The New England Patriots are open for camp and a lot of familiar faces have opted out of the 2020 season. Linebacker Dont'a Hightower and safety Patrick Chung will not be the defensive linchpins we have come to expect for nearly the past decade. Presumptive offensive starters right tackle Marcus Cannon and tight end Matt LaCosse will also not be playing, nor will projected role players running back Brandon Bolden and fullback Dan Vitale. Bubble players wide receiver Marqise Lee and offensive lineman Najee Toran have also opted out, bringing the number of players not suiting up to a league-high eight.

So what are the Patriots going to do? Who benefits the most from these opt-outs and the stilted offseason schedule? Which players will step up in the place of these veterans? And will Bill Belichick have some tricks up his sleeves to stay competitive as his key players are not taking the field?

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