McCourty is not over-paid. That notion is ridiculous. He is a top five safety and we couldn't afford to lose him if Revis and Browner walked. You're whining about the Patriots potentially low-balling people, but complaining about one of the top players in his position getting a pay day to prevent him going elsewhere...when it is also said we upped our offer at the last minute to keep him from going. You're completely contradicting yourself.
In regards to Browner I agree, not really a guy I felt HAD to be back...especially at what his agent got him elsewhere. Revis was tough to swallow but the Patriots offer was not far off the Jets. The only real difference was guaranteed money but that's not a minor detail when you have so many Free Agents and you're building for sustained, long term success. Guaranteed money is a HUGE deal...to both sides of the table...and is usually the deal breaker. I would be livid if we screwed our cap space for a frigging cornerback...great D Lines can make the worst secondaries look elite, so I would sooner spend the money there.
Cassilas...you'll find a UDFA to replace him. Seriously? Your angry about that?
Ayers...no point paying him the money he got when Sheard, if healthy, takes ALL his snaps. Sheard is a far better all-round player and can play standing up and with his hand in the dirt.
QB - no concern
WR/TE - no concern...drastically improved you could argue with Chandler
OL - there's a slight need there. Connolly would be a blow, but not irreplaceable if he walks. Interior line should b bolstered through the draft or the open market via trade id necessary.
RB - slightly up in the air. Vereen was far to expensive...especially when we have showed third down backs are in good supply and this Cadet kid looks pretty decent. I think he will fill in. Ridley I feel would be a blow...if we bring him back RB really isn't too much of a concern for me even after the ligament damage. Him, Blount, Gray, Cadet, Bolden? That's absolutely fine.
LB - no issues. Mayo will be back healthy with Hightower and Collins. Sheard at OLB/DL makes that one scary corps.
DL - obvious need for more interior pressure. We need to tackle DL at both inside and outside in the draft.
DB - the gaping whole. Now every team has one huge concern in an off season and this is it. It's March...season doesn't start until September mate...calm down
It seems it doesn't matter what season it is and what the outcome is. Every year all I hear it, 'the Pats aren't getting any better whilst all the other teams are catching up'. I have news for you; THERE'S A REASON THEY ARE CATCHING UP...and there's a reason they've been trying to play catch up for nearly 15 years and failing miserably by ignoring the example we have been setting for that whole time.
I personally find it so much fun watching guys reach and over-spend in our division whilst we continue to own it. Of course that will end at some point...sooner rather than later...but that's just how the cycle works.
Is this team that much worse off? Not really.