Day one passed with the Pats only losing a couple free agents: Donald Thomas, who was starter quality backup for us, and Patrick Chung, who we likely wouldn't have signed anyway.
Day two saw Wes Welker go to the Broncos (I hear they have an above average QB) for a pittance that the Patriots were unwilling to match. Instead, they picked up Danny Amendola, who is younger, and has more speed, but has missed more games in his short career than Wes Welker has. This likely represents a shift away from the slot position, and hopefully we end up picking up some outside receivers to complement the move.
Day Three the Patriots made a deal with Leon Washington.
The top two "keepers" for the Pats are Aqib Talib and Sebastian Vollmer and they are all still free agents. Yes, free for the Patriots to pick up, but also free for all the rest of the teams as well.
The second tier of Julian Edelman is still on the block as well.
Here is a summary of the Patriots related action to date:
Day One: Bottom tier players gone
G Donald Thomas - gone to the Colts. This is unfortunate because he has been starting quality depth for us.
S Patrick Chung - gone to the Eagles to hang with his college coach. He's been fragile and a liability here.
Day Two: Changing of the slots
WR Wes Welker - gone to the Broncos. There's an awful lot of production to make up there. This one may sting for awhile.
WR Danny Amendola - picked up from the Rams. Hopefully he'll develop the same psychic link that Branch and Welker shared with Brady.
Day Three: Return on our Investment?
KR Leon Washington - picked up from the Jets (former Seahawk). Primarily a kick returner, but we'll see if they try to do more with him.
Day Four: Many moves (and at least one non-move) by the Pats
WR Donald Jones - picked up from Bills. Measurables: 6'0" 208lbs, 4.46 40 time (low of 4.38), 41" vertical, 3-cone 6.90
CB Kyle Arrington - re-signed to a 4 year deal. Let's hope he never, ever leaves the slot.
RB Danny Woodhead - gone to the Chargers. AFC West now the division for scrappy overachievers. With the Washington move, and Vereen shaping up, he was expendable.
DE John Abraham - picked up from the Falcons (former Jet). Primarily a situational pass rusher in a 4-3 / 4-2-5 I would imagine. 122 sacks in 13 years (9.4 / year, high of 16.5 in one season) Averages 0.7 sacks per game. - Not confirmed!
SS Adrian Wilson - picked up from the Cardinals. In the box safety / tweener LB. Can cover TE's and larger receivers. Very similar to the Rodney Harrison move and he was kind of good.
We'll update this live as we get more information. The Patriots are rumored to be interested in a number of free agents. Tune in here for the latest details.