Patriots become the busiest team in NFL free agency so far

Jonnu Smith (Chipermc, Wikimedia Commons)

You had a feeling changes would be made in New England. Last season one could argue it was a disappointment in Foxborough even with the notable quarterback change (Cam Newton taking over from Tom Brady). Yes, expectations might not have been too high among the analysts, but when Bill Belichick is coaching your team, his expectations are always high. Last season, the Patriots missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008, and thus Belichick was more grumpy than joyful.

Earlier this week, the Patriots made the interesting move in bringing back Cam Newton at quarterback on a one-year deal worth $14 million. Then they opened their wallet and signed a whole bunch of free agents according to Rogers Sportsnet. Let’s take a look at who they signed from other teams.

Tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. Henry comes to New England on a three-year deal worth $37.5 million, and Smith joins the Patriots on a four-year deal worth $50 million. As we know from years past in the days of Gronk and Aaron Hernandez, Belichick loves to use multiple tight-end sets in his offensive schemes, so expect Henry and Smith to be on the field simultaneously. Last season Henry had 60 catches for 613 yards and four touchdowns with the Chargers, while Smith had a career year with the Titans. He had 41 catches for 448 yards and eight touchdowns.

Four defensive players. This week the Patriots have signed defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (previously with the Miami Dolphins) to a two-year deal worth $16 million, cornerback Jalen Mills (previously with the Philadelphia Eagles) to a four-year deal worth $24 million, linebacker Matthew Judon (previously with the Baltimore Ravens) to a four-year deal worth $56 million, and defensive lineman Henry Anderson (previously with the New York Jets) to a two-year deal worth $7 million. Godchaux had 16 combined tackles in 2020, Mills had 74 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble, Judon had 50 combined tackles and six sacks, while Anderson had 42 combined tackles and half a sack.

Wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. There is no doubt in recent years the Patriots have not been an elite team when it comes to offensive weapons from the wide receiver position. That is believed to be one reason why Tom Brady left for the Buccaneers. This week the Patriots tried to address the issue by signing Nelson Agholor to a two-year deal worth $26 million, and Kendrick Bourne to a three-year deal worth $22.5 million. Agholor spent five seasons with the Eagles from 2015 to 2019, and teamed up with Mills to beat the Patriots in the 2018 Super Bowl. Then in 2020, Agholor played for the Las Vegas Raiders and had a career-high in receiving yards (896). Bourne was with the San Francisco 49ers the last four years and also had a career-high in receiving yards in 2020 (667).

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