It looks like the Patriots have found their left tackle of the future in Sebastian Vollmer. The question now becomes what to do with their left tackle of the last decade.
Matt Light is due $4.5 million in 2010, the final year of his contract. The two-time Pro Bowler has steadily declined, but started eleven games in 2009 when healthy.
The local coverage in New England isn’t sure what the team will do with Light. One thing to keep in mind with all roster decisions this year, of course, is the CBA.
If there is no salary cap, this will be a great year to dump players and incur no “dead money” on your cap.
In Light’s case, where he’s on the final year of his contract, there is actually less reason to release him. Robert Kraft may not love the idea of a $4.5 million player with a questionable role, but the total won’t hurt the cap.
The lack of a salary cap could give the Patriots more time -- perhaps until training camp -- to decide what to do with Light. With no cap number to get under, what’s the rush?