6 Patriots Cap Casualty Cuts to Save Millions This Offseason

5. DeVante Parker, WR

Pre-June 1 Savings: $143,332
Pre-June 1 Dead Money: $6.323 million
Post-June 1 Savings: $1.71 Million
Post-June 1 Dead Money: $4.756 million

Most of the players the Patriots can move on from this season have the same hit and savings whether they’re released right away or designated as a post-June 1 cut. Typically, teams are able to save a little more with that June designation but the money doesn’t become available until after that date. For New England, that’s not a huge deal since they don’t find themselves desperate for space.

Still, they do have some players who can offer more relief by being tabbed a cut after June 1. One example is DeVante Parker, their 31-year-old wideout who is coming off one of his worst statistical seasons as a pro.

Parker, who started his career with the Miami Dolphins back in 2015, was traded to the Patriots in 2022. He was supposed to give them a true deep threat and while he did average 17.4 yards per catch in his first season with the team, he was far from consistent with just 31 receptions on the year.

It was still enough for him to sign a two-year extension worth $10.8 million in the offseason. He then responded with just 394 yards on 33 receptions (an average of 11.9 per catch) with no touchdowns. Now, the Patriots can shed his salary and while they’ll take a hit either way, the dead money would be $4.7 million with a savings of $1.71 million. That could wind up being something they do, even if it’s only to free up a roster spot for another wide receiver with more to offer.