FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Well, that was fun. The New England Patriots went on a free-agent splurge unlike any other in NFL history, dominating headlines with their bold, free-spending moves.
The Patriots' $159.6 million in guaranteed money spent on free agents signed after the start of the 2021 league year on March 17 sets an NFL record, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Now, with the benefit of time and speaking and listening to those connected to the process -- including those from inside the organization, players and agents -- a clearer picture of how they did it has formed.