Exhausting Offseason Nearly Over for New England Patriots

The Kansas City Chiefs raised the Lombardi Trophy in February following Super Bowl 58. It capped off the NFL’s 2023 season. The win also gave the Chiefs the NFL’s first back-to-back champions since the New England Patriots did so 19 years earlier. But last season was over for the Patriots long before Kansas City beat San Francisco 25-22 on Super Bowl Sunday in Las Vegas.

New England wasn’t playing in the postseason, but they were still active. From the time the Patriots ended their 4-13 campaign until now, there have been plenty of noteworthy events in Patriots Nation. It began in January when New England parted ways with Bill Belichick after 24 seasons. They named Jerod Mayo as Belichick’s successor as head coach. Eliot Wolf would eventually be officially given control of the front office. There was a huge turnover in New England’s staff.

Roster Changes

The Patriots selected Drake Maye with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It was the first of eight picks the franchise hopes will help get things back on track in New England. Although they made no major outside splashes in free agency, Wolf re-signed or extended several core players from last season’s squad. This group included Rhamondre Stevenson, Kendrick Bourne, Hunter Henry, Mike Onwenu, Christian Barmore, Jahlani Tavai, Anfernee Jennings Kyle Dugger, and Jabrill Peppers. The team’s future nucleus began to take shape.

Maye-king the pick.

Inside the draft room as the Patriots select @DrakeMaye2. pic.twitter.com/0VWqLiW7yy

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 26, 2024

Also Read – Ten Things for Patriots Fans to Look Forward to in 2024

Bill Belichick wasn’t the only prominent departure in New England this offseason. Patriots legend Matthew Slater retired following the 2023 season. He was the last remaining player from New England’s Super Bowl 49 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. The Patriots traded Mac Jones, the former first-round pick and once-promising quarterback Mac Jones to Jacksonville in March. Just three weeks ago, they sent Pro Bowl pass-rusher Matthew Judon to Atlanta.

New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon (9) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Christian Barmore remains a member of the New England Patriots. However, Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots at the end of July. He will miss at least the start of the season, with his timetable for a return remaining unknown.

A New Era Begins

Away from the field, there were other highs and lows. The franchise was featured in Apple TV’s “The Dynasty” series. Bill Belichick’s portrayal was not well-received by many. However, the series did feature some great moments as well (Ernie Adams). Legendary quarterback Tom Brady got roasted on Netflix. He also got inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame and had his No. 12 retired by the franchise.

But the New England Patriots offseason is now nearly over. Week 1 of the first season post-Belichick has arrived. Regardless of the many ups and downs since Week 18 of the 2023 season, it is time to move forward. Bill Belichick, Mac Jones, and Bailey Zappe are gone. Jerod Mayo, Jacoby Brissett, and Drake Maye are the ones walking through the door now. Eight months after Bill Belichick’s 24-year run in New England came to an end, the Patriots are on to Cincinnati.