Marcus Cannon Opted Out Of The 2020 Season Leaving The Patriots With A Big Spot To Fill At Right Tackle
The Patriots suffered a significant blow late Monday night when starting right tackle Marcus Cannon reportedly opted out of the 2020 season. Cannon reached the decision after discussing it with his family, according to the Boston Herald’s Karen Guregian.
Cannon who is considered “high risk” after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma during his final year at TCU and had been considering opting out in recent days due to COVID-19 concerns. His option includes a $350,000 stipend as a cancer survivor. He was due to make $4.7 million this season. This is the first big name to opt out prior to the August 3 deadline, but not likely the last. Cannon is the third member of the team to opt out.
This leaves a big hole in the right side and the Patriots options are limited. Korey Cunningham, Yodny Cajuste or Justin Herron will need to step up or the Patriots will need to make a trade or find someone in free agency. It’s possible the Patriots move Joe Thuney to the right tackle, but they will need to get this figured out rather soon.
The Patriots will reportedly gain another $7 million in cap space to use to replace Cannon.
Now official: #Patriots right tackle Marcus Cannon is opting out of the season, per @kguregian. That leaves the Pats with Isaiah Wynn, Yodny Cajuste, & Korey Cunningham on the depth chart.
Joe Thuney, Jermaine Eluemunor, & rookie Justin Herron also have some history at tackle.
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) July 28, 2020
After accounting for the opt-outs of Marcus Cannon, Najee Toran and Danny Vitale and 5 guaranteed salaries added to the Patriots dead money my new Patriots salary cap space number is $14,187,489. The Patriots now have 78 players on their 2020 roster.
— Cap Space=$14,187,489 (@patscap) July 28, 2020
Bill Belichick realizing he can afford Jadeveon Clowney now! #NewEnglandPatriots pic.twitter.com/pI4SdmkvDk
— Wicked Boston (@WickedBoston_) July 28, 2020