Andrew Callahan: NFL DRAFT will be KEY to Patriots Offseason – Toucher & Hardy
During the Toucher & Hardy radio program, Andrew Callahan from the Boston Herald weighed in on the Patriots’ offseason moves and how they’re playing out so far. Fred Toucher kicked things off, mentioning some folks weren’t too thrilled (cough Felger & Mazz) with the Patriots’ approach this free agency period, and he wanted to know Andrew’s take on it.
Andrew shared that he’s a bit surprised things have been moving at a snail’s pace, but he figures it’s partly because of the market and described how the Patriots typically hang back in the initial free agency frenzy (besides that one time a few seasons ago), which he dubbed the “sucker’s lounge.” They tend to strike more aggressively in the following days. However, he noted that unlike past years, the Patriots haven’t been adding a bunch of new faces, which seems odd considering the coaching staff’s talk of needing to “get to work.”
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The conversation shifted to whether this approach is really like Belichick’s style. Andrew reckoned it is, pointing out how Belichick’s big on keeping familiar faces around.
Despite the lack of flashy signings, Callahan argued the Patriots have plugged some big holes, like keeping Hunter Henry and Mike Onwenu. He reassured fans clamoring for more action that there’s still time in free agency.
While it might not be the most exciting approach, the Patriots are playing the long game with a slow and steady rebuild, with the draft set to be a major player in shaping the team’s future.
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Greg Bedard: Thoughts on the Patriots free agency signings (so far)
Greg Bedard of BostonSportsJournal.com joined Felger and Mazz on Wednesday as NFL Free Agency officially kicked on for the 2024 season! While on, Bedard gave some thoughts on the free agents that the New England Patriots have brought back to the team and the new players that they brought in!
Greg’s thoughts on the free agent signings (and re-signings)…
Josh Uche
Dec 18, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (55) celebrates after getting a sack against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Greg Bedard: So, I like it for the Patriots, and apparently, according to reports, he had his reasons for coming back here. I do not believe that he turned down a big contract offer elsewhere to sign back here for one year and $3 million. I just don’t believe that.
Mike Onwenu
L-R: New England Patriots TE Hunter Henry, OL Mike Onwenu, S Kyle Dugger. All three are pending free agents for the 2024 offseason. (USA Today)
Greg Bedard: A little rich for me, but I like it. I mean, it gives them certainly a really good player at some offensive line position. You would look at his contract and thinks he’s going to play tackle, which he has been training for, but I think it’s a situation where the Patriots just they they’re going to try to upgrade the room and then they’ll sort out the best five when they get to camp.
Anfernee Jennings
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 24: Anfernee Jennings #33 of the New England Patriots celebrates a stop against the New York Jets in the first half at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Greg Bedard: I like it. Good ascending player who played really well this year. I like that move.
Kendrick Bourne
Megan Briggs/Getty ImagesMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 29: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots celebrates a receiving touchdown during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Greg Bedard: Yeah, I don’t understand that deal. I love Kendrick, I’m glad he’s here. And I liked the contract as far as it’s basically pay as you go and he’ll get what he earns coming back from the injury. But I would just like to reset the entire wide receiver room and just pepper the draft and other things to upgrade the room. You know, it’s fine. We’ll see.
Hunter Henry
Joe Sargent/Getty ImagesPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 07: Tight end Hunter Henry (85) of the New England Patriots catches a touchdown in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on December 07, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Greg Bedard: I like it. He was one of the guys that I wanted here. I would have considered franchising him if he was still on the franchise number just because they have nothing at the position. Bill left the cupboard bare and they had to get somebody. He’s good and a solid captain. I like it.
Austin Hooper
Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 22: Austin Hooper #81 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs with the ball after a reception against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 22, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Greg Bedard: I like it. I’ve always liked Hooper. He’s a good player and has been in this system before. It’s a little bit of an upgrade over Pharaoh Brown. I would have been fine with Pharaoh Brown. But Hooper’s a good player.
Sione Takitaki
Nick Cammett/Getty ImagesCLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 18: Sione Takitaki #44 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after a play against the New York Jets during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Greg Bedard: I’ve always liked him on film. He basically replaces Mack Wilson and gives them a coverage element at linebacker, a speedier coverage type, which they didn’t really have. I don’t think Mack Wilson was really good at that. His forte was more rushing the passer. I think Takitaki gives them more of a matchup coverage guy, which they have needed for a long time.
Antonio Gibson
Adam Glanzman/Getty ImagesFOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 05: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball after a catch during the first half in the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Greg Bedard: Good player. I’m not going to go crazy about it. You know, it gives them a receiving option and he can win some matchups on the outside. Good wheel route type of player. So he gives them a different element at running back. And I think that was needed.
