Ranking the New England Patriots Key Free Agent Signings

The New England Patriots have made a lot of moves already so far. Coming into this offseason with breakout quarterback Drake Maye looking to lead the team into the future, this offseason is an important one.

With the most cap space in the league by a country mile, the pressure was extraordinary for the New England brass. So how have they done so far?

As of now, the Patriots have signed Milton Williams, Carlton Davis, Robert Spillane, Harold Landry, Khyiris Tonga, Morgan Moses, Austin Hooper, Josh Dobbs, and Mack Hollins. Of those names, only one is a returning player.

Of the new signings, five were for over $20 million in total salary. Those are the five significant ones that will be ranked in this article.

To rank the free agents, both talent and value will be taken into consideration.

More news: Patriots Free Agency Grades Highlight Massive Overpay

5. Morgan Moses, OL: 3 yrs, $24 million

Moses should serve as a solid veteran right tackle for Drake Maye, but at 34 years old, three years seems like a lot.

With how bad the offensive line was this past season, overpaying is understandable, but if there aren’t any early outs in this contract, or the ability to front-load it, this contract could turn into a rough one quickly.

The Patriots hope his play can at least remain serviceable throughout his contract.

4. Milton Williams, DL: 4 yrs, $104 million

To be clear, Williams is the best player the Patriots signed this offseason, but 4 years and $104 million is a lot more money per year than many anticipated.

Williams is only 25 and clearly talented, but he lacks significant experience and production to prove he is worth the contract. The flashes he showed this past season and in the playoffs do however show he is capable of playing up to the level of this contract.

Time will tell if this short-term overpay turns into a long-term value.

3. Robert Spillane, LB: 3 yrs, $37.5 million

Spillane is a solid middle linebacker who should help with the Patriots horrid run defense. He is another player who lacks significant experience and past production, but in limited play time showed he was capable of playing at this contract’s level.

Linebacker was an underrated need this offseason for the Patriots, and understandably, former linebacker Mike Vrabel was aggressive in addressing it.

The Patriots may have overpaid slightly, but not to an extreme level that would make this deal potentially rough in the near future.

2. Harold Landry, LB: 3 yrs, 43.5 million

Contrary to the previous two players, Landry has a lot of past experience and production to show he is worth this contract. Also being a standout during his time playing under Vrabel with the Titans helps.

Landry is a solid edge rusher and run defender whose versatility and experience should help the defense tremendously. At just 28 years old, he should have plenty left in the tank.

The only real concern with Landry is his injury history.

1. Carlton Davis, CB: 3 yrs, $60 million

The second most expensive player sits at the top of this list because there is something intriguing about pairing Davis with star young corner Christian Gonzalez.

Davis is young himself at 28 years old and even has Super Bowl experience back with the Tom Brady Buccaneers.

Davis is an aggressive man corner that is capable of shutting down receivers one-on-one. With tough man-to-man defense on both sides of the field, this signing alone should make the defense much better next season. Add on all the other defensive signings, and this defense should be much improved next season.

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