Patriots have been ‘greatly surprised’ final offseason because of this

The Patriots have been seemingly well-equipped to pen an thrilling new chapter within the franchise’s historical past final offseason. 

Not solely was New England set to land a promising QB in Drake Maye with the No. 3 decide within the 2024 NFL Draft, Eliot Wolf and the group’s entrance workplace additionally had greater than $100 million in cap house so as to construct up an overhauled roster.

However regardless of Jerod Mayo’s declare that the Patriots have been poised to “burn some money” and Wolf’s pledge to “weaponize” the offense, New England failed to maneuver the needle throughout free company final spring. 

New England nonetheless had $54.1 million in house by early April as soon as the free-agency spending spree ended, with the Patriots unable to reel in influence gamers like Calvin Ridley or Brandon Aiyuk. 

New England reportedly made the “strongest” provide to pry Aiyuk out of San Francisco, however the wideout “didn’t present curiosity” in accepting a commerce to becoming a member of the Patriots, per NBC Sports activities Bay Space’s Matt Maiocco. 

Wolf’s lack of ability to construct up the offensive line additionally loomed giant, particularly with a number of tackles obtainable in free company. New England’s answer at left sort out was to herald Chukwuma Okorafor, who primarily performed proper sort out with the Steelers. The veteran solely performed 12 whole snaps earlier than leaving the group in early September.

New England was a high draw for greater than 20 years when each Invoice Belichick and Tom Brady have been in Foxborough. The Patriots’ high brass have been reportedly stunned that a number of free brokers brushed apart their presents final spring. 

“In accordance with a number of sources, the Patriots have been greatly surprised by what number of gamers didn’t need to come to New England — even when there was more cash on the desk,” MassLive’s Mark Daniels wrote in a column revealed Tuesday. “The Patriots’ aim final yr was to signal receiver Calvin Ridley and defensive sort out Christian Wilkins. 

“They have been additionally turned down later in the summertime by receiver Brandon Aiyuk. High free-agent sort out Tyron Smith additionally didn’t need to come to New England.”

Time will inform if the Patriots are capable of put collectively a extra productive offseason this spring. New England ought to have the means to outbid a number of different groups for high free brokers because of a league-leading $127.6 million in cap house — whereas Maye’s promising rookie season presents up hope that higher days are forward for the group. 

However with New England as soon as once more submitting poor scores in the course of the newest NFLPA report playing cards by way of group amenities and journey, the Patriots could not precisely be seen as a premier vacation spot for a number of gamers. 

 

Conor Ryan is a workers author overlaying the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Pink Sox for Boston.com, a task he has held since 2023.