The New England Patriots are not necessarily famous for being among the most active free agency spenders, but the 2021 legal adulteration period still represented a return to Bill Belichick’s roots – at least according to one person quite familiar with the inner workings of the team: former Patriots executive Mike Lombardi appeared on the Pat McAfee Show to talk about your ex-employee’s free agency’s active week so far.
New England hired eight free agents in a 24-hour period was a step in the right direction and a sign that Belichick is well aware of his squad’s previous weaknesses.
“They went through a rough year last year, and I think it’s not just about Belichick throwing things in the shopping cart while walking down the hall. This is a strategic plan, ”said Lombardi. “At the end of the year, he knew he had a team with very unskilled players, without tight ends, receivers who really couldn’t make moves and be dynamic, a defender who couldn’t throw the ball effectively, but managed to execute the ball well .
“I think what he decided to do was go back to his roots. He needed to fix his offensive and defensive lines – negotiations with Trent Brown, hire some guys on the defensive front who will help them – and then try to improve his team’s skill level. “
Lombardi worked in the Cleveland Browns’ front office under Belichick, and later returned to New England between the 2014 and 2016 seasons.
In the first two days of the legal adulteration period, the Patriots signed tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, defensive tackles Davon Godchaux and Henry Anderson, wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, as well as linebacker Matthew Judon and cornerback Jalen Mills. They also kept two of their own free agents on the defensive line Deatrich Wise Jr. and Carl Davis.