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.

The Patriots agreed to sign two players to bolster their defense Monday, agreeing to contacts with free agent cornerback Carlton Davis III and linebacker Robert Spillane.