New England made a big splash on the first day of free agency, but didn’t do enough to help quarterback Drake Maye take the next step. Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press
The Patriots came out swinging on the first day of the NFL’s free agency “negotiating” period, also known as legal tampering.
They reached agreement on deals with a slew of players, and used a boatload of cash to make it happen.
Coupled with Harold Landry’s signing Sunday, the Patriots handed out close to $160 million in guaranteed money with the new contracts.
And yet, even with that spending spree, they still don’t have a starting left tackle protecting quarterback Drake Maye’s blindside or a receiver who dictates coverage.
They haven’t helped their young quarterback very much, which was a stated goal, and paramount to the team’s success going forward.
It is an offense-driven league after all.
While they had a terrific day bolstering the defense, landing the top defensive lineman (Milton Williams), with upgrades at cornerback and linebacker, the offense still needs work.
Yes, they agreed to terms with right tackle Morgan Moses, re-signed tight end Austin Hooper, and added receiver depth with veteran Mack Hollins, but they have not tackled their top priority yet.
Basically, the stars they signed, and in some cases overpaid, are on one side of ball. They went above and beyond to land Williams (four years, $104 million, $63 million guaranteed), as well as cornerback Carlton Davis (three years, $60 million, $34.5 guaranteed).
They made sure to provide players who fit new coach Mike Vrabel’s vision for a defense that’s going to wreak havoc with opposing quarterbacks.
That’s all good. That unit needed a facelift. Adding impact players at all three levels of the defense is a nice start.
The offense, however, remains a concern. The offensive line and receiving corps are still lacking.
Of course, there’s time to attack those needs, even if the best options are off the board. Between what’s left in free agency, the trade route, and or the draft, Vrabel & Co. can make moves to better protect Maye, and improve his arsenal.
But the upgrades are shaping up as Band-Aids, as opposed to bonafide talent.
They did take a shot at wideout Chris Godwin, but he wound up re-signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which was expected.
Beyond that, they didn’t appear to be involved in trying to acquire either DK Metcalf, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, or Davante Adams, who signed with the LA Rams.
As for left tackles, Ronnie Stanley, the best available, and the one they coveted, never hit free agency. He re-signed with Baltimore.
Second-tier tackle Dan Moore went to Tennessee, while Jaylon Moore went to the Chiefs. To be fair, the pool of free-agent tackles wasn’t great after Stanley.
But there’s more than one way to skin a cat.
The Commanders made a trade with Houston, surrendering an army of draft picks for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
So Washington pulled out all the stops to protect Jayden Daniels.
And yet, not a peep from the Patriots on that front.
Cam Robinson is still available. Ditto Jedrick Wills. Again, they’re not sure-fire options. As for making a trade, the Patriots aren’t quite in the same stratosphere as the Commanders.
They’re not in position to package picks for top players. They’re not a player or two away from competing for a championship.
Given that, and the likelihood they won’t solve the tackle issue, much less the difference-making receiver, the Patriots are going to have to draft for need, specifically at No. 4.
That’s not where they want to be.
They don’t want to go in needing to take Will Campbell or whoever they deem the best left tackle prospect in that spot.
Because if Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter falls to them at No. 4, then what? Pick the left tackle with short arms who may wind up a guard?
Given the three teams above them still need quarterbacks (Tennessee, Cleveland, N.Y. Giants), it’s certainly possible Hunter or Carter will be there at No. 4.
It wouldn’t be the new regime’s finest moment if they had to pass on one of the draft’s true blue chip players because they’re desperate for a tackle and had to gamble on Campbell.
While they can live without a No. 1 receiver, they can’t go into another season without a legitimate left tackle.
They can’t continue putting Maye in harm’s way without blindside protection and a competent line in front of him.
So after Day 1, the Patriots move forward on a salvage mission when it comes to the offense.
All of the significant moves were made on defense. Legitimate progress was made on that side of the ball. They’ve brought in good players, many with connections to the coaching staff.
So the Patriots know exactly what they’re getting. There’s no mystery.
There’s no Chukwuma Okorafor in the lot.
With the collection of new players as a whole, the outlook is brighter. There’s little argument there. But there’s an asterisk.
Offensively, the jury is still out. There’s still a lot of work to do to make it right for their franchise quarterback.
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Patriots make splash at the start of free agency
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