I know that this isn't news to most of the sophisticated fans on this board, but if you study the way the Patriots operate, I think these moves make perfect sense for them. Their normal operation is to build primarily through the draft, and get economical production from players in their rookie contracts that normally last 4-5 years. When the contract expires, the Patriots either try to re-sign them at a reasonable or slightly below market value rate, or they let them go and try to replace them from the draft. The problem comes with positions that normally take 3-5 years to learn. With the Patriot system, one could argue those positions are quarterback, wide receiver, and linebacker. They are of course set at quarterback, but last year they ended up with problems at the other two positions. Although linebacker is one of the fastest positions to learn in most systems, it is exceeding complex in the Patriot system, and almost nobody starts in their first or second years. Thus, of their current linebackers, three were traded for or signed as free agents (Colvin, Vrabel, and how Thomas). The exception that proves the rule was Bruschi, who was slowly developed in house. A similar situation is true to a lesser extent for the wide receiver position. With the exception of intelligent, fast learners such as Deon Branch (who the Patriots really did not expect to shoot his way out of town), most Patriot receivers take 2-3 years to be able to learn the position. Hence, it seems to me that this year they have decided to restock the hard-to-learn positions of receiver and linebacker via high priced acquisions in free agency (Thomas, Stallworth) and trades (Welker, although his contract was reasonable). I suspect they will primarily continue to stock other positions via the draft or low-cost, lower tier free agents.
Agree, disagree? Any feedback for a first time poster?
Just saying that now we are going to be hearing that the Patriots have the best coaches, AND players, and are going to be expected to win it all. 
