Returning stars

QB Mac Jones (you goddamn right)

Key veteran adds

RB Ty Montgomery, CB Malcolm Butler, S Jabrill Peppers

Key veteran losses

CB JC Jackson, DE Chase Winovich, LB Dont’a Hightower, LB Kyle Van Noy

Key draft picks

G Cole Strange (29)

Analysis

You goddamn right Mac Jones is a returning star. The rookie QB did everything right in his first season, outclassing every other rookie quarterback in the league. If a sophomore slump takes hold, Jones can lean on a solid running game, between Harris and Stevenson, and one of the most lauded minds in coachdom pulling the strings. There is some concern that the defense will not bring enough heat with the loss of free agent cornerback JC Jackson. The Patriots have a troubling habit of jettisoning star players, but they’re playing moneyball on top of the football. Bill Belichick will receive the benefit of the doubt until he’s dead and his weirdo mulleted son is long dead too.

Prediction: 3rd in division. The Patriots overperformed in Mac Jones’ rookie season. Expect a sophomore slump as the young quarterback feels the burden of expectations. Belichick is due a dog season.