Report: Patriots Picking Up Option On WR Kenny Britt
The Patriots plan to pick up the 2018 option on Kenny Britt, keeping the veteran wide receiver on the 90-man roster for a chance at his first full season in…
Kenny Britt smiles during the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl LII practice on February 2,2018. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)The Patriots plan to pick up the 2018 option on Kenny Britt, keeping the veteran wide receiver on the 90-man roster for a chance at his first full season in New England. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network first reported the news on Tuesday.
Britt will be on the books for just over $1.4 million against the salary cap in 2018, according to the Boston Sports Journal's Miguel Benzan a.k.a. @PatsCap, who added that the move only costs the Patriots $150,000 (plus a likely $50,000 workout bonus) to pick up the option. Britt will need to make the 53-man roster or be placed on injured reserve in order to make any more money.
Britt, 29, appeared in the final three games of the 2017 regular season for the Patriots. He played just 40 offensive snaps in the three games, catching 2 passes for 23 yards on 5 targets.
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)Kenny looks on during the New England Patriots' Super Bowl LII practice on January 31, 2018. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Mike Reiss of ESPN believes that Britt's return to the Patriots for 2018 won't have an effect on the status of Danny Amendola, who is set to become a free agent and could have a strong market after a big postseason. The Pats also have Julian Edelman, Brandin Cooks, Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Malcolm Mitchell, Bernard Reedy, Cody Hollister, and Riley McCarron under contract at wide receiver for next season.
Rapoport added that the Patriots are looking for "big things" from Britt in 2018. Despite the team's glut of receivers expected to battle for roster spots in 2018, Britt offers a combination of size and upside that no one else on the team does at the position.
Britt has also dealt with injuries and off-field issues during his career, but those are largely in the rearview mirror. Obviously, the team saw enough in Britt's recent performance (68 catches for 1,002 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2016 with the Rams) to give him a shot at making the 2018 roster.
-- By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
Sources:
-- Salary information via @PatsCap on Twitter
-- Stats via Pro Football Reference
