The New England Patriots spent big last season and made a huge leap back to the Super Bowl following three poor seasons – and that is something the Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders hope to emulate.
It’s a tough ask though for two struggling teams, so the hope is that the $320m (£240m) the Titans dished out and the Raiders’ $292m (£220m) outlay can at least start them off along the road to glory.
New Titans head coach Robert Saleh brought in defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers and traded for Jermaine Johnson – both from his former team the New York Jets, while they gave wide receiver Wan’dale Robinson a surprisingly high $70m (£53m) deal and also added two cornerbacks in a big roster overhaul.
Like the Titans, the Raiders had money to burn and spent a huge chunk of it on centre Tyler Linderbaum, with his $81m (£61m) deal smashing the record for his position.
Vegas have no doubt overpaid for the former Ravens centre, but they need an elite player snapping the ball to rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who they are expected to take with the first pick of the NFL draft.
While not too much is expected from the top two spenders right away, the Carolina Panthers made the play-offs last season and have made the biggest individual free-agency outlay to try to improve further – giving edge rusher Jaelan Phillips a $120m (£90m) to join from Philadelphia.
Spending does not equal success, but if it helps then expect a much-needed boost in form for these three.
