NFL: One bold prediction for every team in 2021-22

One bold prediction for the New England Patriots in 2021-22: Mo money mo problems

For years on end, the New England Patriots stubbornly closed their wallets and turned their nose when it came to paying their players. That, of course, led to a large exodus of top-level football players over the years.

It never mattered if guys such as Chandler Jones and Randy Moss decided to play elsewhere, it was all about the “Patriot Way.” Well, once quarterback Tom Brady exited stage left, the NFL world began realizing that head coach Bill Belichick can’t simply wave his magic wand and make everything better again.

To sum it all up, the Patriots stunk last season. They finished third in the AFC East with a 7-9 record and didn’t come close to making a playoff push. For this coming season, the Patriots have shown everyone the money. Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, Nelson Agholor and others, have all gotten paid handsomely and in return, the Patriots will want to see results but they flat-out won’t. Cam Newton hasn’t been an elite player for nearly a decade. Smith and Hunter are nice pieces but no one mentions them amongst the best tight ends in the league.

Also, there’s a reason why the Eagles allowed Agholor to walk. All in all, the Patriots are expecting to clinch a playoff spot but fans of the organization will be waiting for quite some time. It won’t happen this year or maybe even the next. Be prepared for a long rebuild.