The New England Patriots have done exactly what they needed to this offseason.
After a second straight 4-13 last-place finish in their division, the Patriots have shaken things up completely this offseason. Now having a franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, New England finally went out a signed a top-tier talent at wide receiver in Stefon Diggs.
Diggs isn't the Patriots' only new face, as the team has added defenders Milton Williams, Carlton Davis III and Robert Spillane, while also upgrading their offensive line. All of these additions lead to the biggest question facing the Patriots, as Bleacher Report's Matt Holder questioned how quickly the new roster will gel this season.
"As it stands, the Patriots are projected to have 10 new starters this season, nearly half of their starting lineup," Holder wrote. "That number could easily bump up to 11 and four out of five offensive-line spots if free-agent signing Wes Schweitzer or third-round pick Jared Wilson beats out Cole Strange at guard."
"New England needed a roster overhaul after finishing 4-13 last year, but it could be difficult for that many new players to build chemistry together. That heightens the stakes during training camp compared to other teams, as the locker room will have to gel together quickly to avoid getting off to a slow start this fall."
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The fact that the Patriots will be fielding such an extremely different starting lineup from just last season goes to show how much the team knew they needed to change. Building chemistry early on in the season could be the difference between New England returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2021 and another early exit.
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