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Recapping the Patriots' unbelievable offseason haul after Harris signing

Bob DeChiara / USA TODAY Sports

The rich get richer.

After coming away with yet another Lombardi Trophy, the fifth of the Brady-Belichick era, the New England Patriots were anything but complacent heading into the offseason.

Retaining Dont'a Hightower and Malcolm Butler, as they did, would have been more than enough for the Patriots to remain a Super Bowl favorite in 2017. But with salary cap space to burn, the defending champs set out to load up. And that they did.

Here's a look back at New England's insanely strong offseason haul following the most recent move, scooping up another defensive leader in former Jets linebacker David Harris.

Stephon Gilmore, CB
5-year, $65-million contract

Logan Ryan hitting the free-agent market made cornerback a clear area of concern heading into the offseason. That didn't last long, though. Making use of their influx in salary cap space, the Patriots paid up to land arguably the top available player at the position. Gilmore bolting from Buffalo to join Malcolm Butler instantly gives New England one of the league's top coverage tandems.

Brandin Cooks, WR
Acquired in trade with Saints

The Patriots' passing attack has long been able to pick apart defenses in the short and intermediate areas of the field. Much like Randy Moss did upon landing with the Patriots, Cooks' deep speed could provide the perfect complement. His big-play ability and the potential to further open things up for everyone else makes this a major addition for an already dominant offense.

David Harris, LB
2-year, $5-million contract

Just when you thought the Patriots were done for the offseason, reports surfaced Wednesday indicating that they had scooped up Harris on a two-year deal. The veteran linebacker is now 33, but his release from the Jets was more about cutting costs amid a mass rebuild. Harris can still play, and he'll be a strong addition next to Dont'a Hightower in the front seven.

Mike Gillislee, RB
2-year, $6.5-million RFA deal

This one has the potential to be highway robbery. Doubling down on key players stolen away from the division-rival Bills, the Patriots extended Gillislee an RFA offer sheet Buffalo couldn't justify matching. A 26-year-old running back who averaged 5.7 yards per carry over the past few seasons now steps into the early-down role left behind by LeGarrette Blount. Upgrade.

Rex Burkhead, RB
1-year, $3.15-million contract

Burkhead having to settle for a one-year deal is somewhat surprising, but the Patriots will certainly take it. The now-former Cincinnati Bengals running back is the perfect player for what New England does on offense. Whether it's taking carries, catching passes out of the backfield, or splitting out wide as a receiver, Burkhead can do it all. Don't be surprised if he's a fantasy stud.

Dwayne Allen, TE
Acquired in trade with Colts

The inevitable free-agent departure of Martellus Bennett was going to be a blow to the Patriots both in terms of depth behind Rob Gronkowski and flexibility to run their two tight end sets. In exchange for a mere swap of Day 3 picks, that problem was solved. Allen is a capable in-line blocker, and you can bet his receiving upside will be maximized by Tom Brady.

Kony Ealy, DE
Acquired in trade with Panthers

Ealy is a talented, young player who flashed ability but never did enough to carve out a long-term role for himself with his former team. Sound familiar? After landing him in exchange for nothing more than an eight-pick trade back from the second to third round, would anyone really be all that surprised if Bill Belichick molds Ealy into an effective pass-rusher?

Derek Rivers, DE
3rd-round pick

The aforementioned trades mean that New England didn't pick until the third round of this year's draft. The board still fell just right, though, as a pass-rusher many saw as a borderline Day 1 talent was there for the taking at No. 83 overall. Rivers could be quick to emerge at the Patriots' top threat on the edge.

Andrew Hawkins, WR
1-year, $775K contract

The Hawkins signing could very well end up being little more than camp competition. After all, he's essentially taking a "prove-it" deal to join a crowded receiving corps. But his quickness and ability to work out of the slot will be valued in this offense as much as any other.

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