Patriots: 3 players Pats were smart to ditch last offseason

Here are three players who the Patriots were smart to get rid of last offseason.

It goes without saying that the Patriots are no stranger to enduring roster turnover, as there have been numerous occasions throughout the Bill Belichick era where players willingly tested free agency. That, or the de facto general manager simply opted against re-signing players on expiring contracts.

Despite undergoing seismic changes on an annual basis, however, the Patriots’ status as a championship contender has been going strong for two decades. It remains to be seen if their historic dynasty has run its course, but they still appear to be one of the toughest outs in the NFL, coming up just short against the undefeated Seahawks in Week 2 and making the 4-1 Chiefs sweat for 50 minutes without quarterback Cam Newton, who was sidelined with COVID-19.

To think that’s the case in the aftermath of what was arguably the Patriots’ most turbulent offseason in recent memory is mind-boggling, but should we really be surprised? At this point, Belichick is so adept to change that it probably doesn’t even bother him.

In terms of New England’s most notable offseason departures, you have:

• QB Tom Brady
• OLB Jamie Collins
• OL Ted Karras
• DT Danny Shelton
• OLB Kyle Van Noy

All five of those players played a prominent role on the 2019 Patriots, but the team impressively isn’t sorely missing their production. In fact, we would go as far as to say that the organization was smart in letting a few of them walk.

Here are three who stick out among the rest.

3. Jamie Collins

The Patriots have made out like bandits choosing not to re-sign Jamie Collins.

Yes, the Patriots’ pass rush could use some reinforcements, but that doesn’t change the fact that the front office was smart to get rid of Collins, who inked a three-year, $30 million contract with Detroit at the start of the offseason. The former Pro Bowler hasn’t quite lived up to that lucrative deal, as he’s tallied just 22 tackles, one sack (!), two quarterback hits and zero forced fumbles in four starts while playing 70% of the defensive snaps.

Following Collins’ departure, the Patriots have elected to deploy Chase Winovich at one of their two outside linebacker positions, and, in a lovely turn of events, the 2019 third-rounder has actually outperformed him while making more than $9 million less.

Through four games, Winovich has compiled 14 tackles, 2.5 sacks, six QB hits and one forced fumble. For added context, the Michigan product is banking just $681,000 this season on his rookie contract. The rest of the Patriots’ front seven might be struggling to pressure opposing quarterbacks, but it has absolutely nothing to do with Collins testing and ultimately leaving in free agency.

Simply put, Belichick deserves praise for letting him do so.