Following a 7-9 2020 season, Bill Belichick overhauled the roster on both sides of the football over the course of the offseason. Key acquisitions during that timeframe included wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, linebacker Matthew Judon, and tight end Hunter Henry. Those three were just pieces of the puzzle, as the Patriots were able to tally a 10-7 regular season record and make it into the playoffs.
For his efforts as general manager, the Pro Football Writers of America named Belichick Executive of the Year for 2021 on Thursday afternoon.