The New England Patriots have been hit with massive criticisms from a new report, which could damage the team’s image and rebuild plans ahead of NFL free agency.
The Patriots, and even owner Robert Kraft, have been called out in the NFLPA’s annual report card survey. After finishing a dismal 29th last year, the team has only graded worse. Kraft’s New England squad has been ranked No. 31 in the overall team rankings. They received two F grades for weight room and team travel.
The Pats’ highest ranking was 18th in the treatment of families. Their best rank was a B+ for head coach Jerod Mayo, but he was fired the same day the 2024 campaign ended. The rankings didn’t get much better for the six-time Super Bowl champion owner Kraft. The 83-year-old was ranked No. 28 out of 32 owners in terms of perceived willingness to invest in facilities. Kraft was also ranked 30th in both contributing to a positive culture and commitment to building a competitive team.
The rankings come after New England made very few impactful additions to their team in the 2024 free agency. This season, however, new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel revealed Wednesday that he expects the team to be "aggressive" in free agency. New England has a whopping $123 million available in free agency. They have a chance to provide offensive line, as well as wide receiver, help for the soon-to-be second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
Maye is coming off a rollercoaster season that saw him throw for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 13 appearances with 12 starts. The Patriots were 3-9 under Maye.
The NFLPA’s annual report card grades could hurt the Patriots’ rebuild plans. They will hope to make the playoffs in the upcoming season for the first time since 2020.
Conclusion:
The New England Patriots’ poor grades in the NFLPA’s annual report card survey could have a significant impact on their rebuild plans. The team’s poor performance on the field, combined with criticism from the NFLPA, could make it difficult for them to attract top talent in free agency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What does the NFLPA’s annual report card survey measure?
- The survey measures team rankings overall, head coaches, team owners, team travel, and locker rooms.
- What were the Patriots’ grades in the survey?
- The Patriots received F grades for weight room and team travel, and a B+ grade for head coach Jerod Mayo.
- How much money do the Patriots have available in free agency?
- The Patriots have a whopping $123 million available in free agency.
- What are the Patriots’ goals for the upcoming season?
- The Patriots hope to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
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