How NFL experts are grading the Patriots’ approach in free agency

"Rebuilding franchises don't get to choose who hits the free agent market."

Milton Williams after sacking Patrick Mahomes during Super Bowl LIX. AP Photo/AJ Mast

March 12, 2025

4 minutes to read

Grading the Patriots’ offseason so far: NFL free agency is off and running (sprinting, more accurately), and the Patriots have been right in the middle of it.

New England has reportedly agreed to several signings, including cornerback Carlton Davis and defensive lineman Milton Williams. In all, Mike Vrabel’s team has already spent more than $200 million, including over $100 million in guaranteed money. But what will it mean for the actual on-field product in 2026?

Experts’ analysis of the bevy of New England moves offers a mixed bag so far. Here are some of the grades they’ve given the Patriots’ signings:

Bleacher Report

Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport gave the Milton Williams signing a B-, noting:

“In a vacuum, this appears to be a solid signing,” wrote Davenport. “Williams didn’t post huge numbers last year with the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles (24 total tackles and five sacks), but he was widely regarded as one of the top defensive free agents available in this cycle.

“But the Patriots spent a fortune Monday,” he added, “and very little of that spending was focused on helping young quarterback Drake Maye and the offense.”

Other grades:

Morgan Moses: A-. “Moses may not be a long-term solution for the Patriots. But on a day where multiple teams overspent on offensive linemen, New England was able to procure a relatively reliable, experienced tackle for less than $10 million a season.”

Carlton Davis: B-. “It wasn’t cheap, but if Davis can repeat his 2024 performance in New England, he should quickly become a leader in the Patriots secondary.”

Robert Spillane: C+. “Spillane is also somewhat of a “throwback” player. He’s fantastic in run support but is sometimes a liability in coverage. In an era where coverage ability is more critical than ever for off-ball linebackers, handing a thumper over $12 million per season could be construed as an overpay.”

ESPN

ESPN’s Seth Walder was skeptical of the Williams signing, giving it a C grading. Given the $26 million per season salary, Walder called it “a bit of an overpay.”

He gave a C+ for the Davis deal, but admitted that, “If it all works out, the Patriots could have one heck of a cornerback pairing with Davis now opposite ascending star Christian Gonzalez.”

Regarding both Spillane and Harold Landry (who New England reportedly agreed to a deal with on Sunday), Walder handed out a pair of B+ grades.

“Landry, who will be 29 next season, is a shade older than the Patriots might prefer, given how much work the team has to do to turn itself around,” he explained. “But rebuilding franchises don’t get to choose who hits the free agent market, and the reason I like the deal is because it brings production in the door when it’s badly needed — and it does so at a reasonable price.”

The Athletic

Mike Jones of The Athletic gave New England decent grades all-around. He posted a B grade for the Patriots regarding Williams, Davis, Spillane, and Moses.

His take on the Davis signing is symptomatic of the overall assessment of New England’s aggressive spending so far (and the implied risk).

“The eighth-year veteran has all the talent in the world, but durability is an issue,” Jones wrote of Davis. “He has yet to play a full season in his career. If healthy, Davis will give New England a defensive back with strong coverage and tackling skills. He also brings credibility after helping Tampa Bay win a Super Bowl and contributing to the Lions’ turnaround. But, again, durability is a concern.”

Scores and schedules:

The Bruins rallied from a 2-0 third period deficit to defeat the Panthers 3-2 on Tuesday night. Boston will face the Senators in Ottawa on Thursday night at 7 p.m.

Tonight, the Celtics face the Thunder at TD Garden at 7:30 p.m. in a clash of two of the better teams in the NBA.

And this evening at 6:05 p.m., the Red Sox host the Twins in a spring training game.

More from Boston.com:

Zadorov vs. Bennett: Bruins fans got to enjoy a comeback win against the Panthers on Tuesday night, plus a satisfyingly dominant performance from Nikta Zadarov in a fight against Sam Bennett.

On this day: In 1985, Larry Bird set a Celtics record with 60 points 126-115 win over the Hawks.

Daily highlight: In a pivotal, high-stakes UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matchup between Barcelona and Benfica, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal recorded a highlight-worthy assist and goal. Both displayed a dazzling level of skill, helping Barcelona advance with a 3-1 win. Here’s the assist: