With the free agency frenzy settling down across the NFL after a whirlwind three weeks, a few teams notably remain on the quieter side. Among them, the New England Patriots have made a couple of signings, but largely, they find themselves with a roster resembling the one that only secured four wins in the previous season.
Major changes have occurred in coaching and managerial positions, with Jerod Mayo stepping in as head coach, Alex Van Pelt as offensive coordinator, DeMarcus Covington as defensive coordinator, and Eliot Wolf taking on the role of director of scouting and de facto general manager.
However, in terms of player acquisitions, the Patriots appear much as they did in 2023.
Nick Wright, speaking on Fox Sports 1’s “First Things First,” has been critical of New England’s offseason, dubbing it a “disaster” thus far.
The departure of Bill Belichick marked the end of an era for New England, coinciding with a dismal season, unprecedented in recent decades. The team faces numerous deficiencies, particularly glaring at the quarterback position, where doubts linger over Mac Jones’ potential as a franchise-level player.
Additionally, the Patriots lack impactful playmakers on offense, a gap that remained unaddressed in free agency. Their pursuit of wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who boasted impressive stats with 76 receptions, 1,016 yards, and eight touchdowns in 2023, proved fruitless as he opted for the Tennessee Titans.
Highlighting the team’s offensive struggles, Demario Douglas emerged as their leading wide receiver last season with a modest 561 yards and no touchdowns to his name.
As the New England Patriots hold the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft, speculation abounds regarding their potential selection. Rumors suggest they may opt for QB J.J. McCarthy over alternatives like Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels, a decision that Wright likened to the drafting of Jones in 2021.
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