Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Preserving cap space: In a stunning shift, the Patriots went from having $200,000 in salary-cap space after signing quarterback Cam Newton about one month ago to $25 million when linebacker Dont'a Hightower, right tackle Marcus Cannon and safety Patrick Chung opted out of the 2020 season last week.
Which sparks an obvious question: What might the Patriots do with the extra cash?
Those envisioning a high-money pursuit of free-agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney might be disappointed, because the most likely answer is that there will be no headline-grabbing moves.