The Patriots haven’t been the big spenders that fans were expecting when first-year head coach Jerod Mayo said that the team was ready to “burn some cash” in free agency this offseason.
Similar to the Cowboys, New England has focused on reaching deals with its own guys rather than going out and making splashing signings. The Pats re-upped with players like Kendrick Bourne, Hunter Henry and Michael Onwenu but have yet to make a huge move with their massive amount of cap space.
With that said former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum thinks people are overreacting to the franchise’s seeming lack of activity. Telling Boston Sports Journal:
I think they kept some good players. [Mike] Onwenu’s a very good offensive lineman with position flexibility. We’ve seen him play guard and tackle and do it well. They transitioned Dugger, and I’m sure a long-term deal will flow from there. And [Josh] Uche is still a good young pass rusher, so those look – to me – like smart and productive moves. … They can always add like they did with Austin Hooper. I know he’s not a headline-worthy player, but those sorts of moves exist. I do think we tend to overreact to things. We’re just a week into free agency.
Tannenbaum added that this year’s wide receiver draft is “loaded” and that the Patriots can still make impactful additions before fall.