Danny Amendola has heard the talk all offseason. Many NFL sources are questioning what his future with the New England Patriots after a lackluster 2012-13 season. The wide receiver was expected to take over Wes Welker's production, but injuries and a lack of chemistry with quarterback Tom Brady prevented that from happening. However, despite stressing that he done a lot of improving in the offseason, Amendola is still not a lock to make the final roster in New England.
Amendola had two touchdowns last season. Welker had 10 with the Denver Broncos. Despite being the talk of free agency last summer, the wide receiver made little to no impact for the Patriots in his first season getting paid to sit on the sidelines and looking lost in the offense. Because of this, ESPN.com writer Mike Reiss notes that Amendola is not a lock to make it through training camp for the Patriots. He notes that the only reason to keep the wide receiver around is that financially is makes no sense to release him. It would have better served the Patriots to release Amendola back in March before he was owed $2 million of his $3 million guaranteed contract.
Training camp is crucial for Amendola. His injury history is already working against him so any signs of struggle could get him released on the spot. Amendola was the No. 1 guy entering last year, but the Patriots loaded up on depth in the offseason giving the veteran some competition moving forward. Julian Edelman is now the leading man after a breakout season with the Patriots last year. He was repaid with a nice long-term contract. Reiss believes the only other guarantee for the Patriots roster is Aaron Dobson who is impressing early.
The Patriots' offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels likes what he sees from the depth the Patriots have on the roster. He has noted that Kenbrell Thompkins has returned looking much better than last season. The Patriots also added Brandon LaFell in the offseason. He is expected to emerge as a starter this season after signing away from the Carolina Panthers.
It is unlikely Amendola gets release in training camp. Even if he struggles, the Patriots have to pay him either way. However, if he has another bad season, Amendola can expect to be gone come the end of the 2014-15 season. Unless a team emerges as a trade partner, the wide receiver will stay put this year.
There is still an issue at running back after the departure of LaGarrette Blount in free agency. Right now, Shane Vereen looks to be a lock to return. He sat out a portion of last season with a wrist injury and the ground game was inconsistent because of it. This year he is back as the likely starter while Stevan Ridley and Brandon Bolden fight for attention and a roster spot.