sirrealone makes great points.

The Patriots don't have a ton of cap space, and they build through the draft anyway. Their coach, QB and system allows them to just plug in seemingly random [[low salary) guys and maximize their potential. Paying free agents has never really been their MO.

Imagine if the Lions adopted this philosophy; fans and radio callers would be furious that the Lions "didn't do anything" in free agency. They filled their biggest needs, including TE, so they don't waste a first round pick on a TE again. Flowers is a lot of money, but he's fairly young and has proven he can play at a high level.

What happens on the field is what really matters, but I think the reactions to this have been overblown.