New England Patriots: 2017 Free Agency Day One Recap

On day one of NFL free agency, the New England Patriots made uncharacteristically big splashes but also locked up some of their own free agents.

Day one of NFL free agency saw the New England Patriots bring in two new players, sure up some of their own free agents, and lose one linebacker.

Usually, the Patriots are quiet to begin free agency, but this year they went all out to sign possibly the best cornerback available. Stephon Gilmore is the newest New England corner, and he will help improve an already strong defense.

Stephon Gilmore Stolen From Buffalo Bills

The New England Patriots signed the best available free agent cornerback. Former Buffalo Bills #1 corner Stephon Gilmore is heading to Foxboro to don Patriots blue, silver and red.

Gilmore signed a five year $65 million deal to join the reigning Super Bowl champions.

The 2012 first round pick became a true shutdown corner over the second half of the 2016 NFL season. USA Today’s Robert Quinn reported that Gilmore “allowed 11 receptions on 22 targets for just 90 yards while intercepting three passes and breaking up another four.”

Gilmore is aggressive on the line, and says he prefers to play “on an island.”

New England may be preparing for a Malcolm Butter-less future with Gilmore as a #1 corner.

Brandin Cooks Trade Still Possible

The New England Patriots offered the Saints their 32nd overall pick for wideout Brandin Cooks recently, but New Orleans shot the deal down.

Now, the Patriots may be able to strike a deal with the Saints that includes a top defensive back. As the Patriots have signed Stephon Gilmore, they may be able to part ways with Malcolm Butler. Butler and the team have been unable to strike a deal on an extension, and Gilmore’s arrival could mark the departure for Malcolm.

The Saints may also be preparing to part with Cooks, as they signed free agent Ted Ginn Jr.

Ian Rapoport believes a deal will happen quickly for Cooks, with New England and Tennessee being possible destinations.

New England may now be able to offer Malcolm Butler and a second or third round pick for Brandin Cooks, and that may just be enough.

New England Trades for a New Tight End

It was previously reported, but Dwayne Allen is a New England Patriot. The tight end will replace Martellus Bennett as the backup to Rob Gronkowski in 2017.

Allen, who has struggled with injuries himself, will aim to maintain his health for a full season while improving his blocking skills for the Patriots quick backfield.

The Patriots and Colts swapped fourth and sixth round picks respectively as well.

Alan Branch, Duron Harmon Re-Signed

The Patriots wrapped up talks with two of their own free agents, re-signing defensive tackle Alan Branch and safety Duron Harmon.

Branch will return on a two year deal, worth up to $12 million. Alan Branch has been a member of two New England Patriots Super Bowl teams, and the team clearly saw him as a crucial member of the defense.

Safety Duron Harmon is back with a four year $20 million deal. The free safety has made crucial plays as the backup for Devin McCourty, and depth is always a key to NFL success.

Mingo Goes to the Colts

Barkevious Mingo never quite lived up to expectations with the New England Patriots. Now, the linebacker has struck a one year deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

Mingo will have the chance to start in Indy, but his deal is worth just $2.5 million.

New England’s main priority remains re-signing Dont’a Hightower or adding a significant pass rush threat on the edges. The Mingo loss should be an easy pill for the Patriots to swallow.

Cleveland Preparing for Garoppolo Trade

Stars have aligned for the Cleveland Browns to make a move for Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo.

The Browns traded for Brock Osweiler and a second round pick from the Houston Texans. Cleveland is looking to rid themselves of Osweiler through a trade or release, and is expected to make a run at Jimmy G.

New England’s asking price seems to be the Browns #1 overall pick this year, a 1st round pick in 2018, and a 3rd round pick this year.

Time will tell if this ongoing Garoppolo drama ever pans out.

Next: Jimmy G Should Be Traded Now

Let’s hope day two of free agency is just as exciting as the first!

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