The New England Patriots have added some significant playmakers to the offensive side of the ball since the start of the league year, and landed a top-tier tight end in Martellus Bennett through a trade with the Chicago Bears giving New England a lethal tight end combination in 2016.
With the new additions of both Bennett and wide receiver Chris Hogan this offseason, many believe wide receiver Danny Amendola may become a cap casualty, as he creates a $6.8 million cap hit for the team in 2016. While the Patriots may look to move on from the 30 year old slot receiver, expect New England to try an retain him as they know he proved to be a valuable commodity last season.
The Patriots are reportedly trying to rework Amendola's current contract to keep him in New England, and a decision on his release likely won't come unless the two sides can't reach an agreement. The Patriots receiver stepped up big after the team lost wide receiver Julian Edelman with a broken bone in his foot last season, as he recorded 35 receptions and for 324 yards while Edelman recovered and prepared for the postseason.
The Patriots tend to get the most out of their players, and while Amendola has not produced huge numbers in his time in New England, he has been a crucial piece to their success. Injuries have always been a major concern with the undrafted slot receiver, but over the past two seasons Amendola has only missed two games.
Amendola does not just provide a receiving threat in New England as he has proven himself a viable return man and has recorded 28 kickoff returns and 39 punt returns the past two seasons, and almost took a punt return in for a touchdown last season had he not been tripped up near the goal line against the New York Giants.
It will be interesting to see what the Patriots front office decides to do with the veteran receiver, especially after acquiring multiple weapons for quarterback Tom Brady this offseason. New England clearly still values Amendola, and his return next season now depends on whether the two sides can reach an agreement.
