Why Patriots should decline options on Isaiah Wynn and Sony Michel

Jan 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (26) celebrates with wide receiver N'Keal Harry (15) and fullback Jakob Johnson (47) after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the forth quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /

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Isaiah Wynn No. 76 (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

The New England Patriots should forego the 5th year options on Isaiah Wynn and Sony Michel and use the money saved elsewhere. They have to decide by May 3.

So, why shouldn’t the Patriots keep one very, very talented player in Wynn and one decent player in Michel for their fifth years?

They’d reportedly cost the following:

"… they will earn minimum fifth-year option salaries for their position groups which are $4.523 million for Michel and $10.413 million for Wynn …"

So why would two former first-round picks NOT be worth the $15 million investment? Simple, their play or their reliability doesn’t warrant it. Neither. Let’s take a look at why.

For the New England Patriots, performance and reliability should guide personnel decisions not draft status

First, the team’s personnel evaluation should not depend in any way, shape, or form on draft status. Once you hit the facility at Gillette, you’re just another guy trying to fit in, make the team, and perform. That’s it.

It’s not great optics to cut loose a high or higher draft pick in their first few years and teams will try to avoid it if they can rationalize it.

But it’s counterproductive to team interests. If they can’t play, they can’t play and should be sent out.

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