From Mac Jones trade talk to battles between Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft, the Patriots are not in position to improve from last year’s debacle.

Matt Patricia, a defensive whiz, did a subpar job last season calling offensive plays for the Patriots.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he hopes Bill Belichick coaches long enough to break Don Shula’s all-time wins record, but acknowledge New England needs to execute up to its lofty standards.

Dont’a Hightower won three Super Bowl rings (2014, 2016, 2018) with the Patriots to go with two Pro Bowl selections (2016, 2019).

A day after Jakobi Meyers leaves for the Raiders, New England agrees with JuJu Smith-Schuster on a three-year, $33 million contract.

Jakobi Meyers, New England’s leading receiver for the past three seasons, reunites with Coach Josh McDaniels in Las Vegas.

Jones, who has four interception last season, agrees to a two-year deal.

Commentary: The way quarterback salaries are rising, New England needs to take advantage while Mac Jones is still on his rookie deal.

McGinest faces a maximum of eight years in prison following a December incident at an L.A. nightclub.

With a lackluster group of free agents and an unimpressive draft class, New England might need to swing a trade to fill one of its most glaring needs.