The New England Patriots have a knack for getting rid of players just as their play starts to show any sort of decline, and that has allowed them to make the other moves necessary to keep them at the top of the AFC. Even though their season just ended with a loss to the Denver Broncos, it's never to early to look at the guys they may part ways with this offseason. Here are three players they should cut:
WR Brandon LaFell
LaFell looked poised to have a breakout year in 2015 after a productive end to the 2014 season, but that didn't turn out to be the case. Instead, he took a giant step back, catching just 37 passes for 515 yards and no touchdowns, racking up numerous drops along the way. New England has gotten by without a big bodied receiver since Randy Moss left, and with LaFell's lack of production, they're sure to part ways with him this offseason.
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TE Scott Chandler
Chandler has had minimal impact playing alongside Rob Gronkowksi, catching just 23 passes for 259 yards this year. He also has a cap hit over $3 million for next year, and the Patriots will likely try to find a much cheaper option either through free agency or the draft. Expect Chandler to be a free agent this offseason.
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WR Matthew Slater
Remember when Slater botched the overtime coin flip against the Jets? Many New England players have been cut for less, and though Slater is an excellent special teams player, he only has one career catch - which came in 2011. Expect them to save his $2 million salary.