The first big move of the New England Patriots’ offseason was already a sign of things to come. Before the start of free agency week, the team acquired Trent Brown via trade from the Las Vegas Raiders in an exchange for Day 3 selections in the 2022 NFL Draft.
With the Patriots’ offensive line headed for some personnel turnover — Joe Thuney left in free agency, Marcus Cannon was traded — adding Brown would ensure the unit would remain one of strength. It also showed that New England would not afraid to aggressively add talent to a roster that lacked just that during its disappointing 2020 campaign.