The Patriots saw what the correct moves in free agency can do for a team.
In 2021, the team spent more money than any team in NFL history with a large group of veteran free agents. Some of the deals paid off with solid additions such as Matthew Judon, Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne, Davon Godchaux, and Jalen Mills. Other contracts – Jonnu Smith and Nelson Agholor – didn’t pay off.
However, the Patriots went from a 7-9 squad to a 10-7 playoff team. Of course, the Patriots also saw that building through free agency isn’t sustainable.