By Adeniyi Precious 
The first week of NFL free agency is in the books, and the Patriots have been busy. They made an early splash but have slowed down since. Head coach Mike Vrabel and director of scouting Eliot Wolf say they’re not done yet—especially on offense. “Free agency isn’t over,” Vrabel reminded everyone. So, let’s break down what they’ve done so far.
Best Move: Milton Williams Joins the Patriots
The Patriots went all in on defensive lineman Milton Williams, and it paid off. He was expected to sign with the Carolina Panthers, but New England came in with a massive four-year, $104 million deal and made him the highest-paid player in franchise history. That’s a bold move, but they needed a playmaker up front. Williams has a knack for stepping up in big games—just ask Patrick Mahomes.
Worst Move: Signing Wes Schweitzer
Veteran guard Wes Schweitzer offers versatility—he can play center and both guard spots—but there’s a problem: he just can’t stay healthy. He’s only played 10 games in the past two seasons, mostly because of injuries. At 31 (turning 32 in September), he’s not exactly a long-term fix for an offensive line that desperately needs help. Sound familiar? That was the issue with David Andrews, too.
Most Intriguing Move: Mack Hollins Joins the WR Room
Signing Mack Hollins doesn’t fix the Patriots’ wide receiver problem, but he’s definitely an interesting addition. He’s known for his flashy outfits (kind of like Cam Newton), walks around barefoot—even in the winter—and brings a mentor-like presence to the locker room. He had his best year under Josh McDaniels in Las Vegas, so maybe there’s something there.
Biggest Surprise Potential: Robert Spillane
Not many people know Robert Spillane, but the 6-foot-1, 229-pound linebacker could be a sneaky good pickup. He’s been a backup for most of his career but finally proved himself in recent years with the Raiders. He’s not the biggest guy for his position, but his speed and aggression fit what Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams want. He also seems fired up about the opportunity, saying, “I’m going to pour my heart into this city, this team, and this community.”
Most Likely to Disappoint: Milton Williams
Wait, wasn’t Williams also the best addition? Yes, but hear us out. With a $104 million contract, expectations are sky-high, and there’s no guarantee he’ll live up to it. He’s never been a full-time starter, playing less than half the snaps last season. If he can’t handle a heavier workload, this could turn into an expensive mistake.
Biggest Head-Scratcher: No Left Tackle?
The Patriots tried to get Ronnie Stanley, but when he stayed with the Ravens, they…did nothing? Instead of finding a reliable left tackle, they’ve left that crucial position open. Protecting rookie quarterback Drake Maye should be a top priority, but so far, it looks like they’re dropping the ball on that one.
Notable Trend: High-Character Signings
Vrabel clearly wants a drama-free locker room. Almost every player they’ve signed—Morgan Moses, Robert Spillane, Mack Hollins, Marcus Epps—is known for leadership and being a team-first guy. That’s great for culture, but will it translate to wins?
Overall Theme: Defense Wins the Offseason
While the offense remains a work in progress, the defense has been completely revamped. The additions of Williams, Khyiris Tonga, Carlton Davis, Spillane, Harold Landry, and Epps show they’re trying to