The New England Patriots’ 2020 linebacking corps was in a constant state of flux. Only John Simon, who is currently a free agent, started all 16 games for the team one season ago. The rest of the starters were career reserve players, rookies, practice squad members, and a safety. With such a lack of talent, success was never really an option for the group in 2020.
Heading into 2021, Bill Belichick and company made sure that a lack of talent wouldn’t be an excuse, signing a few high priced free agents, drafting a couple of high upside rookies, and reintroducing the most important player on their defense.