New England Patriots: Breaking down offseason additions and losses

Defensive Backs

Defensive Backs In:

• Stephon Gilmore

Defensive Backs Out:

• Logan Ryan

There is no getting past the fact that Logan Ryan is a big loss to the Patriots. He is one of the best tackling cornerbacks in the league and his coverage had improved in the last few seasons. On the plus side the Patriots opened Robert Kraft’s check book and paid Stephon Gilmore a Brinks Truck full of cash to not only replace Ryan, but improve upon him. In Gilmore and Butler, the Pats have arguably the best cornerback tandem in the NFL. It has been a long time since New England could lay claim to such a feat.

Next: Who are the 10 greatest quarterbacks in franchise history?

Verdict: Upgrade

So it turns out the media and fan talk was correct. Some of the improvements have been marginal but they are still improvements on an already stacked Super Bowl winning roster. It should be another strong season for the Patriots who look Super Bowl bound once again.  The addition of Cooks should mean the Patriots offense is less one-dimensional should Rob Gronkowski get injured.  Gilmore joining Butler at cornerback is a fantastic duo for the Patriots.