New England Patriots Free Agency Grades Highlight Massive Overpay

The New England Patriots have had a busy offseason so far. Although the official free agency period hasn’t started yet, they already have seven moves under their belt. However, initial reactions are mixed, indicating the team may have chosen quantity over quality.

In a Sports Illustrated article by Matt Verderame, each major free agency move is graded. The Patriots, a team that has made many major moves already, are heavily featured in the article.

Of the moves, one earned an A-, two earned a B+, one earned a B, two earned a C+ and one shockingly earned an F.

According to the article, the best of their moves is for Mack Hollins, a veteran wide receiver from Buffalo.

While not a flashy move, the 31-year-old receiver, on a two-year deal worth up to $8.4 million, seems like a nice bargain acquisition, given the team’s need at wide receiver and for veteran help.

The F-graded move was for Milton Williams, the largest signing the Patriots have made this offseason so far.

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His lack of significant production beyond this past season and in the playoffs is the main reason for the low grade after a whopping four-year, $104 million deal.

However, at 25 years old and one of the top overall free agents on the market, the Patriots had to pay big bucks to get what seemed to be their top target based on reports.

The Patriots are paying for potential more than immediate production, so the F grade feels harsh. However, not giving an A or even a B is understandable. A C grade at least feels right.

The rest of the moves were viewed more as middle of the road, which makes sense given the players involved were middle of the road in price.

Harold Landry earned a B+ for his three-year, $43.5 million deal. Fellow linebacker and former Vrabel player Robert Spillane earned a B+ as well for his three-year, $37 million deal. Cornerback Carlton Davis earned a B for his three-year, $60 million deal. Offensive tackle Morgan Moses earned a C+ for his three-year, $24 million deal.

Trading away Davon Godchaux earned the Patriots a C+ grade, compared to the Saints who earned a B for only giving away a future seventh-round pick.

All of those deals, as the grades indicate, seem like solid signings and vary in value depending on age and positional value.

Overall, given the Patriots’ needs and lack of attraction to free agents, it isn’t surprising their free agency grades aren’t spectacular. B’s and C’s across the board seem fair, but any A’s and anything below a C seem extreme.

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