The NFL is an enormous business, with the league’s 32 franchises collectively worth more than $160 billion and annual revenue approaching $15 billion. For owners, the financial side of the operation is obviously important, but there is a point where saving money can begin to negatively impact the product on the field. That is where the New England Patriots and owner Robert Kraft have raised some questions this offseason. MORE: NFL top 5 richest teams in 2026 Cutting Costs Has Become a Patriots Tradition New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft waves prior to the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images Kraft has developed a reputation for being one of the NFL’s more frugal owners. The Patriots have frequently ranked near the bottom of the league in spending on players, while several notable players have left New England when contract negotiations became an issue. Hall of Famers Ty Law, Richard Seymour and Adam Vinatieri, along with offensive lineman Logan Mankins, are examples of players the Patriots ultimately moved on from. Even Tom Brady famously accepted team-friendly contracts during his time in New England. The cost-cutting hasn’t been limited to the roster, either. Patriots players have consistently ranked the organization poorly in NFLPA team surveys, including complaints about the team’s aging facilities and equipment. Their team plane has even become a running joke, with reports noting that the armrests have ashtrays. Then came this offseason’s bizarre Turf-Gate situation. MORE: Rating every NFL game on the Monday Night Football schedule in 2026 The Christian Gonzalez and WR Situations New England had to deal with a series of field issues after temporarily replacing its turf with grass for the World Cup. Once the soccer matches ended, the grass was removed, and a new turf surface was installed for the Patriots and other events at Gillette Stadium. The problem? The initial turf wasn’t NFL-approved, forcing the team to replace it again just days before Thursday’s game. Meanwhile, the Patriots have major decisions to make on the roster. Christian Gonzalez remains unsigned despite Robert Kraft saying the team offered him a contract that would make him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL and the highest-paid Patriot ever. The wide receiver room could also undergo significant changes. New England traded for A.J. Brown, signed Romeo Doubs, and allowed Stefon Diggs to leave. Kayshon Boutte subsequently requested a trade. After Thursday’s preseason game, however, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III may have strengthened their cases. Chism caught all three of his targets for 20 yards, while Williams caught two of three passes for 37 yards and a touchdown.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —