10 NFL free agency signings for 2021 that could backfire
By Randy Gurzi
5. Nelson Agholor, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
After struggling through his first losing season since the year 2000, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick decided to completely abandon his entire philosophy. After years of being quiet in free agency, Belichick went all-in and signed just about everyone he could.
New England added Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, Davon Godchaux, Matt Judon, Nelson Agholor, and Kendrick Bourne — among others — in free agency. There were a couple of moves that could be questioned, including giving both Smith and Henry top dollar for tight ends.
We could also question the re-signing of Cam Newton who wasn’t a great fit in the system but his deal was incentive-laden and they did also get Mac Jones in the 2021 NFL Draft. Having said all that, the move that seems to have the most risk is the acquisition of Nelson Agholor.
The former Philadelphia Eagles’ first-round pick was able to revive his career with a solid 2020 campaign in Las Vegas. He had 896 yards on 48 receptions with eight touchdowns. The problem is, that was his best NFL campaign and in this free agency class, he wasn’t the best option.
New England also gave him more money than Will Fuller got in Miami, who is also a much better option. Perhaps Agholor continues to grow with the Pats, but entering 2021, he has much more tape of him dropping crucial plays than he does making the big ones — which is why his $11 million price tag seems a bit too high.