NFL writer says Patriots failed pursuit of Star highlights bigger problem
The New England Patriots are currently not a popular destination.
The New England Patriots find themselves in a difficult situation as they prepare to enter a new era in 2024.
You can’t blame the team for not trying to recruit quality players. The latest failed pursuit, this time of 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, is just the latest in a line of outstanding players who refuse to play for New England. Last year, the team offered competitive offers to both DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley, but both picked different destinations.
The Patriots are in a situation where they have not positioned themselves as a desirable destination for possible free agents. Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports addressed this in his most recent story, claiming that the Patriots have a problem with how they are seen.
“While simply losing out on a talented player stings in itself, it also is the latest reminder of the bigger issue — the Patriots have an image problem,” said Sullivan. “The franchise is entering Year 5 of the post-Tom Brady era and has little to show for it. During that time, they went 29-38 and finished below.500 in three of the four seasons. This season, their over/under victory total is 4.5 (at FanDuel Sportsbook), the lowest in the NFL. In this ‘What have you done for me lately?’ league, that résumé won’t entice any player worth his weight to join.”
The Patriots are in a position where they must demonstrate to potential new players that things will improve. Which, of course, is difficult to accomplish without bringing in quality players.
It’s an ongoing cycle that traps terrible teams at the bottom of the league for years on end.
If New England does not improve this season with the players who are already in the building, the rebuilding process in Foxboro will be prolonged and unpleasant.
