David Andrews saves Patriots $2.1 million in cap space by restructuring deal (report)

New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) speaks during a post game press conference following an NFL football game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
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We now know how the Patriots created the cap space to sign the last of their rookie class on Thursday.

David Andrews restructured his contract, according to ESPN’s Field Yates, creating $2.1 million in new salary cap space. There wasn’t any new money in the deal. Instead, the center converted $3.15 million of his salary into a signing bonus.

It’s a win-win for the player and the team.

Andrews gets the new signing bonus guaranteed — money and security are never a bad thing, no matter the line of work — and the Patriots got the breathing room they needed with the cap. According to Yates, Andrews’ cap hit in 2022 is now a modest $4.275 million.

The five-year captain is a lock to start at center, but just about everyone else on the offensive line will be shuffled around this season. Here’s how the group lined up at this month’s mandatory minicamp:

LT: Trent Brown

LG: Cole Strange

C: David Andrews

RG: Michael Onwenu

RT: Isaiah Wynn

Last fall, Brown and Wynn were on opposite sides, Onwenu came off the bench as the sixth lineman, and Strange was playing his football at UT-Chatanooga.

Related content:

Patriots sign Cole Strange, Tyquan Thornton and Bailey Zappe, now have full rookie class under contract

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