Patriots: Comparing 2007 and 2016 offseasons

The New England Patriots have spent the 2016 offseason patiently waiting for their moves and stocking up on weaponry across the board. They were prudent spenders in free agency and have been nifty trade partners. The sheer number of additions brings to mind another distinct offseason: 2007.

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At this time nine years ago, the Patriots had been on the losing end of an excruciatingly close AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts. Coming so close to the doorstep of the Super Bowl and losing motivated Bill Belichick and the Patriots’ front office to make a flurry of big moves the following offseason. Here are the veterans the Patriots added in 2007:

WR Wes Welker                                   

WR Randy Moss

WR Donte Stallworth

WR Kelley Washington

TE Kyle Brady

RB Sammy Morris

LB Adalius Thomas

CB Tory James

CB Eddie Jackson

Of course, not all nine of those veterans made the final roster in that unforgettable 2007 season. But the point is that the Patriots mobilized resources and acquired a handful of big names, which they don’t normally do.

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Well, that has been happening again. To refresh your memory, here are the veterans the Patriots have acquired thus far in 2016:

WR Chris Hogan

WR Nate Washington

TE Martellus Bennett

TE Clay Harbor

RB Donald Brown

OL Jonathan Cooper

CB E.J. Biggers

LB Ramon Humber

LB Shea McClellin

DE Frank Kearse

DE Chris Long

DT Terrance Knighton

Certainly, there is overlapping star power when you compare the Patriots’ 2007 and 2016 offseasons. Let’s break down this comparison by analyzing name recognition (at the time) of some of these acquisitions:

Big-name

2007: Moss, Stallworth, Thomas

2016: Bennett, Knighton, Long

Somewhat big-name

2007: Brady, James, Morris

2016: Washington, McClellin, Brown

Under-the-radar

2007: Welker

2016: Hogan, Cooper

As you can see, there are similarities between 2007 and 2016. It remains to be seen just how these two years will continue to compare, but right now, we’re seeing a reminder of the 2007 season.

Considering Tom Brady’s age, a possible explanation for this arms build-up is the fact that he only has two, three or possibly four seasons to corral that fifth ring.

Next: Reordering WR depth chart after Washington signing

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire for coverage on every twist and turn in the Patriots’ offseason.