Patriots owner Robert Kraft wants to see more from last year’s high-priced free agent class. In particular, the team could use a boost from Jonnu Smith and Nelson Agholor, both of whom were virtual non-factors in 2021.
In a recent interview with Jeff Howe of The Athletic, Kraft indicates how the Patriots will attempt to accomplish that. It sounds like they’re going to alter their approach. “We’re making changes to take advantage of what they do best,” he said.
With a combined cap number of more than $28 million, it’s essential the Patriots receive more from Smith and Agholor this season. After spending a then-record-setting $163 million in guaranteed money on last year’s free agent class, it’s apparent Kraft expects better returns on his investments.
With that in mind, it makes sense for the Patriots to change their offensive philosophy. Perhaps that is the first big task that new offensive assistants Joe Judge and Matt Patricia are working on.
On “Gresh & Keefe” Tuesday, NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Curran said he expects the Patriots to tweak their offense “significantly,” beginning with using Smith in more of a dynamic role.
“I do think the offense will certainly be tweaked significantly,” Curran said. “If they’re taking the fullback out — Jakob Johnson saying they’re not going to use a fullback anymore and it’s going to be Jonnu Smith — you’re not going to pay $9 million in salary to Jonnu Smith to run into nose tackles and middle linebackers all year. He has to have a huge role — an [Aaron] Hernandez-style, I would imagine role in the offense — and I’m curious to see whoever the offensive coordinator is, what he has decided for the formula the Patriots are going to employ. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s more downfield, press the ball downfield a little bit.”
At the NFL meetings, Kraft supported the Patriots’ conservative free agency approach, indicating their austerity was coming from the top. Since then, the Patriots have signed veteran safety Jabrill Peppers and traded for wideout DeVante Parker.
But most importantly, the draft is coming April 28. Kraft stressed to reporters that’s the best way to build a viable contender. I think we had a great draft last year, and it made up for what happened the previous four years or so,” he said. “And I look forward to hopefully having a great draft this year. That’s the only way you can build your team for the long term and consistently that you have a chance of winning, is having a good draft.”
After multiple rounds of recent interviews, it’s clear what Kraft expects from the Patriots: a good draft, improvement from Agholor and Smith, and a playoff win.
We’ll see if Bill Belichick can deliver.
