NFL Rumors: Patriots Whiff On Premier Free Agents After Key Report

Early Monday morning, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer shared his belief that the Patriots would “aggressively pursue” both Milton Williams and Chris Godwin.

Well, it appears New England wasn’t aggressive enough in either pursuit.

Shortly after the NFL’s legal tampering period opened Monday afternoon, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Chris Godwin committed to stay in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers reportedly intend to sign the star wide receiver to a new three-year, $66 million deal with $45 million guaranteed. Godwin recently became the best wideout available to the Patriots after Tee Higgins was franchise-tagged by the Cincinnati Bengals and DK Metcalf, Deebo Samuel and Davante Adams all found new teams.

As for Willians, the standout defensive tackle reportedly plans to leave the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles to join the Carolina Panthers. New England, which still lacks clarity on Christian Barmore’s health situation, remains in need of interior defensive line help after reportedly agreeing to trade Davon Godchaux.

The Patriots didn’t miss out on all of their targets after the tampering window opened, though. New England reportedly joined Monday’s frenzy of moves by agreeing to terms with Robert Spillane and Carlton Davis.