Let's be clear: the article is not about tanking. Tanking isn’t the same thing as rebuilding.
No one is saying the Patriots should try to throw games or get a bad record for a high draft pick; they’re saying they should focus on obtaining more picks, getting rid of high priced veterans, etc. Hold on to your younger, promising players for the future.
Frankly I'm shocked that so few people are on board with this idea. The Patriots roster is incredibly poorly stocked right now. They aren't going anywhere; there isn't a great nucleus of young talent to build around. If you think there is, you need to compare their best young players to other teams, and particularly other non-playoff teams. All teams have some good players from drafts, but the Patriots don't have some outstanding group of blue chippers that are a QB and a few free agents away from taking them to the next level.
If you're thinking that guys like Devin McCourty or Stephon Gilmore aren't going to be a part of the future then trade them for the best offer. Don't hold out for a first round pick; just take the best offer. Because there's very little value to holding onto him for one more year with a team that may be bound for 6-10 but is definitely not bound for 12-4.
If you're going free agency, focus on guys that are just ending their rookie deals and turning 26, not guys that are turning 29.
It takes a really high level of delusion to believe the team if a free agency frenzy away from being right back in the thick of things. That will just lead to another big setback, just like other teams that try it. Use the money get 3-4 year deals on the 26 year olds and go after the ones with the lower floor and higher ceiling. No need to go looking for your 32-year old tight end who will get you 600 yards next year.