How ESPN Graded Patriots’ First Head-Turning Move Of NFL Free Agency

The New England Patriots wasted no time jumping into the NFL free agency pool.

Their first splash came Sunday night when the Patriots reportedly agreed to a three-year, $43.5 million contract with linebacker Harold Landry III.

The deal, which reportedly includes $26 million in guaranteed money and has a max value of $48 million, reunites the former Tennessee Titans standout with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. It’s also a homecoming of sorts, as Landry played collegiately at Boston College.

ESPN graded the move a “B-plus” for New England.

“Landry, who will be 29 next season, is a shade older than the Patriots might prefer, given how much work the team has to do to turn itself around,” ESPN analytics writer Seth Walder wrote. “But rebuilding franchises don’t get to choose who hits the free agent market, and the reason I like the deal is because it brings production in the door when it’s badly needed — and it does so at a reasonable price. Just over $14 million per year for an established starting edge rusher in 2025 is a good deal, and though someone such as Malcolm Koonce is younger and offers more upside, I suspect he’s also going to cost more than this.”

Landry, a second-round pick in 2018, spent seven seasons with the Titans. He recorded a career-high 12 sacks in 2021, earning him a Pro Bowl selection, and totaled 19.5 over the last two seasons despite playing for a bad Tennessee team.

The Patriots need talent — on both sides of the ball — and Landry certainly brings that. He won’t transform New England’s defense but could be a solid addition alongside a few other newcomers, including linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerback Carlton Davis.