When it comes to free agency, a team — especially one like the New England Patriots that went into it with many holes on its roster — has to be picky. Oftentimes, overspending on talented guys may not be the best idea, whether it's because they don't fit your system, are coming off a major injury, or even both.
Eliot Wolf and Mike Vrabel have hit the ground running this offseason in trying to improve the roster, and the defense already looks better on paper, while Drake Maye finally has his top wide receiver in Stefon Diggs.
Fans and media alike will often grumble when a team doesn't go after certain players, even though the coaches and front office may know that they're not the best fit for the organization. And there were a few players the Patriots were right to say "no thank you" to.
Wide receivers the Patriots were wise to pass on in free agency
Chris Godwin
The Patriots backed up the Brinks truck for Godwin before he ultimately decided to stay in Tampa Bay, inking a three-year, $66-million deal with the Buccaneers. When that happened, the sky appeared to start falling in New England before the Patriots ultimately signed Diggs.
New England was wise not to overpay for Godwin. As talented as he is, Godwin is coming off a dislocated ankle, and it remains unknown if he'll be on the field for Week 1. Yes, Diggs tore his ACL last season but has progressed well in his rehab and appears more likely to start the season on the field than Godwin.
Diggs also turned out to be less expensive than Godwin, who received $44 million in guaranteed money to stay in Tampa Bay. Godwin would've also had to be "the guy" in New England, something he has never been in Tampa behind Mike Evans.
Davante Adams
Another top-tier pass-catcher that Patriots' fans were clamoring for, New England should all be breathing a sigh of relief that Adams chose to head to the West Coast and sign with the Rams.
Adams, like Aaron Rodgers, comes with headaches and drama, two things the Patriots did not need in their locker room, in particular with a young quarterback. The Rams are paying Adams $46 million over two years, $26 million of which is guaranteed. Adams doesn't possess the route-running skills that Diggs does, so New England dodged another bullet here.
Cooper Kupp
The Seahawks gave the oft-injured Kupp $45 million over three years, which is quite a bit for a banged-up slot receiver on the north side of 30 years old.
The Patriots potentially have a younger, faster version of Kupp on their roster in DeMario Douglas, who could have a breakout in 2025 with Diggs occupying the outside. There was plenty of disappointment throughout New England when Kupp decided to stay out West and sign with Seattle, but when you look at the big picture, Kupp would've brought the complete opposite to the offense than Diggs.