The Patriots didn't endure much of a lull in the post-Tom Brady era. They missed the playoffs in 2020 but managed to make it back with Mac Jones in 2021.
Of course, they still weren't able to win a playoff game. The Bills schooled them in the wild-card round of the postseason, winning 47-17 in a contest that was never particularly close. Patriots owner Robert Kraft isn't happy that the team hasn't won a playoff game over the last three years, so the 2022 NFL season will be a big one for the Patriots.
New England wasn't very active in free agency during the 2022 offseason.