{"numbering":"no_numbering","slides":[{"title":"Eight Men Out","video":"ySQ_qjap8WGM","thumbnail":{"uri":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/short_form_video/hero/TOM_AND_PHIL_ON_PATS_OPT_OUTS_0119211611099898875_300k_640x360_1846023747860_0.jpg","alt":"What's next for the Patriots players who opted out of the 2020 season?","title":"What's next for the Patriots players who opted out of the 2020 season?"},"credit":"","published":1611154133,"caption":"

The Patriots had a league-high eight players opt out for the 2020 season. Even though it looks as though this year's offseason will look very much like last year's, there is no opt-out date for 2021 yet so for now we're left to wonder -- ahead of free agency, ahead of the draft -- what is going to happen with that octet?

As a reminder, contracts tolled from last year to this year for those who decided not to play. For instance, Dont'a Hightower still has a year remaining on his contract with the Patriots despite the fact that when he initially signed his deal, 2020 was scheduled to be his final season.

Here we're going to get into the ramifications of each player's decision to play or not to play. Let's start with the player who would represent the biggest boom -- ahem, boon -- for Bill Belichick's roster if he were to return.

"},{"title":"Dont'a Hightower","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Hightower_D_USATSI_11351861.jpg","credit":"USA TODAY Sports photo","published":1611154196,"caption":"

If he comes back: The Patriots would have their front seven leader back. He'll be 31 next year, but in 2019 it looked like he still had plenty of good football left. Plus, he was healthy, which is half the battle for a player who plays as violently as he does. With needs at off-the-ball linebacker and on the edge, one could make the argument that getting back Hightower -- who can play both -- would be the most significant addition Belichick can make to his defense this offseason.

If he doesn't: The Patriots ranked seventh in points allowed this year. They ranked 15th in yards allowed. Those aren't horrid numbers. Clearly. But a deeper dive into the statistics would tell you that the Patriots need Hightower and as many similarly talented players as possible around him. They ranked 26th in DVOA defensively. They were 22nd in expected points added per play, 28th in success rate and 29th in rush EPA. Even with Hightower, they'll need to expend some capital to augment their front seven. Without him, they'll need to make major upgrades to their linebacker rooms with early-down, edge-setting outside linebackers and every-down off-the-ball types. Hightower can do either, but not both at the same time.

Where things stand: All's quiet on the Hightower front for now. Should he return, he'd carry with him a cap hit of about $12 million (already factored into the cap projections that have the Patriots sitting at about $60 million in space this offseason). Should he retire, the prorated portion of his signing bonus ($2.5 million) would hit the salary cap, and the Patriots would gain about $10 million in cap space.

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"},{"title":"Patrick Chung","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Chung_P_USATSI_13279050.jpg","credit":"USA TODAY Sports photo","published":1611154199,"caption":"

If he comes back: The Patriots would have another versatile box safety to defend opposing offenses that try to find new and different ways to attack physical mismatches on a seemingly weekly basis. Chung -- along with Hightower and Devin McCourty -- has a library of institutional knowledge to play in Belichick's defense and would provide some of the on-the-field coaching that looked like the front seven needed last season.

If he doesn't: The Patriots are relatively well-suited to roll out versatile members of their secondary even if Chung ultimately decides not to play. Adrian Phillips was a revelation for the Patriots in his first year with the team, playing linebacker every week despite being safety-sized. His toughness and physicality were unrelenting even late into the season with the Patriots having little for which to play. Kyle Dugger is another safety built in the Chung mold. He's athletic enough to play in the deep portion of the field, but he looked like a natural in the box. That doesn't mean the Patriots wouldn't miss Chung. Injuries happen -- particularly to 200-pound players playing positions often manned by defenders 50 pounds heavier -- and his football I.Q. would be welcome for a team seemingly in need of just that.

Where things stand: According to The Athletic's Jeff Howe, Chung is planning on returning for the 2021 season. On social media, it looks like he's doing what he can to keep up with his cardio. Chung has a $1.1 million base salary for next year but a cap number of about $5.1 million. If the Patriots decided to part ways with Chung for whatever reason, they'd be eating more in dead money ($3.3 million) than they'd be saving on the cap ($1.9 million if after June 1). Chung, who signed an extension in 2019, is under contract through 2024.

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"},{"title":"Marcus Cannon","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Cannon_M_USATSI_10368255.jpg","credit":"USA TODAY Sports photo","published":1611154201,"caption":"

If he comes back: The Patriots would have a veteran option at right tackle -- something they could be lacking once the new league year begins. With Joe Thuney and David Andrews both scheduled to hit free agency this offseason, there could be major shakeup on the offensive line. Last season's rookie standout Mike Onwenu could bump inside to left guard if Thuney heads elsewhere, leaving an opening at right tackle.

If he doesn't: Shakeup. And potentially a high-end investment at the tackle position, either in free agency or the draft. Not only could right tackle need to be addressed, but the Patriots have a left tackle in Isaiah Wynn who has played just 18 games in three seasons. The Patriots could keep Onwenu at right tackle, making the interior of the offensive line a priority -- but Onwenu has more experience inside. Justin Herron, another 2020 draft pick, showed some promise at tackle in his first season and would be an option to play on the right side if Onwenu moved to guard.

Where things stand: Unclear. If he wants to come back, he'll play for $4.7 million in base salary with $1.5 million available to him in per-game roster bonuses. If this lover of the outdoors chooses to ride off into the sunset, the Patriots would carry $2.6 million in dead cap but would have $7 million freed up in cap dollars to spend elsewhere.

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"},{"title":"Brandon Bolden","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Bolden_B_USATSI_13849940.jpg","credit":"USA TODAY Sports photo","published":1611154204,"caption":"

If he comes back: The Patriots running back room gets a little deeper -- he's been a totally serviceable between-the-tackles runner when called upon -- and their special teams units get a little more experience. The kicking game has been Bolden's bread and butter in New England, and after an exceptional year in that phase, Bolden would provide just a little more savvy.

If he doesn't: Believe it or not, the Patriots could be back in the mix to add at running back. Even after spending a first-round pick and a third on the position in 2018 and 2019. James White is set to be a free agent. Rex Burkhead is set to be a free agent. Though those players have different roles in the offense, Burkhead has been a core special-teamer himself. And if Bolden doesn't return, then Belichick might want a reserve runner who can play on fourth downs.

Where things stand: Bolden tweeted last month that he planned to be back for 2021. He has one year remaining on his contract for $1.3 million in base salary. If the Patriots opted to part ways with him, it'd save them $1.5 million against the cap.

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"},{"title":"Matt LaCosse","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/LaCosse_M_GettyImages_1175137556.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1611154206,"caption":"

If he comes back: He just might be the team's starter at tight end. That's how unproductive that position group was in 2020. LaCosse played in 11 games in 2019, many through injury, and caught 13 passes for 131 yards and one touchdown. But with question marks still hovering over 2020 rookies Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene, this position is most definitely up for grabs. He won't be their most imposing physical talent, but he'll understand assignments and bring with him a level of professionalism to a position group that can't help but improve.

If he doesn't: The Patriots would be rolling with Ryan Izzo, Asiasi and Keene -- as well as any player they may add in free agency or via the draft. There will be a pair of impact players available to Belichick when the new league year begins if he's willing to spend to add immediate help to the position in Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. There are also tight ends in the draft who might make sense for New England in Florida's Kyle Pitts, Penn State's Pat Freiermuth and BC's Hunter Long.

Where things stand: LaCosse was one of his team's biggest cheerleaders on social media this year. With five years under his belt and one season remaining on his contract for a base salary of $1 million, not to mention opportunity present at his position in Foxboro, it'd come as no surprise if he made a push to win his job back in 2021. If released, the Patriots would free up $1.3 million on their cap.

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"},{"title":"Danny Vitale","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Vitale_D_USATSI_13775128.jpg","credit":"USA TODAY Sports photo","published":1611154208,"caption":"

If he comes back: While he was not a lock to make the roster in 2020, his skill set was an interesting one to project in the Patriots offense. That would remain the case particularly if they incorporate more wide-zone Shanahan-style concepts. That's a move offenses around the league have made in recent years, in part because it makes life easy on a young quarterback. If the Patriots bring in a young passer, might an athletic fullback help the transition for the quarterback? The model for the type of role Vitale would take on, ideally, would be San Francisco's Kyle Juszczyk.

If he doesn't: The Patriots would likely continue to carry on with a bigger, more sturdy option at the position -- likely Jakob Johnson, who was durable and maintained a significant role throughout 2020.

Where things stand: Vitale is planning on returning for 2021 and has been working to add more weight after shedding a few pounds during his season away from the field. He'll carry with him a base salary of $1 million next season.

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"},{"title":"Marqise Lee","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Lee_Marqise_USATSI_13579195.jpg","credit":"USA TODAY Sports photo","published":1611154211,"caption":"

If he comes back: Count him as another option for a Patriots receiver room that could use a significant overhaul. Would he be a key piece and prevent the Patriots from double-dipping at the position in free agency as well as the draft? No. But he'd be an option.

If he doesn't: The Patriots are adding at this spot either way after cobbling together the season they did at this spot in 2020.

Where things stand: According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, Lee is "eager to get back" playing in 2021. He has played just six games over the last two seasons.

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"},{"title":"Najee Toran","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Toran_N_USATSI_14114596.jpg","credit":"USA TODAY Sports photo","published":1611154215,"caption":"

If he comes back: The 6-foot-2, 309-pounder could factor in as a depth piece on the interior. He spent the 2019 season on the Patriots practice squad.

If he doesn't: The Patriots will be looking to add to their offensive line this season no matter what. The interior will be in need of some high-end reinforcements should both Thuney and Andrews move on.

Where things stand: Toran entered the league as an undrafted rookie in 2018 and spent a month on the Niners' active roster. One would expect he'll want to give it a go this upcoming season. He has a $780,000 base salary for this season, none of which is guaranteed.

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"}]}

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