You didn’t possibly think that just because the New England Patriots were bad for one season that it would last for multiple did you? In fact, you could make the argument that the Patriots have already won the 2021 NFL Offseason.
New England was very different last season due to multiple events that happened. Obviously the greatest QB of all-time left for Tampa Bay, but multiple opt-outs from veteran players combined with younger offensive weapons don’t make for a great season. This was evident as the Patriots had their worst season since 2000 as they finished 7-9 and missed the Playoffs for the first time since 2008.
So, how does arguably the greatest coach of all-time Bill Belichick and Co. respond to last season’s disappointment? Well as you have guessed by now, the Patriots are setting themselves up to return to the top of the AFC.
New England started this offseason by re-signing QB Cam Newton to a one-year deal. The Patriots then went out and got Newton some offensive weapons, which New England lacked for the most part a year ago. These included signing WR’s Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor, as well as arguably the top-two TE’s on the market in Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, all of which were multi-year deals.
The Patriots also improved their dominant defense by signing edge-rusher Matthew Judon, DT Davon Godchaux, and S Jalen Mills, all of which were multi-year deals. Don’t forget also, New England will also get players who opted-out a year ago, including starting LB Dont’a Hightower.
The New England Patriots have so far reloaded their roster to return back to the top of the AFC, with the remainder of free agency and the NFL Draft to come. With the rate that New England is spending early-on in free agency, you also have to assume that they’re not finished yet either.
So, based on their free-agency moves so far combined with returning players, should the New England Patriots be considered the favorites once again in the AFC East and AFC?
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