The signing of Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry had the world of Patriots fans spinning (not all, granted but I’m thinking a lot.) Whilst this is obviously not a step backwards, the tight endage for 2019 and 2020 had been classed as kinda sketchy, the taking of two seriously productive, almost ‘star’ tight ends ventures back to those days of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Now, no one (well I hope no one) is saying that the recent tight end signings of the New England Patriots are the same as the two aforementioned tight ends but Smith and Henry do give the option of a heavily talented two tight end match up. Back to how they once were… maybe?
Now the signings at wide receiver have some people mildly puzzled, whilst dropping a reasonable amount of cap space on Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor, Coach left some serious names out there like Kenny Golladay and JuJu Smith-Schuster, just to throw around a few names. But, but… is this the way of the Patriots? The last time they picked up a Mr Super Star Wide Receiver may be back in 2007 when they traded for Randy Moss (so not a technical free agency signing) and we possibly have to head all the way back to 2002 in the drafting of Deion Branch to really feel any wide receiver appreciation trembling!
So, conclusion on the current receiver signings, same as usual I guess, dancing on the spot. Besides, they signed two serious tight ends… it’s all groovy baby!
A few familiar names will remain in the locker room Deatrich Wise, Carl Davis, Cody Davis… defensive spots kept there.
More familiar names are being brought back into the fold, Trent Brown, Ted Karras and Kyle Van Noy, a few former Patriots returning to Foxborough.
So how many steps back are the Patriots taking to move forward?
To me, it appears that it’s quite a few. The bringing back of such names as Brown and Van Noy feel significant steps backward. Now don’t misunderstand my intentions here, I don’t mean in a decrease of talent, as such. There is a risk that it’s some compromise in talent. These guys aren’t getting any younger (I know, I know, none of us are – but there’s definitely a difference in the world of elite sports) but they still may have plenty of time to shine in them, a bit of cha cha cha perhaps.
One back shuffle that I’m thrilled with is the re-signing of Nick Folk, as I mentioned in my recent column for fullpresscoverage(.com) kickers may be a little underappreciated and games can be won and lost on one guys leg, I’m so glad to have this guys leg back for one more year!
So whilst plugging forward the Patriots go back to several key pieces on the roster.
But you know what? It’s 2021 and the season hasn’t even really begun folks!! The Patriots dance card may be comprised of some familiar faces but it’s also full of promise and hot new pieces of stuff! LFG!!