There was loads of optimism in Foxborough at first of this offseason.
Even with New England beginning anew with Jerod Mayo as head coach, the Patriots have been seemingly poised to “burn some money” in an effort to enhance a roster that went 4-13 in 2023.
However even with New England sitting atop the NFL with over $100 million in obtainable cap area at first of free company, the Patriots have targeted most of their efforts this month on retaining gamers like Mike Onwenu, Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne, and Kyle Dugger.
New England has additionally signed a couple of playmakers like operating again Antonio Gibson and large receiver Okay.J. Osborn, however the group has not added a marquee goal on the open market — even with all of their fiscal flexibility.
The Patriots pushed onerous to signal No. 1 wideout Calvin Ridley, however the former Jaguars receiver opted to signal a four-year, $92 million cope with the Titans on March 13.
Even with a number of key contributors again in New England, the case might be made that the Patriots have finished little to considerably enhance its roster over the previous few weeks.
Speaking to reporters at the NFL annual meeting in Orlando, Mayo pressured that he understands the consternation broadcasted by followers regarding the group’s quiet offseason.
“For Patriots followers, look, I perceive the frustration,” Mayo instructed reporters. “I perceive the expectation has been actually constructed during the last 20 years. However on the similar time, hopefully, the followers perceive that we’re attempting to construct this the proper means. And we’re attempting to herald items that we predict are for the long run. I believe there’s a mix of bringing individuals in for the short-term, but additionally it’s a must to assume long-term. That’s all the time the onerous factor to do.
“I might simply ask Patriots followers for endurance. Look, as soon as once more, there can be gamers that hit the wire, free brokers, guys which are uncovered, no matter you need to say. There can be guys within the draft, there can be guys after the draft. So simply sit again and form of allow us to do our job going ahead.”
Given the variety of vacancies at vital areas of New England’s depth chart, the writing has been on the wall for months now that the Patriots are watching a multi-year rebuild as they attempt to re-assert themselves as a dominant energy within the NFL.
In fact, the Patriots’ full offseason outlook has not but been realized — with the 2024 NFL Draft nonetheless a month away. Any considerations over the Patriots’ long-term future will turn out to be extra outstanding if New England doesn’t add a minimum of a high quarterback, sort out, or wide-receiver prospect in late April.
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