The Patriots went into the offseason with clear eyes about the state of the defense following a disappointing 2024 season.
Although many outsiders are clamoring for offense, New England's defense is coming off a season where it ranked 30th in DVOA and 21st in points allowed. The defense underperformed relative to expectations last season, with roster deficiencies that could not be ignored to get where head coach Mike Vrabel and company want to go as a football team.
As a result, Vrabel and personnel chief Eliot Wolf made several key additions to the defense in free agency, including marquee signings in DT Milton Williams, CB Carlton Davis, and former Titans edge rusher Harold Landry is reuniting with the Pats HC in New England.