"If the Patriots want to make any high-profile, big-money cuts, they'll have to wait until the 2009 salary cap year expires to do so.

According to a source with knowledge of the team's cap situation, the Pats are slightly more than $3 million under the cap. The restrictions will likely ease on March 5 when the expected uncapped year officially begins.

That means the potential - or probable - cutting of disgruntled linebacker Adalius Thomas won't come until after that date. Neither could any other move that would generate a cap hit of more than $3 million.

The Pats could also trade Thomas after March 5."