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3 biggest Patriots whiffs of free agency thus far

By Jerry Trotta

Nov 28, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson (27) reacts after intercepting a pass in the Tennessee Titans end zone in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson (27) reacts after intercepting a pass in the Tennessee Titans end zone in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 12: Allen Robinson #12 of the Chicago Bears runs for yards during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 12: Allen Robinson #12 of the Chicago Bears runs for yards during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

1. Not signing Allen Robinson

If you want to give Belichick a pass for not trading for Davante Adams and not matching the Jaguars offer for Christian Kirk, that’s fine. But not signing Allen Robinson at the price he went for feels like a gross miscalculation by the front office.

After seemingly waiting for the wide receiver market to simmer down after Kirk agreed to sign a four-year, $72 million deal ($37 million guaranteed) with the Jags, Robinson signed for a modest $45 million ($30 million guaranteed) over three years with the defending-champion Rams.

In comparison to other wide receivers that have recently signed extensions or new contracts, Robinson’s $15.5 million salary pales in comparison to Davante Adams’ $28 million, DJ Moore’s (!) $20.628 million, Mike Williams’ $20 million and Kirk’s $18 million.

It’s fair to say Robinson turned down more money to play for the Rams in Los Angeles after they just won the Super Bowl? Probably, but we’re tired of hearing excuses. When was the last time the Patriots had a true No. 1 WR?

Julian Edelman is a Patriots legend in every sense of the word, but he’s not your prototypical number one option.

Coming off a down 2021 in which he posted 38 catches for 410 yards and one touchdown across 12 games, it wasn’t all that shocking to see Robinson sign for significantly less than market value and what his talent would suggest.

What do you know? Another missed opportunity for the Patriots’ to resolve their receiver conundrum. Is anyone surprised?

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