A lot has changed for the Patriots over the last five years, and unfortunately, most of it has not been for the better. Tom Brady leaving the team had a tremendous impact on and off the field, with the most noticeable effect being the team's production, or lack thereof.
But it also affected players' desire to sign with the team in free agency, as many throughout the dynasty wanted to play with the legendary quarterback or be on a team with a high chance of winning a Super Bowl. Now that he was gone, there wasn't much reason for anyone to come to Foxborough, until maybe now.