After a promising 2-1 start to the 2020 season for the Patriots, they seemed ready to make a push for the postseason for the 12th straight year, with newly acquired Quarterback Cam Newton having a great start, but as the season went on, the flaws of the Patriots grew more apparent, and the team finished the season with a 7-9 record, good for 3rd in the division.

Although the Patriots' dynasty looks to be over, the team is not done yet, with the 4th most projected cap space to spend in the upcoming free agency, it will be a crucial offseason for HC/GM Bill Belichick, so here’s how the Patriots could return to their old form next season, and make a push for January football. 

First, the Patriots will need to use some of their money to retain key players, although the emergence of 6th round rookie Michael Onwenu made G Joe Thuney’s contract expendable, they will still need to bring back C David Andrews, and RFA CB J.C. Jackson if they want any shot, there are also other key players such as pass catching RB James White, and Hybrid DT Lawerence Guy, bringing these players back will keep the team together, while also leaving financial room to work with.

Next, Belichick will have to use the remaining cap space in a stacked free agent class, the positions the Patriots should be aiming for is either a QB, WR, DT/DE, TE, or a LB, all positions with not much positive performance in 2020. Free Agents the Patriots could go after include TEs Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, who are both coming off of great years and have proved vital to their offenses, WRs such as Allen Robinson, or Chris Godwin, who would be great but very expensive, or cheaper, good, young guys like Corey Davis and Curtis Samuel. And of course, if he isn’t franchise tagged, making a push for the golden goose of free agency, Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, will be mandatory. 

Continuing, possibly the most important moment of the offseason, the Patriots will have the number 15 pick in the NFL Draft where they endless options, including my personal favorite pick if he falls to them, Florida TE Kyle Pitts, who is one of the best pass catching TE we’ve ever seen enter the NFL draft, and has the potential to live up to the likes of Rob Gronkowski.

An offseason like this will be possibly the biggest in Belichick’s career, where he needs to determine whether he wants to make a push, or rebuild for later years, and if the offseason goes the Patriots way, don’t be surprised to see the legend coaching another game in January.