The New England Patriots’ top-ranked defense took a major step back in 2020, in large part due to the offseason departures on the defensive edge. Versatile linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins left via free agency, while equally flexible Dont’a Hightower decided to opt out because of concerns about the Coronavirus pandemic.
With the three veterans gone, New England was unable to generate consistent pressure in the passing game and to set a stout edge versus the outside run. In order to address these issues and lift some pressure off of young players such as Chase Winovich, Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings, the Patriots invested considerable resources in free agency: they re-signed Kyle Van Noy and also added former Baltimore Ravens defender Matthew Judon.