Forgive the hyperbole. It's been a while since we won the offseason.
The transactions of the past 3 days, in my eyes, signal the most brilliant and fortuitous set of moves since 2001. Not only are we a Hightower re-signing and a few depth signings away from building a 2007-style superteam, but these moves set the stage for a smooth transition into the next era of this franchise. Consider the implications.
Allen is 80% the player that Bennett is at 67% the cost, and is much younger. He is locked up long term ensuring a smooth transition if/when Gronk's time comes. The trade cost equates to a high 6th round pick.
Gilmore is a superior athlete to Butler, and if not a superior player, he is at least on the same tier. Keep Butler around and we're looking at a secondary that rivals the Seattle and Denver groups of recent vintage. Trade Butler, and we're likely looking at a high 1st round pick.
Ealy is a cheap young player with a high ceiling. He will likely contribute more than any rookie in 2017. He could potentially replace Sheard's production at one tenth the cap cost. The trade cost equates to a mid 5th round pick.
Cooks is immediately the most talented Patriots WR since Moss and is playing on a rookie contract with an affordable option for 2018. Timing is key here, as, by 2018, we are likely looking at the end of the run for Edelman and Gronk.
We are still sitting on around $25 million in cap room, with Amendola's cap hit still on the roster and Brady's extension forthcoming. A Hightower re-sign is quite possible, as long as a few other depth moves. We are still sitting on two blue chip assets in Butler and Garoppolo. Each is worth at least a high 1st round pick and maybe more, while Garoppolo just may be Brady's successor.
Essentially, the Patriots have build a superteam for 2017 while laying out the foundational pieces for the next era.
