New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots added firepower this offseason, but questions linger about how much of the future was sacrificed to build for the present.
Veteran additions like offensive tackle Morgan Moses, cornerback Carlton Davis, linebacker Harold Landry and wide receiver Stefon Diggs bring instant credibility to a roster that needed leadership and production.
But none of them are long-term fixtures, and it is unclear whether any will be in the mix two years from now.
These players “may not be counted upon for more than a year or two,” which raises valid concerns about the team’s long-range outlook, as Josh Edwards of CBS Sports writes.
Still, it is hard to argue with the immediate impact. Edwards ranks the Patriots as having the second-best offseason of any team in the NFL, citing their bold approach and improved talent base.
Rookie Drake Maye steps into a far more stable situation than many young quarterbacks enjoy. Between Diggs, an improved offensive line and a newly drafted trio of Will Campbell, TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams, Maye has talent around him that should make his continued transition to the pros a little smoother.
New head coach Mike Vrabel clearly prioritized a tougher identity on both sides of the ball, and his influence is already evident.
The defense got a major upgrade with the signing of defensive tackle Milton Williams, who arrives fresh off a Super Bowl win and now figures to anchor the interior line.
None of the moves guarantee success, but they signal an urgent shift in New England’s approach.
Whether that gamble accelerates the rebuild or forces another reset will depend on how quickly Maye develops, and how much is left in the tank for the veterans meant to support him.
