Kicking off
Free agency is on deck next week.
The tampering period starts Monday, with free agency officially kicking off Wednesday at 4 p.m.
It's an important time for all NFL teams.
For the Patriots, they should be on a mission to improve a team that reached the Super Bowl.
While defense seems to be a focus, particularly with needs at edge rusher, safety and linebacker, it's important for Mike Vrabel & Co. to make a point of helping Drake Maye.
If the goal is to get over the final hurdle and win a seventh championship, the franchise quarterback needs a better supporting cast.
Whether it's enhancing the offensive line, the receiver and tight end positions, that has to be a top priority.
While subtracting Stefon Diggs, the team's leading receiver, was understandable in a lot of ways given his age, and financial ramifications, that just intensifies the need to give Maye more game-changing threats, more playmakers.
By unloading Diggs, the Patriots freed up some cash. So they have more money to spend. It would be disappointing if they didn't land a top receiver when all the smoke clears.
Here's some clips from the week:
