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Mike Reiss
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots currently possess the largest salary cap space in the NFL, and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf stated on Monday that the team is prepared to engage in trade discussions if a substantial opportunity arises.
«Yes, for sure. We’re in communication with all 31 teams and aiming to do what serves us best,» Wolf remarked prior to the team’s practice. «These matters are generally much more complex than fans and others might think. However, if we believe there’s an opportunity that could benefit us, we would certainly consider it.»
The Patriots, boasting a 2-0 record in the preseason and demonstrating significant progress under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, have approximately $60 million in available cap space.
When asked if the franchise would be amenable to trading away a first or second-round draft pick in a theoretical deal, Wolf responded: «Absolutely. We’re just focused on making the best decisions for the team. If there’s a player we believe can enhance our roster, and it requires that cost, then we would think about it.»
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, and Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin have all found themselves in contract disputes with their teams.
One challenge for New England in executing a potential high-profile trade is its future salary cap considerations.
Earlier in training camp, Vrabel expressed that the Patriots approached this season with a two-year strategy regarding the salary cap and have been deliberate in adhering to that strategy. Presently, the team is projected to exceed the salary cap for 2026, a season when second-team All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez will qualify for a contract extension for the first time.
On Monday, when questioned about New England’s perspective on its substantial cap space and whether it suggests the organization views the team as non-competitive, Wolf stated: «It’s a long-term perspective. Importantly, we have the quarterback [Drake Maye] on a rookie deal. I genuinely believe we allocated significant resources in free agency this year, so it doesn’t imply we think differently about our position as a team.»
