6 things we’ve learned about the Patriots so far in the legal tampering period
By Rhys Knott
Well, it’s been very uninspiring so far. Jerod Mayo said the team had money and that they would spend it. But he’s only spent around $35 million of the reported $83 million available. And, as it stands, they head into 2024 with a starting quarterback who has only started 16 games in the last four seasons.
Albert Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Welcome to the NFL’s version of insanity.
6 things we’ve learned about the Patriots so far in the legal tampering period
1. They’re bringing their buddies back
Just like Dont’a Hightower returning to New England after three years away as a member of the coaching staff, the Patriots have returned four players from the 2023 playing roster: one offensive lineman, two linebackers, and a kick returner. At least, we hope Jalen Reagor is a kick returner.
He flashed some talent in 2023, but the former first-round pick has never caught more than 33 passes in a season and has a 53.7% career catch rate. He’s only on a one-year $1.3 million deal, but there are better receivers in the draft—lots of them.
Michael Onwenu is back on a frankly obscene deal that, thankfully, has an out in two years.
And if you’re old (like me), you’ll remember Jacoby Brissett’s first go-round with the Patriots. It was eight years ago! And it only lasted two starts. But he’s back, and unless something drastic happens, he’s the day-one starter. Uninspiring, eh?
And Kendrick Bourne is back. You have to wonder if he would have re-signed if they had told him they were going to re-sign a 31-year-old backup as a starter.
2. They’re happy with the receiving corps
They had to release DeVante Parker because nobody wanted to trade for him. That’s understandable, seeing as he is 31 years old now. Last year, he only managed 394 receiving yards on 33 catches.
But they haven’t signed a replacement or any new receivers. They may be waiting to hoover up some of the plethora of rookie talent in the draft. They also haven't traded JuJu Smith-Schuster, and that was heavily rumored to be on the cards. Maybe they'll actually use him to do what he's good at in 2024: run block.