Equipped with the most salary cap space in the NFL, the New England Patriots wasted no time getting to work after the opening of the legal tampering period on Monday. Within the first hour, they secured their first player: linebacker Robert Spillane was signed to a three-year deal with a total base value of $33 million.

The Patriots made moves to bulk up their defense on Monday, reportedly signing linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerback Carlton Davis as NFL free agency kicked off.

Spillane's signing is notable due to his familiarity with new Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. Vrabel gave Spillane his first NFL opportunity, signing him as an undrafted free agent for the Titans in 2018 out of Western Michigan.