Here's an exercise to pass some time. Look at the Patriots "signings" today. Then, ask yourself how you'd evaluate them if they'd been made by some other team, rather than the Patriots.
Fair question - (everything I say is subject to
@Miguel's breakdown of the contracts)
1. Judon - quality versatile player for a market price. Not a top one on one player, but within a scheme and moved around the defense he will shine. Comparisons to AThomas are fair. If he produces like Thomas did in his first 25 games it will end up being a great deal. If its like the last season, not so much. I'm guessing the contract will be structured so the Pats can get out of the deal comfortably after the 2nd year. My Grade: A-
2. Smith - Quality player at a premium price - This was my 1B TE hope - I only hope that he can block as well as some have said and is used at least half the time as an inline TE - Only 26 - this is a true 4 year deal and he'll be under contract for his prime years. My Grade - A
3. Agular - Can't get the Philly image out of my head. 19ypc receiver is what this team REALLY needs. I'm just wondering which guy we will get. Eagles or Raiders. I'm hoping we have a 2nd year out when the contract is figured out. Would have MUCH rather paid Samuels. My Grade - C
4. Godchaex - Needed meat in the middle. The guy is a sold NT and fills a need as situational player, slightly pricy, but also young. - My grade - B
5. Anderson - Needed a guy who could play a 3-4 DE (hard to find these days) Solid 4-3 DE and improves the run D. Showed some rush push in with the Jets. Worried his signing will mean we aren't reupping Guy. My grade B
6. Bourne - Seems like a duplicate of Jacobi was my initial reaction (big solid dependable WR who can play inside and out - not a speed guy) All will depend on the contract. Nailed the all important 3 cone.
An upgrade that doesn't excite, but is the kind of player you need You just wonder if you needed him on the first day. My grade: B-
7, Wise: I would have rather had signed Guy, but I really like the fact he improved every year. Looks like got a reasonable deal, so I'm OKay with this. My Grade B
8. Forgot Mills - I really like this signing. A Harmon replacement is not a bad comparison. Wildly versatile. Played all 7 second level positions last season. ANOTHER guy you can move around. DIdn't think they'd be in the market for a DB, but I can see this one. He was great for Philly in the 17 superbowl A-
The sleeper at WR this season is going to be Lee. I forgot about him, but if he comes back at what he was prior to the opt out he could be very effective.
I knew Bill would spend his cap space, I just didn't figure he'd to it on day one. I will be interested in seeing how much we have left when Miguel breaks down the 2021 cap figure for each player. More to do IMHO - sign Andrews and Guy