Although free agency hasn’t officially started (so dumb, just say it starts March 1 and we can all move on), but New England made its first splash on Sunday night.

Multiple reports have former Boston College linebacker Harold Landry headed to Foxborough on a three-year, $43.5 million dollar contract with 26 of it guaranteed.

While technically a linebacker, Landry should bring some immediate help to the pass rushing element of a defense that desperately needs it. Landry has 50.5 sacks in his career and had 12, 10 and 9.0 in the last three seasons. He also of course reunites with Mike Vrabel who was his head coach in Tennessee, so there will be plenty of familiarity.

During his time at BC (2014-2017), Landry racked up 26 sacks in 47 games played with 100 solo tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery. He ended up being an early second round pick (41st overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Multiple outlets also reported that the Patriots are bringing back veteran tight end Austin Hooper on a one-year, $5 million dollar deal with a max value of up to $7 million.

Hooper is a good vet to have in the room and his relationship with both Hunter Henry and Drake Maye is good to keep in tact too. Hooper is entering his 10th year in the league and had 45 catches on 59 targets for 476 yards and three touchdowns last season. We’ve all seen what Josh McDaniels can do with a two-tight end offense, so it’ll be interesting to see if his production spikes a bit alongside Henry.

These deals won’t be official until the new ‘league year’ starts on Wednesday, but Pats fans should be pleased with the start to this extremely important offseason so far.