What is interesting is the fact that so many people are missing the obvious connection.
NE is based on a value principle.
They analyze the market and determine where the investment would offer the biggest impact. Very much like an investor who like to buy companies whose value is less that what it might be under different exterior conditions.
In 2001, there was a lot of value to be had in 3-4 DE's and LB's. Only a handful of teams used the 3-4 and all the others were looking for guys with different athletic attributes.
Harrison in 2003 and Dilloin in 2004 were depressed due to injury issues.
Now, they clearly have determined that, with all the character crack-downs the new commish has laid, the market is severely depressed for guys with character questions. Seriously, if anyone suggested two years ago that Branch would garner a first round pick along with a significant pay raise while Moss would drop his wages by 70% (and to less than half of what Mr. Branch will earn this year) yet still only be worth a 4th, they would be laughed at.
Yes, being amongst the greatest coaches of all time and having 4-5 guys that could put Moss in his place made it easier for BB to pull the trigger, but why not leverage a strength to acquire another potnetial one? Particularly when the player can be released with no strings attached. NE has proven time and time again that they don't worry about sunk cost when it comes to player evaluation.
How anyone could possibly view this as anything but neutral at worst is beyond me.