The New England Patriots have spent the 2016 offseason patiently waiting for their moves and stocking up on weaponry across the board. They were prudent spenders in free agency and have been nifty trade partners. The sheer number of additions brings to mind another distinct offseason: 2007.
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At this time nine years ago, the Patriots had been on the losing end of an excruciatingly close AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts. Coming so close to the doorstep of the Super Bowl and losing motivated Bill Belichick and the Patriots’ front office to make a flurry of big moves the following offseason.