Patriots trade OT Marcus Cannon to Texans in swap of draft picks

Author Matt Dolloff

March 14th, 2021 1:45 PM

The New England Patriots are trading veteran offensive tackle Marcus Cannon to the Houston Texans, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

According to Jim McBride of the Boston Globe, the Patriots and Texans are swapping draft picks in the fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds as part of the Cannon trade. The trade marks the first deal between Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and new Texans GM Nick Caserio.

The Patriots originally drafted Cannon with the 138th pick in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Cannon went on to play 115 games (69 starts) in nine seasons for New England, entrenching himself as the starting right tackle from 2016-19. He opted out of the 2020 season due to health concerns relating to COVID-19, but is reportedly preparing to play in 2021.

Cannon’s peak came in 2016, when he started 15 games at right tackle for the Pats and earned second-team All Pro honors from the Associated Press. He also made the second team on the Pro Football Focus All-Pro squad, and played all 99 offensive snaps for the Patriots offense in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons.

In total, Cannon played in 19 playoff games for the Patriots with nine starts.

The move frees up just under $6.3 million on the salary cap (h/t Miguel Benzan) and $7 million cash due to him in 2021. New England enters the 2021 league year with among the most cap space in the NFL at roughly $60 million.

Cannon wasn’t the only player whose future was up in the air on the Patriots’ offensive line. Guard Joe Thuney and center David Andrews appear headed to unrestricted free agency, while they now have an increased need for a long-term answer at tackle. Scroll down for more on the Patriots’ own internal free agents.

• G Joe Thuney

  Share

  Of all the Patriots' internal free agents, Thuney is the one who stands to make the most money. He played on a $14.7 million franchise tag and could make around that much on average with his next contract. The bright side is the Patriots have an emerging talent in Michael Onwenu, who played guard at Michigan, as a logical replacement for Thuney's departure. Belichick has a big decision here: lock up one of the best, most dependable left guards in football for big money, or go to the kid and take the compensatory pick next year.

• C David Andrews

  Share

  One of the most consistent and dependable performers on the team during his career, Andrews rebounded nicely from missing the entire 2019 season to recover from blood clots. The Patriots have no logical internal replacement for everything that Andrews brings to his position and to the locker room. He may be in line for a raise on his next contract, but expect the Patriots to make a real push to retain him.

• DT Lawrence Guy

  Share

  Bringing Guy back for 2021 is a no-brainer. He's been as consistent and dependable as anyone on the Patriots defense and won't come at a high cost. They could find a similar player to replace at least some of what he brings in free agency or the draft, but it may not be worth the risk when you know what you have with Guy.
• DT Adam Butler

  Share

  Playing on an RFA tender in 2021, Butler logged four sacks, seven QB hits, and 38 total tackles in 15 games. He had a career-high six sacks and nine QB hits the year before. Butler has proven to be a solid interior pass-rusher for the Patriots and would make sense to retain on a low-cost extension.

• Nick Folk

  Share

  Bill Belichick isn’t afraid to use the franchise tag on a kicker. In fact, he tagged Adam Vinatieri twice - once in 2002 and the other in 2005. In an offseason with weak kicker classes in both free agency and the draft, bringing back the 36-year-old Folk may be the Patriots’ best option. The only potential downside is the contract is fully guaranteed, so if Justin Rohrwasser turns things around in camp, it would lead to the difficult decision of eating the whole contract, moving on from the young kicker, or keeping two kickers on the roster. (Projected K franchise tag: $4.7 million)

• RB James White

  Share

  Is it possible White doesn't sign with the Bucs? Perhaps he feels settled in New England and doesn't want to uproot that situation. But if Damien Harris is ready to take on a bigger role in the passing game? It's possible that White's days as the go-to guy in those situations are winding down.
• WR Damiere Byrd

  Share

  Byrd likely can't get much more than he did last season from the Patriots. But if he can find a nice long-term deal after leading all Pats receivers in snaps and posting career-highs in catches and yards, more power to him. If Byrd has more of a complementary role in the passing game instead of playing every snap, he'd be a welcome return. He works well for what he is.

• DE Deatrich Wise

  Share

  It's not Wise's fault that the Patriots have tried to shoehorn him into roles that don't play to his strengths. He was better suited when the Patriots played more of a 4-3 defense up front and would still be better off in that kind of system. But he's also been a good solider throughout his time with the Patriots and can make plays as a pass-rusher. It's simply a question of where he fits at this point.

• CB J.C. Jackson

  Share

  Jackson is a restricted free agent, so it's not the same situation as most free agents on the team. But after making a career-high nine interceptions in 2020, he'll be in line for a real contract at some point. Do the Patriots want to give him an extension now, or sign him to the tender and see how it goes for the next year.

MORE: 11 weapons for the Patriots in free agency

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster 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? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at [email protected].

Get The 98.5 The Sports Hub Newsletter Delivered To Your Inbox

Stay up to date with the latest Boston sports news and analysis, local events, exclusive contests, and more.

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.

Author Matt Dolloff

Category:

• Patriots
• News

Tags:

houston texans,marcus cannon,Matt Dolloff,New England Patriots,NFL,nick caserio