The Patriots weren't able to defend their crown in 2015. Now, the team must make decisions to return to the pinnacle in 2016.
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It starts with Danny Amendola.
Below are three players New England should sever ties with to succeed next season.
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Danny Amendola
It has nothing to do with talent when it comes to Amendola -- who caught 65 balls for 648 yards and three TDs -- it has everything to do with money.
The 30-year-old is due a base salary of $5 million in 2016. As valuable as he's become, it's too high an asking price for one of the NFL's most fiscally responsible franchises. The Patriots can save $4.1 million if they decided to cut him, per Spotrac.
If Amendola wants to return to New England, a pay cut is his only option.
Darian Stewart with the crushing hit on Danny Amendola pic.twitter.com/rgc3GrzvUn
— The Sports Daily (@SportsDailyBlog) January 24, 2016
Brandon LaFell
Amendola isn't the only WR in danger of being shown the door. Brandon LaFell struggled to find the field and end zone last season.
After returning from the PUP list in Week 7, LaFell didn't catch a single TD pass. He's due a base salary of $2.4 million next season, with a cap number of $3.67 million. The Patriots could actually save $2.67 million by releasing him, per Spotrac. It's an option worth considering.
Steven Jackson
It's time the Patriots take the RB position seriously. As talented a player as Steven Jackson was, he finished with just 50 yards on 21 carries.
A serious look at the market must be made in the offseason.
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