Danny Vitale is reportedly the first Patriot to opt out of the 2020 season.
According to USA Today’s Jarrett Bell, Vitale is electing to sit the season out after he and his wife welcomed a newborn earlier this year. After signing a one-year, $1.3 million deal in free agency, Vitale was expected to be the Patriots’ starting fullback. He’ll instead collect a $150,000 stipend.
With James Develin retiring due to a neck injury, a serious void needs to be filled in New England’s backfield. Jakob Johnson saw time after Develin’s injury last September, but wound up on injured reserve less than a month later.