[
Field Yates](http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4758753/patriots-dead-money-on-salary-cap) of ESPNBoston.com reports that the Patriots have a total of $8,533,721 in dead money for the 2014 league year as of now. Yates offers a breakdown of all of the contracts accounting for the dead money.
Yates also a offers look at the 13 Patriots with a salary-cap charge of more than $3 million for the 2014 season, with a quick look at players whom the team may look to either restructure or cut ties with.
Zuri Berry of Boston.com offers a breakdown of Patriots players he feels are on the bubble.
Nick Underhill of The Republican offers a seasonal review of the play of Patriots wide receiver Josh Boyce and his outlook for the 2014 season.
Kevin Patra of NFL.com writes that Bill Belichick spent the weekend playing golf with Tom Brady and Peyton Manning at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. In an exclusive interview with The Golf Channel he spoke of the difficulties of golf.
"Yeah, I mean there is a lot more pressure here playing golf because it's just you," Belichick said. "I was talking to Tom and Peyton, actually, I played both of them this week, we were just commenting on how much easier it is to play football where we sort of know what we're doing versus coming out here, where it's just you, no teammates."
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick sat down with Jim Nantz and Nick Faldo of CBS Sports to discuss their golf game as well as the Patriots season.
[
CSNNE.com](/node/47281) writes that at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Tom Brady was paired with American pro Ricky Barnes. He and Barnes finished the weekend at 13-under. The only downside to the event? Brady was caught completely botching another high-five.
The staff at NESN calls for a vote on whether the Patriots should cut ties with wide receiver Danny Amendola. Amendola recorded 54 receptions for 633 yards and two touchdowns, but did not live up up to all the lofty expectations.
WEEI's Christopher Price continues his series of free agent snapshots focusing on a handful of players accross the league that could appeal to New England. Today he takes a look at defensive lineman Michael Bennett. Price writes that Bennett has tremendous versatility, having lined up pretty much everywhere on the defensive line over the course of his career. He's had a tremendous amount of success wherever he's been over the last few seasons with the Seahawks.
The Boston Globe's Obnoxious Boston Fan writes that before the world knew Michael Sam as potentially the first-ever openly-gay active NFL player, he was the best defensive player in the SEC in 2013. He notes that "Given the dysfunction in many NFL locker rooms and front offices, there's no doubt that some teams will specifically opt not to draft Sam just to avoid the 'media circus' and fears of some players." However, the New England Patriots are a team that not only needs an outside defender with Sam's ability to rush the passer, they also provide the best environment for him to have the best shot possible in the NFL.
More than 300 top prospects will continue on their quest to achieve their NFL dreams when the NFL Scouting Combine takes place from February 22 - 25. NFL.com offers a full list of the players invited to participate. Those not invited can take part in one of the 15 NFL regional combines.
