The New England Patriots have already been active in free agency.
And it’s just Monday of the opening week, with the negotiating window having opened at 12 noon. Signings can’t become official until Wednesday.
The Patriots entered the day with more than $45 million in available cap space, and they’re putting that to good use.
It’s a crucial offseason for New England after they arrived ahead of schedule a year ago.
MORE: Check out our full NFL free agency tracker here
The Pats got a huge lift from first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, and Drake Maye took a huge step forward in his second season as New England QB.
That led them to an AFC East title and all the way to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
Now looking at a tougher schedule for the season ahead, the Patriots would love to prove that there were no flukes.
That starts with free agency.
This is a tracker of what the Pats are up to.
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Patriots free agency rumors, news, live updates
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10 p.m.: By the evening, Jones and Gilliam remained the Patriots’ only signings.
4:27 p.m.: The Patriots were active early and will now look to just build around the edges.
4:17 p.m.: A loss for the Patriots as offensive tackle Vederian Lowe is going to the 49ers on a two-year contract, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
2:20 p.m.: News that Mike Evans is leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to sign with the San Francisco 49ers is shocking. It also officially removes New England from possibly ending up with Evans.
2:10 p.m.: Khyiris Tonga, a DT, has left for the Chiefs, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
1:15 p.m.: The Pats strike a blow to division rival Buffalo by signing their reliable fullback, Reggie Gilliam, to a reported three-year, $12 million contract.
12:15 p.m.: The Patriots strike early, landing Dre’Mont Jones on a three-year, $39.5 million contract after he ended last season with the Ravens.
Patriots free agent signings
- The Patriots got Dre’Mont Jones, a pass rusher, on a three-year, $39.5 million deal.
- The Pats swiped fullback Reggie Gilliam from the Bills for three years and $12 million.
Patriots free agent losses
- The Patriots, before free agency arrived, released RB Antonio Gibson.
- The Patriots have lost DT Khyiris Tonga in a signing to the Chiefs.
- Vederian Lowe, an offensive tackle, leaves for the 49ers.