Patriots’ Super Bowl 56 Odds After Signing Jonnu Smith, Matthew Judon and Re-Signing Cam Newton
- The New England Patriots went on a spending spree on the first day of NFL free agency
- They re-signed QB Cam Newton and added free agent TE Jonnu Smith and LB Matt Judon
- As a result, New England’s Super Bowl odds shortened from +4000 to +3000
A life of NFL irrelevance is not something that was sitting well with the brass of the New England Patriots. On the first day that NFL teams could sign free agents from other clubs, the Pats ended up emptying the vault in pursuit of upgrading their roster.
Among several signings, the key additions were Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Matt Judon. New England also opted to re-sign quarterback Cam Newton.
The outcome of all of this roster upheaval led to New England’s Super Bowl odds shortening significantly. At the start of the day Monday, the average betting line on the Patriots winning the 2021 Super Bowl was +4000. By later in the day, that line was at +3000.
Last season, the Pats were 7-9. That was the club’s first losing campaign since 1993.
2022 NFL Super Bowl Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs | +500 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | +800 |
| Green Bay Packers | +1100 |
| Buffalo Bills | +1300 |
| Baltimore Ravens | +1300 |
| Los Angeles Rams | +1300 |
| San Francisco 49ers | +1500 |
| Cleveland Browns | +2200 |
| Indianapolis Colts | +2200 |
| New Orleans Saints | +2500 |
| Miami Dolphins | +2800 |
| Dallas Cowboys | +2800 |
| New England Patriots | +3000 |
| Seattle Seahawks | +3000 |
| Tennessee Titans | +3000 |
Odds as of Mar. 15th at DraftKings.
If you’re the Buffalo Bills, don’t you feel like the hero in a horror flick? Just when they thought they were done with the monster, here comes their worst nightmare rising up to fight again.
Is Jonnu the New Gronk?
There’s been a void at the tight end position ever since Rob Gronkowski left the Pats following the 2018 season. Over the past two seasons, New England shows the NFL’s lowest pass-catching production from its tight ends.
Smith is an emerging star at the position. He also fits well into what the Patriots like to do on offense, because he’s equally adept at blocking as he is at snaring passes.
Jonnu Smith and the Patriots have agreed to a four-year, $50M deal including $31.25 fully guaranteed, per @AdamSchefter
NE makes a big move. @brgridiron pic.twitter.com/fb0aXbkYhO
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 15, 2021
Over the past two seasons, Smith pulled in 84 receptions, accounting for 955 yards and 11 touchdowns with the Tennessee Titans. His arrival also means that the club won’t be required to spend a high draft pick in search of a capable tight end.
After Hunter Henry, Smith was considered the second-best TE available in the NFL free agency odds.
Defensive Upgrades for Patriots
A physical edge-rusher who’s accounted for 34.5 sacks in his NFL career, Judon will pair well with Dont’a Hightower, who’s returning after opting out last season, and will give the Pats a terrifying and punishing 1-2 punch at LB.
New England ranked 26th in the NFL at stopping the run last season. They added Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Davon Godchaux to help solve that issue.
Matt Judon: “New England, here we come.” pic.twitter.com/RqvBhcpSW2
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) March 15, 2021
Safety Jalen Mills, part of the Philadelphia Eagles team that beat the Pats in Super Bowl 52, was also signed. He’s versatile, capable of playing cornerback. At 26, he’ll inject youth behind starters Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung, both 33. Chung also is returning after opting out last season.
Sticking With Cam
There were other options that could’ve been explored under center, such as Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jacoby Brissett and perhaps Marcus Mariota. The Pats, though, ended up determining that sticking with Newton was the route to go.
I can’t wait to see @CameronNewton go to work this season with a full off season with the Patriots! Dude a baller man, y’all be tripping!
— Darius Shaquille Leonard (@dsleon45) March 15, 2021
The one-year deal worth $13.6 million, along with the potential for another $6 million in incentives, isn’t so outrageous that it precludes the team from exploring opportunities to upgrade at QB.
They Weren’t Done Yet
There was a desperate need for upgrade at wide receiver. That was addressed with the addition of Nelson Agholor. He caught eight TDs for the Raiders last season.
New England wideouts accounted for just four TD receptions in 2020. Jakobi Meyers led the team with 59 receptions (53rd in the NFL) and 729 yards (49th overall).
All of the peasant franchises had a chance for one year, but now the Patriots are back. Can’t wait to see Cam Newton lift the Lombardi trophy over his head.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) March 15, 2021
Not only do these players upgrade New England’s roster, the moves end up taking Judon, Smith and Godchaux away from teams that figure to compete with the Pats in the AFC playoff chase.
It’s safe again to mention Patriots and playoffs in the same sentence. Super Bowl? Well, as Tampa Bay displayed last season, just get in there. Then anything can happen.
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
