ESPN Writer Reviews Patriots’ Eventful Offseason During Strong Start

A considerable offseason overhaul has helped the New England Patriots spark a massive turnaround in 2025.

Mike Vrabel wasn’t New England’s only impactful addition. Drake Maye has a new top target in wide receiver Stefon Diggs, and the Patriots transformed their front seven by acquiring Milton Williams, Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson.

Bill Barnwell highlighted those moves when appraising each NFL team’s offseason. The ESPN writer placed the Patriots atop his “Way ahead of expectations” tier after labeling the Indianapolis Colts the league’s biggest offseason winner.

“The Patriots spent more and made more significant changes than any other team in the NFL this offseason, so it’s no surprise they’re improved,” Barnwell wrote. “Some of their moves are still sorting themselves out. Stefon Diggs played a huge role in the mood-shifting win over the Bills, but he’s averaging just under 52 receiving yards across the rest of the season. First-round pick Will Campbell has had his rough patches, notably a difficult game against the Steelers, but he has also been a major upgrade on what was arguably the league’s worst left tackle situation.”

Barnwell said New England made its best moves on the defensive line. Williams, who signed a four-year, $104 million contract, has led the charge with 20 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Landry and Chaisson are also offering the Pats plenty of bang for their buck.

“Landry has 5.5 sacks and 12 knockdowns in seven games. There aren’t many ends who can say they’ve successfully chased down Josh Allen as the read defender,” Barnwell noted. “And while Chaisson was a major disappointment with the Jags, he’s suddenly a valuable starting edge defender. Chaisson has 4.5 sacks and eight knockdowns, and he created pressures that produced an interception against the Dolphins and likely saved a touchdown against the Bills. His deal is a bargain for $3 million.”

However, Barnwell conceded that New England would still like to receive more results from its rookie class. Running back TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver Kyle Williams have yet to shine, and Barnwell called guard Jared Wilson the team’s “worst lineman so far” because of his pass-protection struggles.