How could any franchise allow a team to stockpile the talent the Patriots have on the 2007-2008 roster. The offensive arsenal that Tom Brady possesses with receivers: Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Kelly Washington and Donte' Stallworth. On the defensive side just the addition of Adalius Thomas to the outside next to Tedy Bruschi gives the linebacker corps a foot up in the AFC East. The aforementioned players with exception to Kelly Washington and Donte' Stallworth were sent over in trades. The subsequent teams: Oakland Raiders (2-3) and the Miami Dolphins (0-6) is just the tip of the crumble of the NFL.
There are several other teams with borderline records that could have picked up any of these players for a lot more money. The lure of draft picks and the riddance of a headache instigated the Randy Moss trade. It leaves to question why would the Raiders trade Moss to an AFC rival. The sixth round drafts pick and hampered offense were not worth the sixth round pick received. Now the question why did Green Bay have more of a consideration?
Stallworth on the other hand after a good playoff run with the Eagles was not brought back. With his talent and ability he should have been signed with the Titans, Chargers or Texans. Instead he took a short deal with the Patriots to win right now. Possibilities to strengthen a team is an effort that must be made in the off-season, the NFL trade line is not a possibility. The complexities of the offenses and defenses of today's teams a trade will not culminate till the following season.
To win in the NFL, money has to be spent to build your rosters. Drafts help invigorate the depth and learn the system. The inception of free agency can push a team over the top with the acquisitions of one to four players. The New England Patriots have picked the free agency and trade tree bare this season. The harvest of championships can be possible over at least the next three years.