Bill Belichick, Patriots go all-in on Day 1 of NFL free agency

[AZProgressive]

(Snip)

With their first deal Monday, the Pats made former Titans tight end Jonnu Smith the highest-paid skill-position player in franchise history. Rob Gronkowski never saw that money Smith is set to earn on a four-year, $50 million contract with a reported $31.25 million guaranteed. Smith, 25, is an ascending talent who broke onto the league scene three seasons ago for his receiving talents and has since fortified his blocking.

The Pats will deploy him everywhere, maybe even the backfield, to maximize his talents. Smith is a monster after the catch, breaking 14 tackles on 41 receptions a year ago. The Patriots are paying for the best football of his career, which they clearly see as ahead of him.

Moments later, Ravens linebacker Matthew Judon became the team’s highest-paid defender ever.

(Snip)

Offensively, former Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor made a splash with his two-year deal worth up to $26 million. He revived his career last season in Las Vegas, where he grew into a reliable deep threat with six touchdowns of 20 yards or more. Agholor has long been plagued by drops — including nine last season — but boasts the type of position versatility and quickness the Pats covet.

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[underpants]

1. I heard a little about this on the radio yesterday

In an hour or two, they spent something like 40% of what they spent in free agency over the previous 10 years.

[True Dough]

2. I'm glad Cam has some weapons this season

He's a good guy and was saddled with the same problem Brady had the season before: there was no one to throw the ball to (and he had a pretty bad year). Hopefully it's all upwards from here.

[AZProgressive]

3. I'm wondering how N'Keal Harry will develop

He was one of the highest rated recruits in Arizona State history and was a great receiver every season then he was a first round selection for New England in Brady's last season. He had an injury that probably slowed his development.

Brandon Aiyuk had a great rookie year for San Francisco last season who was also a talented receiver for the Sun Devils. The difference between the 2 is Aiyuk has more speed and is YAC beast.

[True Dough]

4. That's a good question

He didn't figure into the offense much last season. Jakobi Meyers, also a young player at 24, led the way with 729 yards, which put him in a 49th place tie for most receiving yards league-wide. That's pretty bad for your top WR.

Harry was 5th on the team for yardage at 309.

The whole situation needed a shakeup, which is happening. Cam's gotta come through now.