I think we need to beef up the coaching staff and the player personnel staff, have a killer draft, and then pick up a key free agent or two a la Rodney or Corey. Then we'll talk.
Meanwhile, I can't believe I am about to say this, but the Jets might be the division winner next year and be tough to beat for the next few years. Look what they're doing in the playoffs with a rookie QB. Sanchez will certainly improve (he already has) and they have a great D and very good running game. Either they or the Colts will be in the Super Bowl - nightmare scenario. Go Saints - they're the only team left standing that I would not hate to see win it.
Even though the Jets will be handicapped in free agency and do not
have very many draft picks, they will improve their team at the wide
receiver position.
If the Patriots do not re-sign most of their key free agents, sign
the free agent or two you mention above, and use all their draft
picks wisely, they will fall way behind the Jets.
I don't think the Patriots will do much about the coaching staff.
To them cheaper and smaller are better. I can see them operating
with nobody with the title of defensive coordinator. This way
Patricia or Pepper Johnson could call the plays but not get
coordinator's salary.
Same with the front office. I wonder if they are the only team
in the NFL that use the person in charge of setting up the
draft board to help out the offensive coaching staff.