Patriots’ potential appeals to veterans
FOXBOROUGH — Getting in on the ground floor of a rebuild isn’t for everyone.
For years, free agents were lured to New England with visions of championships. But after a 4-13 finish, as well as the uncertainty at the quarterback position heading into the draft, that sales job is tougher.
For the veterans who either signed — or re-signed — with the Patriots this offseason, the opportunity to be a part of the next chapter in New England is one they’ve embraced.
“I love this locker room. I love this area. I love this fan base. I love this organization,” explained tight end Hunter Henry on Tuesday. “Things are different for sure, they already are in the building. There are some things we can carry over, and some things we need to change. Obviously, there was a lot of success here, and we want to be a part of the next success.”
“I’m just happy to be here, man,” new linebacker Sione Takitaki told reporters Thursday. “I know it’s new times here. I’m new, but just from the last couple of days, I’m excited. You guys should be pumped. I am.”
Also Thursday, defensive lineman Armon Watts, who signed a one-year deal last month, was asked about the idea of being part of a turnaround in New England. The 27-year-old defensive tackle welcomed the chance in part because of what he sees as the positive direction of the Patriots’ defense.
“It’s a good organization; [last year’s] record really wasn’t a deal breaker for me, because I know this is a great defense,” he said. “I know they have great coaches. I knew Coach [Jerod] Mayo was going to bring something different to the organization.”
A sixth-round pick of the Vikings in 2019, Watts went from part of a rotation up front to becoming a defensive cornerstone, playing in all 17 games (with nine starts) in 2021 and finishing with a career-high five sacks. After stops in Chicago and Pittsburgh the last two years, he hit the market again.
The Arkansas product said he had other suitors in free agency — including an opportunity to return to the Steelers — but that it felt like the Patriots wanted him more.
“One thing about this team is that they’ve been to the highest of highs in Super Bowls,” he said. “Last year, like you said, they struggled a little bit. They know the formula that it takes to win. When you got guys here who have stayed the course, and then, you bring other guys up with them, it’s always good.
“One thing about this defense that stands out is that guys play hard. They’re tough, and very productive in what they do,” he added. “I’m excited to come in and help.”
Watts, who checks in at 6foot-5 and 307 pounds, has shown an ability to play multiple spots in a 3-4 or 4-3 front against both the run and the pass. On Thursday, he mentioned his ability to work in concert with premier pass rushers Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen as one of the things that led to some of his previous success getting after the quarterback.
If Watts is able to stay healthy, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him take many of the reps that went to Lawrence Guy — who was released earlier in the offseason — the last couple of years.
“Just being able to plug me in — wherever down the line. I’ve had some success rushing the passer,” said Watts. “I think some coaches here are going to help me take that to the next level, given this opportunity. Last year was better for me run-wise, also. I think I’m at that point in my career where everything’s coming together, and will reap the benefits of it.”