New England Patriots: Breaking down offseason additions and losses
By Luke O'Brien
Tight End
Tight End In:
- Dwight Allen
- James O’Shaughnessy
Tight End Out:
- Martellus Bennett
- Greg Scruggs
- Michael Williams
Some might argue that Martellus Bennett did not live up to expectations last year, others saw a player playing through injury and still performing at a decent level. Whatever you might think, what cannot be argued is that it is rare to have two top-10 players at the tight end position, (Gronkowski and Bennett).
Unfortunately the Packers were willing to pay Bennett the money he deserved and so he moved on. In his absence, the Pats trade for Dwayne Allen, a reasonable facsimile, but one that hasn’t lived up to his billing. The addition of O’Shaughnessy is an interesting one that could bolster the Patriots’ special teams. Scruggs and Williams will most likely struggle to make a 53-man roster elsewhere and won’t be missed.
Verdict: Downgrade
Offensive Line
Offensive Line In:
- James Ferentz
- Antonio Garcia
- Conor McDermott
Offensive Line Out:
- Chris Barker
- Tre Jackson
- Sebastian Vollmer
During the offseason the past and the potential future offensive tackles passed by each other in the night. Vollmer retires as a likely Patriots Hall-of-Famer, while Antonio Garcia was drafted as a 3rd round developmental pick. The Pats also drafted Conor McDermott in the later rounds to provide depth. In a surprising move, they cut ties with oft-injured Tre Jackson. They also cut Chris Baker, in a less surprising move. Vollmer is a big loss despite the fact he has been injured a lot recently.
Verdict: Downgrade