It’s been an unforgettable off-season for the New England Patriots. And now that the start of the new season is only a few months away, it’s as good a time as ever to recap the news and moves out of Foxborough this off-season.
It’s Been An Unforgettable New England Patriots Off-Season
New Faces In New England
After their stunning comeback in Super Bowl 51, the victories didn’t end there for the Patriots. Following a flurry of free agent additions and trades, it wasn’t long before the NFL community declared that New England had won the off-season, too. Within 72 hours, the team acquired tight end Dwayne Allen from the Indianapolis Colts, signed cornerback Stephon Gilmore away from the division rival Buffalo Bills, and added wide receiver Brandin Cooks and defensive lineman Kony Ealy in separate trades with the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers, respectively. Later in the spring, New England came to terms with cornerback Malcolm Butler on a new contract, and replaced bruising running back LeGarrette Blount with Mike Gillislee. With those additions the Patriots seem to be loaded going into next season.
Adrian Peterson Visits Foxborough
Back in March, Adrian Peterson sent Foxborough into a frenzy when it was reported that he would be visiting with the Patriots. Peterson was looking for a team after being released by the Minnesota Vikings, and the Patriots were in the market for a new back. Ultimately, nothing further came from this interview, and Peterson went on to sign with the Saints. But those were a fun few days when fans could fantasize about the possibility of two future Hall of Famers in Tom Brady and Peterson joining forces.
A Tragic End For Aaron Hernandez
In April, former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell after hanging himself. Hernandez had been serving a life sentence for the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd, and only days prior to his death had been acquitted of a 2012 double homicide in the Boston area. He is survived by his former fiancé Shayanna Jenkins and their 4-year-old daughter, Avielle.
On the same day of Hernandez’s death, the team made a visit to the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl 51 victory with President Donald Trump. Many players chose to forgo the event due to their political beliefs, but that didn’t seem to discourage Rob Gronkowski from having a little fun with Press Secretary Sean Spicer.
Concussions And Aston Martins For Tom Brady
To say May was a strange month for Tom Brady would probably be putting it lightly. First, his wife Gisele Bundchen made headlines when she casually stated during an interview that not only did Brady suffer a concussion in 2016, but also suggested he’s had a concussion every year for a while now. Brady’s camp was quick to deny Bundchen’s claim regarding a concussion from last season, but that didn’t prevent the NFL from opening up an investigation of its own into her comments.
Shortly after that headline made the rounds, Brady announced that he signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Aston Martin. In addition to becoming the luxury automobile brand’s new pitchman, Brady will also be designing a special edition of the Vanquish S model, with only 12 being sold with a price tag of $312,000. Better start saving, Pats fans.
A New Deal For Rob Gronkowski
This week the team announced that they had restructured Gronkowski’s contract which could make the 28-year-old the highest paid tight end in the league. The revised contract will feature three tiers that will pay the oft-injured Gronkowski specific amounts based on how many games he appears in or peformance achievements.
Gronkowski will be paid $10.75 million (first tier) if he reaches 90 percent playing time, makes 80 receptions, and 1,200 yards receiving or is recognized as part of the All-Pro team. The talented tight end will get $8.75 million (second tier) with either 80 percent play time, 70 catches and 1,000 yards or 12 touchdowns. The third tier is worth $6.75 million and Gronk will get that payday with 70 percent playing time, 60 receptions, 800 receiving yards or 10 touchdowns.
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