The New England Patriots entered the offseason with a clear focus on improving their offense, but instead, they have directed their attention to strengthening their defense.
While the Patriots’ offense certainly needed work, their defense also showed signs of decline in 2024, lacking elite talent at every level. As a result, their first major move was to bolster their pass rush, signing Harold Landry to a three-year, $43.5 million contract. This signing was made even before the official start of free agency, as Landry had been released by the Tennessee Titans.
The Patriots’ decision to focus on their pass rush makes sense, given that they ranked last in the NFL with just 28 sacks in the previous season. However, some analysts, such as Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team, have criticized the move, calling it one of the worst free-agent decisions so far. Mosher points out that Landry has been on a downward trajectory in recent years and was let go by the Titans. Despite this, the Patriots signed him to a contract that includes $26 million in guarantees, which he believes is too much. He notes that while Landry is a solid run defender, he has never been an elite pass rusher and questions whether he will ever reach that level, especially given his relatively small frame for an edge rusher.
However, this critique overlooks several important factors. Landry has posted impressive numbers over his last three healthy seasons, with 31.5 sacks during that stretch. In 2024, he recorded 71 tackles and 9 sacks. Had it not been for a torn ACL that sidelined him in 2022, it’s likely he would have been among the league’s sack leaders over the past four years. This demonstrates that Landry is a highly effective edge rusher and can provide valuable support to the Patriots’ defensive front.
While the Patriots may have overpaid for Landry, it’s worth noting that they may have spent even more on defensive tackle Milton Williams, who received a four-year, $104 million deal. Ultimately, while the contract for Landry might seem high, his ability to bolster the pass rush and contribute to the defense makes the signing a potentially worthwhile investment for New England.