On the Bubble: Could Dan Connolly be a cap casualty?

There are many questions swirling regarding Dan Connolly's future status as a member of the New England Patriots. The biggest thing he has going against him is his cap hit this year. If the Patriots are to cut him before the start of the regular season they will save themselves $3 million dollars in base salary. A price that may be too high in the eyes of the Patriots front office.

He has work cut out for him in this camp as he is in a strong battle with many men looking for work along the Patriots front line. It doesn't look good that the Patriots spent two draft picks on lineman (Bryan Stork and Jon Halapio). Stork has the size and versatility to move from center to guard with ease, and versatility has always been an essential along the Patriots front five. With Halapio and Stork coming in and competing along with Josh Kline and Marcus Cannon, the Patriots have the versatility and depth to cut Connolly if they see his price tag as too much for his ability.

Last year Tom Brady was sacked the most times in his career since the year he took over for Drew Bledsoe. Brady was sacked 40 times last season. Not too reassuring for an aging, non agile QB. Yes many of the sacks would be considered coverage sacks as the Patriots receiver play was significantly below average, but if the Patriots coaching staff believes that the O-Line can't step up their game this season then that could be a factor relating to Connolly's cut.

Lastly, and a bit of an unlikely scenario and the story has dwindled since first coming out, but if the Patriots have any thoughts about trading for Andre Johnson then cutting Connolly would be the first step in clearing space for Johnson to be traded to us.

Written by Andrew Ludwig

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Wonder what other players are in danger of being cut? Check out more of our On The Bubble series.