The league approves.
The Patriots’ free-agent class drew consistent praise from several sources around the NFL who were reached by the Herald at the end of Day 3.
“I like them all on the surface. Good values,” an AFC front-office executive told me. “(Alijah) Vera-Tucker is obviously the risk, injury-wise.”
Vera-Tucker, an uber-talented offensive guard, represented a turning point for the Patriots on Monday night, when he headlined a three-player group that now includes up to six new starters. Most of them are clear upgrades from veterans the Patriots have parted with via release or trade.
There’s Vera-Tucker, who will fill the left guard spot Jared Wilson vacated to succeed Garrett Bradbury at center. He’s the Patriots’ new best offensive lineman.
On Wednesday, safety Kevin Byard signed. He’s a reigning All-Pro whose seven interceptions in Chicago last year almost matched Jaylinn Hawkins’ career interception total (eight). Any questions?
Ex-Bills bulldozer Reggie Gilliam is a real fullback replacing a converted one. No argument there.
And Romeo Doubs, an ascending 26-year-old replacing Stefon Diggs, 32, as Drake Maye’s best receiver? Any upgrade there is a projection. Though, not according to one NFC assistant coach.
“(It’s an) upgrade because you need to feature Diggs,” the coach texted. “You’ve gotta make sure Diggs is getting his touches otherwise he is a pain. Now they have a good, selfless guy who will block. Smart pickup.”
As of late Wednesday night, Doubs received the largest free-agent contract the Patriots agreed to at four years, $68 million. The Pats reached terms after the best available wideout, Alec Pierce, came off the board at $116 million early Monday. The Patriots ultimately rebounded from losing the Pierce sweepstakes by settling for the market’s No. 2 receiver, who had 279 fewer yards last season and took $48 million less.
Those decisions spoke to the value multiple executives referenced when analyzing the Pats’ free-agent hail. One longtime pro personnel executive, however, disagreed, citing Vera Tucker’s contract (three years, $42 million) and the deal the Patriots gave outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones (three years, $36.5 million).
“Seems a little high for Jones, but he’s a good rusher who was solid for Baltimore down the stretch,” he said. “I thought that was a little high for (Vera-Tucker) coming off injury and the durability issues throughout his career.”
Vera-Tucker’s contract drew the most scrutiny among league sources. By now, you’ve heard he played just 43 out of a possible 84 games in New York, where he ranked among the NFL’s best offensive lineman in his last full season of 2024. But before and after that year he was sidelined for good with separate torn triceps injuries and a ruptured Achilles.
New York Jets’ Alijah Vera-Tucker during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
The Patriots, given that history, baked $12.5 million worth of per-game roster bonuses into his contract to protect against injury. But the total money and guaranteed dollars ($21 million) spoke loudest: they believe he’ll stay healthy enough.
“Damn good player when he’s available,” the AFC executive wrote.
Oddly enough, the free-agent addition who received universal praise was Gilliam. The 28-year-old fullback is expected to unlock chapters of the Patriots’ playbook that went uncalled last season. Or, when used, were ineffective.
“It looks like they expect fullback to play a bigger role this year. And he’s a really good special teams player,” another AFC executive wrote. “The contract kind of reflects that.”
The NFC coach agreed.
“Gilliam is a great signing because (Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels) needs a fullback in his system,” he said. “Westover isn’t it.”
Byard’s deal also drew praise. The pro personnel evaluator believes the 32-year-old still has a few good seasons left, and if he doesn’t, the Patriots protected themselves with a one-year contract.
None of the league sources offered thoughts on the signings of backup tight end Julian Hill or safety Mike Brown. The Patriots may not need them anyway.
By Day 3, even with outstanding needs at tight end and edge rusher, most of their free-agent work is done.
