his play and his outspoken support of former head coach Jerod Mayo. Under Belichick and Mayo, Tavai enjoyed a career resurgence, becoming a steady presence at linebacker. However, when Ja’Whaun Bentley was sidelined, Tavai struggled when asked to take on an expanded role, raising questions about his long-term value.
There’s also the potential for behind-the-scenes friction. Tavai was vocal about his support for Mayo and his frustrations with fan criticism, which could make his transition under the new regime less seamless. While the Patriots might prefer to trade him, the reality is that there may not be a strong market for a linebacker with his skill set. If no trade offers emerge, the Patriots could opt to cut him outright.
However, unlike Takitaki, cutting Tavai would not free up cap space. In fact, releasing him would result in a $2.5 million cap hit, essentially negating the savings from moving on from Takitaki if both were to go. While this makes the move less financially beneficial, it could still happen if the Patriots feel Tavai no longer fits their defensive vision or locker room culture.
Davon Godchaux, DT
Davon Godchaux, a strong run defender and vocal leader, has been a fixture on the Patriots’ defensive line since signing with the team in 2021. However, with Vrabel and Williams looking to put their own stamp on the defense, there’s a real possibility that the Patriots decide to part ways with the veteran nose tackle.
Beyond just a philosophical shift, there’s also a leadership dynamic at play. Like Tavai, Godchaux was outspoken in his support of Mayo and Belichick. While that doesn’t mean he can’t coexist with Vrabel, it’s possible that the new regime wants to establish its own locker room identity, moving on from players who were heavily aligned with the previous leadership.
The Patriots also have limited long-term options at nose tackle, which could push them to make a move in the draft. Some early mock drafts have projected Michigan’s Mason Graham as a potential first-round pick for the Patriots in 2025. If they view him as a foundational piece alongside Christian Barmore, releasing Godchaux would create a clear pathway for a younger, cheaper replacement with more upside.
Godchaux’s release would be for around minus-$2.3 million, which would count as another loss if the Patriots can’t find a trade partner. However, it would ultimately be worth it for a team with very little existing dead cap.
Kendrick Bourne, WR
At first glance, moving on from Kendrick Bourne seems counterintuitive. The Patriots desperately need help at wide receiver, and Bourne was one of the team’s more reliable pass-catchers when healthy. However, with the Patriots looking to rebuild their entire offense, they may not want to commit additional money to a player who doesn’t fit their long-term vision.
Bourne had one of his best seasons in 2021 under Josh McDaniels, which makes his potential departure all the more surprising given McDaniels’ return as the offensive coordinator. However, the Patriots may prefer to allocate their resources elsewhere—whether that’s investing in a high-end free agent, prioritizing younger players, like Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, or drafting another receiver with more upside.
The difference between Bourne and a younger, cheaper player like Douglas or Boutte may not be significant enough to justify keeping him on the roster at his current price. If the Patriots want to add new talent through the draft or free agency, Bourne could be the odd man out.
Cutting Bourne would save the Patriots approximately $5 million, making it one of the more impactful financial decisions of the offseason.
