For the better part of two decades, the New England Patriots thrived on stability, discipline, and next-man-up pragmatism. However, since the post-Tom Brady descent began, that aura of invincibility gave way to inconsistency and irrelevance. After a dismal 2024 campaign that saw glimpses of promise from rookie quarterback Drake Maye and cornerback Christian Gonzalez—yet little else—the Patriots had to face reality. They were just severely lacking in talent. Entering the 2025 offseason, something had to change, and fast.
To their credit, the Patriots didn’t nibble around the edges. Instead, they dove into a full-fledged roster overhaul.