"As one of the few players the Patriots attempted to trade for last season, it's devastating to see another free agency target sign elsewhere, especially on a deal like Mafe signed. He was the kind of player who would've elevated their defense to the next level, which is what they need after the group's impressive showing last year, but also showed clear weaknesses in the Super Bowl."
"Boye Mafe had been considered a good fit for what Mike Vrabel wants for the Patriots' defense. He was a player the head coach had called about ahead of last season's trade deadline, but the Seahawks were not willing to move on from their star. Instead, they let him walk in free agency."
The Patriots have had a slow free agency period, missing several targeted players including wide receiver Alec Pierce and defensive lineman Boye Mafe. Mafe, whom head coach Mike Vrabel had attempted to trade for at last season's deadline, signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Bengals instead. While the Patriots did sign edge rusher Dre'Mont Jones as their first signing, losing Mafe represents a significant setback to their defensive improvement plans. The defense showed weaknesses in the Super Bowl despite an impressive regular season, and Mafe would have elevated the unit. This miss will likely push the Patriots to prioritize edge rushers and defensive linemen early in the draft, though a deep class of pass rushers provides some compensation.
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