'Burn Some Cash'? New England Patriots' Best/Worst Moves in Blah Free Agency

'Burn Some Cash'? New England Patriots' Best/Worst Moves in Blah Free Agency

Once upon a time we were all on the edge of free-agency seats, waiting for the New England Patriots to follow through on head coach Jerod Mayo's promise to "burn some cash."

Then Mayo admitted he "misspoke" and ... crickets. Well, mostly.

The Patriots picked up an Austin Hooper here, an Antonio Gibson there and even a K.J. Osborn for good measure. Solid, if not spectacular signings.

Not nearly enough, however, to impress longtime Boston superfan Bill Simmons.

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“I’m trying to figure out what the Patriots are doing,” Simmons said. “Right now, they have the most money to spend of any team in the league, but free agency’s basically over. They don’t have a future QB. They don’t have a left tackle. They don’t have an impact receiver. ... They’re a D+ offense. And I guess my question is, is this just going to be the Patriots until Bob Kraft dies? Just super cheap."

With the No. 3 overall pick in next month's NFL Draft, the Pats obviously are not done with their team (re)building. In the meantime, Pro Football Focus is already judging/grading free agency by picking each team's best and worst move.

True to their bland offseason, PFF selected two players who weren't acquired by the Pats but merely re-signed to stay in Foxboro.

BEST MOVE: Edge-Rusher Josh Uche

Fit: B+

Value: A+

"There are reports every year about a player turning down a strong offer to sign elsewhere, but not every year do we actually get the contract details," writes PFF. "Uche had an offer on the table for two years and $15 million with $11 million guaranteed, which would certainly align with our thoughts on the quick, bendy designated pass rusher. This is a great value for New England."

WORST MOVE: Tight end Hunter Henry

Fit: A

Value: C+

"The Patriots have a ton of cash to burn and need a better situation around their next franchise quarterback, and Henry has been characterized as a leader on this offense," PFF reasons. "That said, this is a strong deal for a tight end who will turn 30 years old in 2024."