he will have the record back soon once the new contract is negotiated.
There is a salary cap imposed in NFL. It is not MLB. Every team loses and signs great player every off-season. Currently the Patriots have 3 RB's earning 2.5 millions, 3.0 millions, 3.5 millions, respectively. I don't call that group cheap money-wise. They traded for Deion Branch (a great WR), who earns almost 5 millions. I don't consider it as a "cheap" move.
I agree that the Patriots do a good job to find values out from low rounders though (thanks to their scouts)