Despite overhauling their defense with an influx of veteran talent, the New England Patriots struck out on their biggest offensive target.
Though they reportedly offered him the largest contract, the Patriots watched Chris Godwin re-sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a three-year, $66 million deal. The 28-year-old Godwin was considered the best available receiver even after suffering a dislocated ankle that limited him to just seven games in 2024, as he has topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of his last four full seasons. The Patriots pivoted later in the day to veteran Mack Hollins on a two-year, $8.