The New England Patriots are coming off of the best Super Bowl comeback in NFL history. One may argue that with a team as great as last season, they really don't need to make any moves in free agency. Just don't tell Bill Belichick that. Since free agency started, New England has been making a move after move, reloading their team from last year adding key pieces and giving Tom Brady even more weapons at his disposal. You would think The Patriots would be going to their first Super Bowl, not their sixth with the offseason talent they are picking up.
Making Moves
The Patriots have made a lot of eye-opening moves since free agency started, let's run down the list
- Received TE Dwayne Allen from the Indianapolis Colts for a fourth-round draft pick.
- Signed CB Stephen Gilmore to a five-year, $65 million deal with $40 million of that guaranteed.
- Signed S Duron Harmon to a four-year $20 million deal.
- Patriots received WR Brandin Cooks and a fourth-round pick in a trade with the New Orleans Saints for a first and third-round pick.
- Received DT Kony Ealy and a third-round pick from the Carolina Panthers for a second-round pick.
These are the big name moves the Pats made in the past few days. They get a solid replacement for Gronk, as he has been prone to injury over the years.
They also get a decent No. 2 corner in Gilmore who can play opposite of Malcolm Butler. Brady gets another speedy weapon in Cooks, who had another 1,000-yard season in 2016. And they keep one of their own in Harmon who played well for them last season. Lastly, they get a mean monster in Ealy, who brings a pass rush presence to the defensive line.
Still Hungry
These moves only show the media and Patriots fans that they still are keeping the championship window open for just a little while longer. Tom Brady, who seems to be playing better as he ages, gets more weapons in the passing game which makes their offense almost impossible to stop. Belichick has made up for the time he lost in the playoffs, pulling out the draft pick and checkbooks making sure they have more than enough talent on the team.
This doesn't mean all is good in the world. They still let LB Dont'a Hightower test the free agent waters, and they need a running back after not signing Blount to a deal. But maybe we are looking to far ahead, as free agency just started days ago. The Patriots still look hungry for more rings, and with these additions, they will still be the team to beat in the AFC.
