New England Patriots Signings: Grading Major Free Agent and Trade Acquisitions

The New England Patriots have been far more active in trades and free agency than we are used to seeing. In fact, the recent rash of moves has some in the media thinking that Bill Belichick has his eye on a Super Bowl in 2011.

In some way, shape, or form, every key acquisition the Patriots have made thus far addresses a need that the Patriots had entering the offseason.

Albert Haynesworth helps the pass rush. Ochocinco provides a solid pass-catcher capable of winning one-on-one match-ups. Matt Light can mentor Nate Solder until he's ready to play.

Of course, addressing a need is only part of the equation. One must also account for the price paid to make the acquisition.

With that, let's take a closer look at how the Patriots fared in their major acquisitions during this tumultuous start to free agency.

Erik Frenz is the co-host of the PatsPropaganda and Frenz podcast. Follow Erik on Twitter @erikfrenz.

Albert Haynesworth

Compensation: 2013 fifth round pick

Other details: Restructured contract

Why it could work: At his best, Albert Haynesworth was a dominant defensive tackle, with two All-Pro selections in two years in Tennessee.

The Patriots have run the 4-3 defense almost exclusively in training camp, and could be making the switch. Haynesworth was vocally displeased with his role in the 3-4 in Washington, but could be back to the dominant days of '07 and '08 in the 4-3.

Why it could fail: At his worst, Haynesworth was an unmotivated insubordinate who was consistently out of shape and unwilling to play his role in the 3-4 defense. This happens to be the defense that the Patriots run.

Not even the highly respected Mike Shanahan could motivate him.

Grade: B+

If Haynesworth proves to be the unmotivated "why it could fail" version of himself, the Patriots can cut ties with him at minimal cost. If he proves to be the "why it could work" version, offensive linemen could be in for long Sundays up against the two-man duo of Haynesworth and Vince Wilfork.

Chad Ochocinco

Compensation: 2012 fifth round pick, 2013 sixth round pick

Other details: Restructured contract

Why it could work: From an on-field perspective, Ochocinco gives the Patriots a receiving option capable of winning those one-on-one match-ups in man coverage, which just so happens to be what the New York Jets run consistently. It is also what caused the Patriots offense to go awry in the playoff loss to their hated rival.

Tom Brady has also done the majority of his best work with veteran receivers. Brady and Ochocinco could get on the same page quickly.

Why it could fail: The loud-mouthed receiver meets the tight-lipped coach. The two share the same vision of contributing to a Super Bowl victory, but whether the two can see eye to eye long enough to make it work remains to be seen.

Ochocinco does not exactly fall in line with what the Patriots pursue in their ideal fit for the "Patriots way," but he has said that it will not be an issue.

Grade: B+

With the minimal compensation and the restructuring of his contract, it looks as though Ochocinco is a low-risk, high-reward pick-up for the Patriots. This could mean, however, that the high draft picks used on Brandon Tate and Taylor Price were for naught.

Kevin Faulk

Compensation: One year, details undisclosed

Why it could work: After drafting two running backs in the 2011 NFL draft, the Patriots are clearly looking toward their youth movement in the backfield.

Still, Kevin Faulk has a lot to offer those young players as a mentor. With his extensive knowledge of the system, he is a valuable resource to the likes of Danny Woodhead and Shane Vereen, whose roles could be similar to Faulk's in the passing game.

Why it could fail: Faulk is coming off ACL surgery, after tearing the ligament in Week 2 against the Jets in 2010. Whether the veteran can make a full recovery has yet to be seen, and he could retire or even be cut at the end of training camp if things don't work out.

Grade: A

There is nothing wrong with extending the veteran running back for one year.

Matt Light

Compensation: Two years, $12 million, $7 million guaranteed (unconfirmed)

Why it could work: Matt Light has been the blind side protector for the Patriots for the past 11 years, and will remain in that role in 2011.

Now, the Patriots will not have to put the fate of Brady's blind side in the hands of rookie Nate Solder, who has not even seen the inside of the Patriots facilities yet.

Why it could fail: Light gave up 10 sacks last year, by far the most of his career. Who knows if that is a sign of his decline, or just a down year.

Grade: A

The Patriots keep their left tackle of the past 11 years who has been an anchor at that position. Whether he is on the downside of his career or not remains to be seen, but regardless, he makes a great mentor for Solder in his infant stages.

Logan Mankins

Compensation: Franchise tag worth $10.1 million

Why it could work: The Patriots have retained one of the best interior offensive linemen in the game.The entire offensive line plays better as a unit with him on the field.

More importantly, they have retained their enforcer, the guy who brings that extra shot of vinegar to the offensive line. The attitude he brings to the game is unmatched by anyone on the Patriots OL.

Why it could fail: Mankins has been vocally upset with the franchise tag in the past, and has expressed his desire to experience free agency for the first time in his seven-year career. Nonetheless, he has signed the tender and has reported to camp on time.

Grade: A

The Patriots would probably rather not have Mankins on the books for over $10 million next year, but they would much rather have their best offensive linemen than allow him to walk in free agency.

Final Grade

Final grade: A-

The Patriots are one of the big winners thus far since the lockout ended.

Of course, that will not cut it for the Patriots organization or their fans. If these moves do not translate into wins—most importantly playoff wins—the Patriots will endure a lot of scrutiny for taking too many chances and rolling the dice on one Super Bowl season.

The fact that they did not have to mortgage the future for a shot at the present should be solace to fans who hope for a contender for years to come.