3 Moves That Bill Belichick Can Make to Fix the Patriots' Disastrous Offseason

New England Patriots supporters have been dealt countless buzzkills this offseason, none of which, however, was more agonizing than Tom Brady signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency.

That's the thing: prior to Brady's departure the Patriots were already undergoing a brutal offseason. Kyle Van Noy, an integral component of Bill Belichick's defense, signed with the Dolphins. Edge rusher Jamie Collins, who recorded seven sacks last season, inked a deal with Detroit. Elsewhere, New England let offensive lineman Ted Karras walk in free agency and traded safety Duron Harmon.

We could continue, but the fact of the matter is that Belichick needs to act fast. Let's highlight a couple of moves that the six-time Super Bowl champ can make to salvage the Pats' shambolic offseason.

3. Trade for Brandin Cooks (Again)

Cooks' tenure with the Rams hasn't gone as planned since the team acquired in a trade from the Patriots, and it's really no surprise that Los Angeles is reportedly shopping him. New England still has a glaring issue at wide receiver, so why wouldn't Belichick look to bring Cooks back to Foxborough? After concussions ended his 2019 season, the 26-year-old's value won't get any lower. New England could secure a deal for Cooks for as little as a mid-round draft pick. The only problem after that? Creating cap space. The Pats would likely have to find a trade partner for Joe Thuney after slapping the franchise tag on him.

2. Sign Shelby Harris

Before you roll your eyes, yes, we understand that the Patriots would have to clear some cap space for this move too. Luckily for Belichick, he has a slew of expensive expendable of players that he could either cut or trade -- WR Mohamed Sanu, OL Marcus Cannon and CB Jonathan Jones, to name a few. Harris would alter the entire dynamic of New England's defense. The 28-year-old compiled 49 combined tackles, eight sacks, one forced fumble, and his nine pass deflections led all NFL defensive tackles.

1. Trade for Cam Newton

It's slowly closing with each week that passes, but the Patriots window for success is still open. Trading for Cam Newton would go a long way to making sure it stays that way for at least the 2020 season. The former MVP's health has betrayed him in recent years, but he's still just 30 years old. Assuming that Belichick encourages Newton to stop treating his body like its one of an NFL rookie, the injuries will subside. Despite what his haters might tell you, the three-time Pro Bowler is still elite and New England must make acquiring him its top priority.