The New England Patriots are not required to be among the most active spenders in free agency, but the 2021 legal tweak period still represents a return to the origins of Bill Belichick – according to at least one person familiar with the team’s internal structures: ex-Patriot executive Mike Lombardy appeared on this Show Pat McAfee To talk about his former employee’s active free agency week.
The signing of eight free agents by New England in a 24-hour period was a step in the right direction, and a sign that Belichick is well aware of previous weaknesses on his roster.
“They went through a tough year last year, and I think this isn’t just throwing things in the ballistic shopping cart, as it goes under the wing. This is a strategic plan, “said Lombardy. “At the end of the year, he knew he had very few skilled players, no tight ends, receivers who couldn’t really play and be dynamic, a quarterback who couldn’t throw the ball effectively, but he could run. Good off.
“I think what he has decided to do will go back to its roots. He needed to fix his offensive and defensive lines – trades for Trent Brown, signing a couple guys on the defensive front who would help him – and then try out his team’s skill level.
Lombardi worked at the Cleveland Browns’ front office fees under Belichick, and later rejoined them in New England during the 2014 and 2016 seasons.
The first two days of the legal tampering period, the Patriots had John Smith and Hunter Henry, defensive t Dav Calls Devon Godchucks and Henry Anderson, wide receivers Nelson Agh Golor and Kendrick Bourne, as well as linebackers Matthew Juden and Cornbay Mills. They also retained their two free agents in defensive linemen Detrick Wise Jr. and Carl Davis.
