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Ten biggest winners and losers from Thursday’s NFL free agency frenzy

NFL free agency

Winner: Patriots continue to impress

Bill Belichick and the Patriots are in a prime position heading into free agency with Jimmy Garoppolo in their back pocket.

The New England Patriots went into free agency with more money to spend than most teams around the league. And they put that money to good use.

Early Thursday morning, it was reported the Pats were bringing in top free-agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore on a deal worth $13 million per year on average. This was kind of a stunner, because the Chicago Bears were thought to be the team with the angle on this particular player until the last minute.

This signing gave the Patriots a tremendous bargaining chip in their reported pursuit of New Orleans Saints receiver Brandin Cooks. They are reportedly dangling Malcolm Butler as trade bait to land Cooks.

New England also brought back defensive tackle Alan Branch on a two-year deal worth $12 million. He, along with Malcolm Brown, gives the Pats a tremendous run-stuffing force in the middle.

Additionally, though less heralded, the Patriots brought back safety Duron Harmon on a four-year worth up to $17.5 million, per Albert Breer of The MMQB.

Then there’s the trade that was made official Thursday but worked out Wednesday that sent a fourth-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for tight end Dwayne Allen and a sixth-round pick.

On top of it all, Dont’a Hightower is still unsigned and could return to the fold, in addition to any other moves that could still be made. The Patriots absolutely crushed the first day of free agency, something that should make the rest of the league very uncomfortable.

And they still might make out like a bandit if anyone’s willing to spend enough to land Jimmy Garoppolo.

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