Through free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have had quite an offseason. Bill Belichick has been spending money like crazy and actually traded up in the draft for once. But where does this uncharacteristic offseason rank amongst NFL teams?
NFL.com writer Gil Brandt has them ranked No. 2 in his ranking of the five best offseasons in the NFL.
Who does he have them ranked behind?
Well, of course it is Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the reason he highlights is that they are the first defending Super Bowl champions to bring back all 22 starters and they also extended Brady.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
Besides adding Giovani Bernard to the mix, the Buccaneers did nothing else besides draft Kyle Trask as the potential Brady successor. But, when you win a championship, the biggest additions are what you already have as Brady and crew look to run it back.
But don’t for one second think Belichick hasn’t been taking notes. Due to all the veteran additions in free agency and the 2021 draft class, the Patriots had themselves an offseason and should be No. 1 when it comes roster improvement and here are three reasons why:
No. 1: The New England Patriots draft class creates great competition and adds depth
Belichick says he is riding with Cam Newton but drafting Mac Jones with the No. 15 overall pick in the NFL draft creates the most anticipated quarterback battle once camp starts.
A very motivated Newton vs an NFL ready young quarterback who can eventually run the offense in the same fashion Tom Brady did.
Now, this is not comparing Jones to Brady, but unlike Newton, he has the pocket awareness to at least make this offense look familiar again. Let’s not forget Jarrett Stidham can still play his way into the competition giving the Patriots a healthy battle that can only help the overall offense be better than they were last season.
On the defensive side of the ball, Belichick may have two steals on his hand in defensive tackle Christian Barmore and third-round pick Ronnie Perkins. Both of these places essentially fell to the Patriots.
Not only do both of these talents bring elements of explosiveness and tenacity to the defense, but they also add depth and will push the veterans ahead of them to stay grinding.
No. 2: The New England Patriots opt outs returning very important
The New England Patriots traded right tackle Marcus Cannon this offseason and Patrick Chung retired, but the return of Dont’a Hightower, who opted out of the 2020 NFL season due to COVID-19 is as big as an addition as they get.
The veteran will bring leadership to the second level of the defense, which will allow young linebackers like Ja’Whuan Bentley, Chase Winovich, Anfernee Jennings and Josh Uche make contributions without the pressure they had on them in 2020.
Along with all the other defensive additions via free agency, Hightower’s return helps in two areas. He will improve the team against the run and his ability to get to the passer in key moments will help the team get off the field during key moments of the game.
Another veteran returning that no one is really talking about is veteran fullback Dan Vitale who has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
Jakob Johnson has really made the position his following the retirement of James Develin, but Vitale, along with TE/FB Dalton Keene, should provide some healthy competition there.
Other key players returning following the opt out are tight end Matt LaCosse and running back Brandon Bolden.
Bolden has been a key contributor in special teams, but LaCosse appears to be the odd man out considering who they acquired in free agency and 2020 rookies Keene and Devin Asiasi looking to make that next step.
Again, more depth and competition added to a roster that needed an up-haul on both sides of the ball.
No. 1: The New England Patriots spent their money well
The fact that the New England Patriots had to spend the money they did this offseason may say more about poor drafting and paying their own players, but it was both surprising and fun to see them signing big names like Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry and Matthew Judon.
Offensively, the Patriots needed playmakers and they got playmakers. The tight end duo of Smith and Henry are going to be a treat for either Cam Newton or Mac Jones. Both create matchup nightmares and together will give the Patriots offense that tight end production they have been missing since the days of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
As for wide receiver, the addition of Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne became even more important given the retirement of Julian Edelman. Adding Agholor and Bourne to a wide receiver group of Jakobi Meyers, N’Keal Harry and Gunner Olszewski still doesn’t move the meter, but perhaps another offseason move is on the way (perhaps Julio Jones?).
On the defensive side of the ball, bringing back Lawrence Guy was a key move as well as the return of Kyle Van Noy, who further helps that young linebacker group. But the big prize defensively was pass rusher Judon who adds speed on the edge giving the New England Patriots quite a linebacker trio alongside Hightower and Van Noy.
Other key additions include Davon Godchaux, left tackle Trent Brown and cornerback Jalen Mills, who could be the most underrated signing as he gives the secondary both cornerback and safety depth.
Have to wonder if his signing sets up a potential Stephon Gilmore trade down in the near future.
In all, Bill Belichick addressed all the team’s needs through free agency and the draft. With No. 1 receiver as the one glaring need yet to be addressed, perhaps there is another move arising that will certainly clinch my claim of the New England Patriots having the best offseason in the NFL.