Patriots' Dwayne Allen: May need to take pay cut

Allen may be asked to take a pay cut, ESPN.com's Mike Reiss reports.

Allen is scheduled for a $5 million 2018 cap hit, a lofty figure for a No. 2 tight end who caught 10 passes last season. He did handle 42 percent of offensive snaps, with his strong work as a blocker playing a role in New England's No. 10 finish in rushing yards and No. 6 ranking in rushing TDs. Allen nonetheless seems overpaid, but it isn't out of the question that the team keeps him around at his current salary, as there isn't an obvious replacement for his in-line blocking role. Barring a pay cut or some other form of renegotiated contract, he'll need to make a strong impression in August to earn a spot on 53-man roster.