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The New England Patriots were already considered a contender to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LI, though they’re still not content as they’ve been busy in the recent weeks.
It started with a quiet signing on the first official day of free agency when they brought in veteran linebacker Ramon Humber. It didn’t draw much attention but it adds depth to the middle of their defense. Two days later, they signed defensive end/linebacker Frank Kearse and claimed restricted free agent wide receiver Chris Hogan from the Buffalo Bills, who refused to match New England’s offer of $12 million over three years.
The biggest deal so far came last Tuesday when the team shipped esteemed pass rusher Chandler Jones to the Arizona Cardinals for guard Jonathan Cooper and the No. 61 overall pick in the upcoming draft. Jones led the team in sacks (12.5) in 2015, so naturally, much of the fanbase reacted negatively. What those fans overlook, though, is that New England’s offensive line was as bad last season as it’s been during Bill Belichick‘s tenure. Total rushing dropped by over 300 yards and Tom Brady was sacked 12 more times in the 2015 regular season than he was in 2014.
The addition of Hogan in the passing game is expected to help the New England offense, especially since the recent release of wide receiver Brandon LaFell. They weren’t done, though, as the Patriots acquired tight end Martellus Bennett from the Chicago Bears to complement Rob Gronkowski.
They finished the week with three more signings when they brought in running back Donald Brown, linebacker Shea McClellin and defensive end Chris Long.
Four of New England’s eight acquisitions are former first round picks. Some have had good careers and some haven’t quite panned out yet, but one thing is for sure: If there is any coach capable of getting the most out of a player, it’s Belichick. Brown’s former employer, John Spanos spoke very highly of the tailback after his deal with the Patriots was finalized.
“He is such a perfect Patriots signing,” the San Diego Chargers president told CSNNE at the NFL owners’ meetings. “I would bet anything he’s going to be a productive player for them.”
Brown will give New England a significant upgrade in their pass protection out of the backfield in addition to his other responsibilities. Long is a former No. 2 overall pick with a tremendous amount of upside. Bennett will add depth at tight end while Hogan will likely catch 60 passes and be a more productive version of Danny Amendola, a role that the Patriots have been trying to fill since the departure of Wes Welker a few years back.
Based on last season and the early events of this offseason, I feel pretty confident saying that we’ll be seeing New England back in the AFC Championship game in 2016 and quite possibly making a trip to Houston in February.
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