One of the biggest criticisms surrounding the New England Patriots organization has been their lack of spending in free agency. Typically, the Patriots have been content to just dip their toe in the water, while other teams are willing to make big splashes to come away with top talent.
Take last year for example. The Patriots were competitive in an attempt to sign five-time Pro Bowl wideout DeAndre Hopkins, but then they allowed themselves to get outbid by the Tennessee Titans, despite receiver clearly being one of the biggest needs on their roster.
Owner Robert Kraft hears the noise and vehemently responded to those criticisms on Thursday.
“We never held back with any of the coaches we’ve had over the last 30 years,” said Kraft, via NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran. “They’ve been able to get whatever they want. If cash spending became an issue for our family, and we couldn’t do it, then I would sell the team.”
Robert Kraft addressed spending critiques today in LV
“We never held back with any of the coaches we’ve had over the last 30 years. They’ve been able to get whatever they want. If cash spending became an issue for our family, and we couldn’t do it, then I would sell the team.”
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) February 9, 2024
Kraft will have an opportunity to back up those words in March with the Patriots set to enter free agency with a projected $66 million in cap space, which is currently the third-most in the league.
The excuse of Bill Belichick being too stingy with the spending no longer holds water, now that the legendary coach is gone.
New England needs big playmakers at receiver and significant offensive line upgrades. They have the assets to make a real splash in free agency and the 2024 NFL draft.
Whether they choose to do so or not remains to be seen.
