A path out of the heap of bullshit the Patriots put themselves in this off-season
There is no other way to put this. The Patriots thus far have failed the off-season. Football guys will tell you on paper they have put together a solid roster, mostly by bringing back the best of their own guys. I use the word best lightly. Firstly, a solid roster alone is not enough. And it could certainly be argued that this is even that. Secondly, a solid roster with a less than solid quarterback, blows. Thirdly, a solid roster, with a shit quarterback, and a rookie head coach, who cares only about his vibes is a precursor to another disastrous year.
The Krafts are coming off a failed era post Brady from a failed decision to let Brady go. And now in the immediate of letting the other greatest of all time, Bill Belichick, walk out the door they have hit the snooze button. The offensive roster was the worst in the league last year by a country mile. They needed to address playmaking abilities at the most important positions on the football field, quarterback, left tackle, wide receiver. They quite literally didn't do any of that. And it's not like there wasn't opportunities. It was a fantastic trademark and plenty of high-end veterans working on short money deals.
The best example of that is the future Vice President’s team, New York Jets who snatched up Tyrone Smith, and Mike Williams. Both on one year deals. Both on incentive laden contracts that would have cost the Patriots pennies. In case you forgot with how much they told us over the past year, they had the most cap space going into the year. And in case you forgot from how much I've told you, they have spent the least amount of cash in the NFL in the past decade. Mayo said they were going to burn some cash this off season. There must be a dumpster behind Foxborough somewhere because they weren't putting into the roster.
I don't know if it's the Kraft "business methods" from Jonathan and Robyn Glaser getting in the way or Elliot Wolf’s “Packer Way" that is the reason Tyrone Smith was signed for 6 1/2 million dollars guaranteed as the number one overall rated tackle in the league to protect your future franchise quarterback you're putting all your eggs into. If the decision not to pursue those players and not to spend that money is intentional from ownership it's baffling and extremely disappointing. I can feel a bit of rage boiling in my bubble gut. If it was an inability to execute a plan from your de facto, lame duck, general manager it's gross negligence and you're going to have to start all over next year. And if it's just because your team sucks so bad well, that blows and you put a lot of that on the Krafts, but most of it on Belichick's decision-making over the last several years.
However, there is a path. They have a couple moves in their bag to salvage the off season.
Trade for a #1 WR. The latest rumor is trading the #3 pick to the Viking for the #11, #23, and Justin Jefferson. Ummm. Do it. Open the check book for JJ. It’s rediculous money for the next 3 -4 years. You have no big money commiments during that time. You’ll have a rookie QB contract and a guy who needs a stud to help his development. You can grab your QB at #11 and your LT at #23. Boom, you’re welcome.
For that to happen you need an aggressive draft landing multiple high end talent at QB, LT, and WR. They are going to have to goo 3 for 3 at these spots. If Justin Jefferson is one of them you’ve upped your odds. You desperately need better odds.
Pick up the remaining side pieces you need in FA. (CB2 or Free Safety or Play making LB would be nice) There are still names and players out there, specifically on the defensive side of the ball you can bring in to help you be competitive this year into the rebuild.
Miraculously, if the Patriots go 10 for 10 and their next moves, we could be looking at a relatively competitive team next year. It's just ridiculous and pisses me off that they have narrowed their margins of success to this. When all the evidence points it being completely necessary.