New England Patriots: 5 Cut candidates fighting for a spot at training camp

The New England Patriots have a lot of competition set up for the 2021 roster. Some familiar faces might not be around at the end of training camp.

The New England Patriots have an important season coming up for 2021. The team spent massive amounts of money in free agency and heightened expectations after a 7-9 season in 2020.

Additionally, the Patriots will face the homecoming of Tom Brady who won a Super Bowl with his new team last season. For Bill Belichick and the team, a lot could be on the line in 2021. Another season that results in missing the playoffs will draw even more criticism and add further doubts about Belichick’s ability to lead a winning team without Tom Brady.

With the team’s training camp beginning on July 28, many eyes will be locked into the Patriots to see how the mix of players works together. Many players will be looking to prove themselves and ensure their place on the team’s Week 1 roster.

5. Sony Michel, RB

Sony Michel has had a rollercoaster experience thus far in his Patriots career. During his rookie season, Michel emerged as a key contributor during the team’s Super Bowl title run. In his second season, he struggled and the offense struggled because of it.

Last season, Michel only played in nine games which made his season incomplete. Although he looked better in 2020 than in 2019, the team still decided to not exercise his fifth-year option during the offseason.

This does not mean the team has given up on Michel, but based on how the Patriots tend to use running backs, it probably means that he is not factoring into the team’s long-term plans. Combine this with the fact the team drafted Damien Harris in 2019 and then just drafted Rhamondre Stevenson in the most recent draft, the team has options.

If Harris and Stevenson look good in training camp and Michel looks more like his 2019 self, he could be traded for a more needed roster piece.