Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com reports that Tom Brady, Vince Wilfork and Logan Mankins will consume nearly 35 percent of the Patriots available cap room in 2013, according to NFL salary documents. "Given the somewhat top-heavy nature of the Patriots situation, negotiations and the process of shifting money into future seasons -- cap massaging, as it were -- is certainly a possibility and may already be afoot," writes Curran. The approximate salary cap number for NFL teams in 2013 will be $121 million.
Field Yates of ESPNBoston.com writes that Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin is a name to keep in mind this offseason as a possible fit for the Patriots. Although he isn't a free agent, ESPN's Adam Schefter recently stated on 'NFL Live' that Boldin is a potential cap casualty for the Ravens as they prepare to pay quarterback Joe Flacco. "Though by no means a speedster, Boldin is tough as nails at 6-1, 220 pounds, and as was evidenced by his performance in the Super Bowl, the kind of guy who doesn't need a bunch of space to make catches," adds Yates.
Greg A. Bedard of The Boston Globe grades every Patriots player based on their 2012 performance. Quarterback Tom Brady, NT Vince Wilfork and LB Jerod Mayo were at their best in 2012 according to Bedard, with all three earning "A" grades. On Brady: "Still as good as ever, even if critics want to unfairly heap recent playoff losses on his shoulders. Brady completed 63 percent of his passes and had the lowest interception rate in the league, while keeping the Patriots out of bad plays with his audibles and checks."
