Here are words that have not been uttered in a generation.
The New England Patriots are a mess.
Not only has Tom Brady left the building, but the rest of the offense also sputtered to a standstill last year.
It did not help that former Super Bowl MVP and WR Julian Edelman missed most of 2020 because of injuries, and the Patriots had the highest number of players (8 in total) who opted out last season because of COVID-19.
The Patriots immediately become a better team if those players are back in 2021.
Free agency hasn’t started, but the #Patriots are already getting some reinforcements. Their key opt-outs from 2020 — including LB Dont'a Hightower, S Patrick Chung, and OT Marcus Cannon — are planning to be back for 2021, sources say. Physically, all are in a good place.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2021
In addition, here are three moves that can fix the New England Patriots.
1. Go After That Young Unhappy Houston Texans Quarterback
I will say it.
The Patriots and Bill Belichick looked lost without Tom Brady in 2020.
Cam Newton was a good experiment, but if a mobile quarterback is what Belichick is after, Deshaun Watson is his man.
The Patriots do not live and die by first-round draft picks anyway so give up the picks and get Watson ASAP.
NFL rumors: Former GM says the New England Patriots are the favorite to land Deshaun Watson https://t.co/gX5FnMJOQw pic.twitter.com/ergY4vAZAD
— NJ.com Sports (@NJ_Sports) February 11, 2021
2. Find (And Fund) A Stud WR To Lead The Running Game
In Tom Brady’s era in New England, there was a committee of running backs who shuffled in and out with modest success.
The Patriots have not invested in a sturdy franchise-type running back.
It is obvious that Tom Brady was able to work with the talent he was provided either through sheer will or his own abilities.
The Patriots should not assume their next quarterback (even if it is Deshaun Watson) can do that.
Build a team with key players and let it flourish.
This is not meant to suggest that the New England running backs have been terrible, but rather an upgrade would help the entire offense.
Especially if the upgraded running back could catch short passes and be a dual threat on the field.
Injuries and issues created even more of a running back turnstile in 2020.
Patriots running backs 'just trying to stay afloat' during challenging season https://t.co/BnuBOVF2PD pic.twitter.com/RRYWZ0MUE0
— ESPNBoston (@ESPNBoston) December 15, 2020
Who that running back is or how he is acquired remains to be seen.
A lot of those decisions depend on who the starting quarterback is.
Watson is mobile so perhaps a draft pick or young free agent acquired on the cheap who could grow with Watson as signal caller would work.
3. Acquire Receivers or Tight Ends
The Patriots drafted multiple tight ends last season to attempt to fill Rob Gronkowski‘s shoes.
It did not work.
What would help is to have Julian Edelman back in 2021, but he can’t do it all by himself.
There are free agent receivers out there who would be available.
If an older veteran with a one year deal is what they are after, consider DeSean Jackson.
Younger receivers and bigger names could be available also (especially if Watson is the quarterback).
Potentially there is Chris Godwin fresh from the Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Rashard Higgins from the Cleveland Browns.
In terms of the draft, the Patriots are putting out feelers.
They are among many interested in Purdue WR Rondale Moore.
The Patriots recently held a virtual meeting with one of the top wide receivers in the 2021 NFL Draft. https://t.co/ODHGcIiei8
— NESN (@NESN) February 26, 2021
#Purdue WR Rondale Moore has recently met virtually with the *deep breath*.. #Seahawks, #49ers, #Saints, #Broncos, #Colts, #Patriots, #Jaguars, #Jets, #WashingtonFootballTeam & #Chargers.#Titans and #Packers are among the teams coming up in March for him. #NFLDraft
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) February 25, 2021
How Is The Money Situation In New England?
There are teams in much worse shape.
The Patriots have $19.6 million to carry over for 2021.
A look at the salary cap carryover for 2021: pic.twitter.com/Q5JELBem2u
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) February 19, 2021
Part of the reason they have money to carry over is because there is not a lot of star power and playmakers on this team which is just two years removed from a Super Bowl Championship.
It is doubtful that either owner Robert Kraft or Belichick have the patience or interest in going through a rebuilding process.
The best way to avoid a years long rebuilding is to go out and contract the best possible players with the money available.
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