Spending spree shows Belichick still has cachet
New England remains a hot spot for free agents
In some circles, the Patriots were written off as a destination for free agents in 2021.
With the team failing to make the playoffs for the first time since 2008, and no longer having Tom Brady at quarterback, what would be the appeal for any top player to head to Foxboro?
Based on how free agency has played out, the Patriots still have plenty in terms of luring free agents. The narrative didn’t play out as some expected because the Patriots still had a couple of significant weapons at their disposal: cash, Bill Belichick and a long history of winning.
At least, that’s been the message being delivered by many of the players who have signed on the dotted line.
Belichick still has a ton of cachet with players around the league. The organization still has equity. That’s been a common theme. Two decades of unprecedented success didn’t get tossed out the window because of one bad year, and Brady walking out the door.
Listening to players who have now joined the fold, that’s one of the takeaways from the Patriots massive free agency haul, signing more than a dozen players.
Tight end Jonnu Smith, who signed a four-year, $50 million deal with $32.5 million guaranteed, said Tuesday New England “seemed like the perfect opportunity” as he tried to decide between the Patriots and other suitors.
He also mentioned what the Patriots stand for is something that swayed him in New England’s direction.
“This is an historical franchise … I’m excited to be a part of it,” he said during a Webex call. “It’s a winning mentality here when you walk in the building. I’m just glad for the opportunity. The culture around here is different. It’s not like anything I’ve been around.”
Smith said the culture in New England “represents me and a lot of things I stand for,” adding, “it matches my football DNA.”
He also explained that prior conversations he had with former Patri
ots Mike Vrabel and Logan Ryan in Tennessee gave him a framework of the foundation Robert Kraft and Belichick had set in New England.
“You could see how the organization works, and you could see the players they’ve had, and the success they’ve had,” said Smith.
The appeal of playing for Belichick was also stated as a draw for many.
“I had conversations with him from my rookie year. He’s a man of few words, but what he says is extremely important,” said Smith. “That’s why you gotta keep your mouth shut, and your ears open. I’m just extremely excited to be a part of this.”
Defensive lineman Henry Anderson also cited the Belichick factor when deciding where to play.
“Coach Belichick is one of the great defensive coaches and defensive minds in the history of the league,” Anderson said. “It’s a great chance to play for a coach like that and continue to learn and improve my game. I’m really excited.
“I’m just glad I was one of those guys that they wanted to come in.”
Everyone seemed to have a Belichick hook. Defensive back Jalen Mills provided a similar take.
“You want a coach who knows exactly what you do best, put you in positions to do that and help you win football games,” said Mills. “It was definitely a major key, being able to be coached by that guy, for sure.”
Perhaps none of the new players wanted to ruffle Belichick’s feathers early on, but many had various takes on the Hoodie and wanting to be coached by arguably the greatest ever.
Tight end Hunter Henry, meanwhile, pointed to what Belichick is trying to put together, the type of team he’s assembling to get back to prominence. Going the extra mile to sign him, while already having Smith locked up, spoke volumes.
“I trust what we’re building here with the Patriots,” Henry said, speaking on Monday. “I think that was big in my decision on why I wanted to be a Patriot — the trust of coach Belichick and what we’re building there, and I’m fired up to be a part of it.”
Of course, the money Belichick laid out also had a significant impact. That can’t be diminished. The Patriots had the ability to spend top dollar while other cap-strapped teams couldn’t go the extra mile to land desired free agents. The Patriots were operating with less competition. It’s still hard to ignore the more than $162 million in guaranteed money that was dished out.
According to Over the Cap, the Pats have spent more in free agency than any team going back to at least 2014. So that’s part of the mix as well.
As for the losing record, that was considered an outlier. Players still consider the Patriots a winning organization.
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who had a taste of the Super Bowl playing with the 49ers, said he was thrilled to hear the Patriots wanted him.
“It was just awesome to get a call from a place like that,” Bourne said.
“I know it was the best decision for me, organization-wise. They’re going to win again. That (7-9 record in 2020) was just a one-year thing, I feel like, so I knew I wanted to be a part of the new era, whatever you want to call it.”