Is Ryan Wendell's roster spot in danger after game vs. Redskins?
Ryan Wendell played the center spot during the second half of last night's Patriots game against the Redskins, which made at least NESN beat writer Doug Kyed wonder out loud about his role:
Interesting to note that Ryan Wendell is playing center for the second half. Doesn't get the starter treatment.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyedNESN) August 8, 2014
While I can understand the panic that may take place, we have to remember the circumstances. Only three players are fighting for playing time at center for the Patriots this preseason, and one of them was out injured (Bryan Stork). Another positive is that Wendell was under center with the guy we're all certain will be on the roster playing quarterback (Jimmy Garoppolo). Are we sure that Ryan Mallett will be on this team come September? I would argue that they were getting Garoppolo comfortable with the center who will be on the roster, and that is why Wendell played.
The main issue still comes down to financials, and if all play is equal then Wendell has a massive edge over Dan Connolly. Connolly is due 4.08 million this year while Wendell and Stork are due 1.63 million and 562 thousand respectively. If you can get comparable play while still saving around 2.45 million dollars against the cap, you're certainly going to do that. A move like that could allow a renegotiation of an upcoming free agent like Devin McCourty. You could add the saved money to McCourty's deal this year, which would allow a lower cap hit in future years.
For the long term benefit of the Patriots, Connolly should be cut. He's not a significant upgrade over any other player at the position, and the fact that he is the 9th highest salaried player on the team is nothing short of absurd. In fact, the only offensive players due more money this year than Connolly are Tom Brady, Logan Mankins, Danny Amendola, and Rob Gronkowski. A value based team like the Patriots knows that this cannot stand.
Do you think Connolly is worth the money? Do you think Wendell can do the job? Comment below and let's chat
--Bill Stiles
@TheFib0624
Cap and salary stats Per Miguel at patscap.com
