Las Vegas Raiders 2020 Opponent Review: New England Patriots

Additions and Subtractions

The marquee name that headlines the list of departures is number 12, as Tom Brady left New England to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady landing in Tampa Bay also brought Rob Gronkowski out of retirement, as the Bucs swung a trade with the Pats for his rights.

It is assumed that Jarrett Stidham will fill the void of starting quarterback, but for good measure, Brian Hoyer was signed as the backup, his third stint with Bill Belichick.

Tom Brady was not the solely established veteran leaving Foxborough, as Stephen Gostkowski was officially released by New England as well. Phillip Dorsett signed with the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason, and a few staples of last season’s impressive defense also departed in Jamie Collins (to the Detroit Lions) and Kyle Van Noy (to the Miami Dolphins).

Defensive back Devin McCourty is returning to the Patriots in 2020, and through the draft, Bill Belichick opted against using one of his ten picks on a quarterback. Instead, he chose to add depth on defense, as well as on the offensive line via seven out of those ten picks. With Brady gone, many players will have to step up in 2020.