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Grading every New England Patriots signing in 2017 NFL free agency
The New England Patriots did not waste any time improving their roster this offseason. The defending Super Bowl champions knew that they could not stay complacent and expect to compete next year. Tom Brady is not getting any younger and now is the time for the Patriots to put as much talent around him as possible. They did so in 2017 NFL free agency.
This offseason, the Patriots have made many aggressive moves that will undoubtedly help them in the short term. It is fair to question whether they are best for the long-term health of the organization, but the Patriots are undoubtedly loaded for another Super Bowl run.
They have been both aggressive and creative in their pursuits this offseason, showing up many times as major players in both free agency and on the trade market. They gave up a lot in trades for Brandin Cooks, Kony Ealy and Dwayne Allen. However, each player has a great chance to come in and make the team much better.
It wasn't cheap, but the New England Patriots undoubtedly improved their roster this offseason, using both free agency and the trade market. Today, we are going to focus on the moves that the team made in free agency.
Here are complete letter grades for each free agent signing by the New England Patriots.
Aug 20, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) catches a pass before the game against the New York Giants at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Stephon Gilmore, CB: Five Years, $65 Million ($40 Million Guaranteed)
Grade: B-
The Patriots made a huge splash on day one of NFL free agency, signing cornerback Stephon Gilmore to a massive contract. Gilmore is a premier cornerback who can shut down the opposing team's best receiver on the outside. He is not quite on the level of someone like Patrick Peterson or how Darrelle Revis used to be, but Gilmore is not far behind.
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Listed at 6-1, 190 pounds Gilmore has ideal size for the position. He is also an aggressive cornerback who shows high-level athleticism. Even in today's NFL with freak receivers being the norm, Gilmore can matchup against anyone. He is a true No. 1 on the outside who will immediately make the Patriots defense better.
That being said, the Patriots spent huge here. Gilmore is a gifted player who is worth big money, but it is fair to wonder if he is really worth this much. The $65 million over five years is the second-biggest contract given out this offseason. Even worse, the $40 million guaranteed is far and away the most guaranteed money given to any free agent this offseason. The Baltimore Ravens guaranteeing $33.75 million to Brandon Williams was the next closest.
No matter how you look at it, the New England Patriots paid a premium for their free agent cornerback addition. Gilmore may be worth it, but the risk is certainly there. The Patriots being obvious contenders with a potentially closing window helps the grade of this move.
Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots free safety Duron Harmon (30) waits for the snap against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Duron Harmon, S: Four Years, $17 Million With $6.5 Million Guaranteed
Grade: B+
The Patriots take care of one of their own here, getting safety Duron Harmon back in the fold on a four-year deal. On the surface, this may seem like a lot of money for a third safety but Harmon is a sneaky important part of the Patriots defense.
He is not considered a starter so it is easy for most to overlook Harmon. That being said, he sees the field a ton for the Patriots. Patrick Chung basically plays linebacker for the Patriots a majority of the time. Sure, there are times where Chung plays in the box and Devin McCourty plays as the only deep safety, but usually, Harmon is back there with him as well.
Harmon is a strong coverage safety who shows fantastic natural ball skills on the back-end. Having both McCourty and Harmon defending the deep part of the makes it almost impossible to stretch the field against the Patriots. Their defense has a lot of strengths, but the deep coverage abilities of Harmon and McCourty are among the most impressive.
Getting Harmon back on a reasonable deal was extremely important this offseason. The Patriots did a nice job of locking him up long-term and not breaking the bank. Strong underrated signing here.
Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Matthews (24) tackled by Baltimore Ravens defensive end Lawrence Guy (93) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Lawrence Guy, DL: Four Years, $13.4 Million ($4.9 Million Guaranteed)
Grade: B+
In their second move bringing a new player in via free agency, the New England Patriots signed defensive lineman Lawrence Guy away from the Baltimore Ravens. Guy was never a full-time starter in Baltimore, but he was an extremely dependable role player who could certainly make an impact.
Guy is a big and powerful defensive lineman, as he is listed at 6-4, 305 pounds. He also has impressive length that he can use well both against the run and the pass.
A willing and productive run defender, Guy uses his mix of skills extremely well on a consistent basis. He is a stout run defender who is difficult to move off of the point of attack. He can two-gap with the best of them but also has the natural quickness to knife through the offensive line and make a play in the backfield.
Guy is best known as a run defender, but he has the combination of quickness, power and explosion to make an impact as an interior pass rusher as well. He only had one sack with the Ravens last season. However, in limited duty, Guy was able to sack the quarterback 4.5 times in 2015. He does not reach the quarterback often, but Guy will consistently put pressure on the passer from the inside.
He brings a nice versatility to the Patriots' defensive line, showing the ability to play both defensive tackle and defensive end. He is a good, well-rounded player who will play an important role for the team up front. They were also able to get him on a nice, long-term bargain.
Nov 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Rex Burkhead (33) breaks the tackle of Baltimore Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Rex Burkhead, RB: One Year, $3.15 Million ($1.1 Million Guaranteed)
Grade: A-
The New England Patriots had an impressive mix of players at the running back position last season. LeGarrette Blount was the bulldozer and he finished with 18 rushing touchdowns on the season. The Patriots also had the explosive Dion Lewis and receiving back extraordinaire James White taking snaps in the backfield.
Each player had their own strengths and the Patriots knew how to put them in situations to succeed. Blount is a free agent this offseason, but both Lewis and White are back for more. However, both are better as receivers than they are as rushers. The Patriots must find a power back to compliment them this offseason.
The Patriots did bring in running back Rex Burkhead on a low-cost one-year free agent contract. He is a former sixth-round pick who showed some nice ability last season. Burkhead is a hard-working player who can make an impact as a receiver out of the backfield. He is also a tough and physical runner who can pick up the yards on the inside. Burkhead also shows some solid quickness with the ball in his hands and is a fantastic special teams contributor.
Honestly, I think the Patriots signed Burkhead because they like the way he plays the game and they have the money to spend. Burkhead does not replace Blount as the Patriots' power back, but he is a guy who can contribute heavily on special teams and make an offensive impact as well. Basically, he is a much better version of Brandon Bolden.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Dont'a Hightower, LB: Four Years, $35.5 Million ($19 Million Guaranteed)
Grade: A
The Patriots did a great job of being patient with linebacker Dont'a Hightower. Their star linebacker was one of the best players on the open market. The two sides negotiated early in the free agency period and could not come to a deal. The Patriots told Hightower to go shop for a deal and see what he can find.
Hightower went looking but did not come back with the offers that he thought he would have. Instead, he settled with the Patriots' contract that pays him less than $9 million per season. Make no mistake about it, this deal is an absolute steal for the Pats.
Hightower is one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL. He is an absolute beast against the run and makes all of the defensive calls. On obvious passing downs, the New England Patriots kick Hightower outside to rush the passer. He is an impressive edge rusher who can put consistent pressure on the passer. Just ask Matt Ryan.
The Patriots made a lot of impressive moves this offseason which will undoubtedly help them compete for another title in 2017. However, if they would have lost Hightower, their defense would have been in trouble. Hightower is their best defensive player and obvious leader on that side of the ball.
Getting him back at this price point is an absolutely incredible deal.
