According to the article, the Patriots are optimistic that Vrabel and Maye will help them attract some of their free agent targets.
As for ownership... I don't know. I think Belichick had complete control of Football Operations for a number of years and he had his own way of doing things that he and Brady made work... until it didn't work. I was listening to a beat reporter state that the organization found out last season that Bill was handling responsibilities that no one knew he had taken on until he left. I think they know they've fallen behind, but I'm not sure they realize exactly how far behind they actually are.
For example, it's great that the Patriots are building a new practice facility. It's clearly needed, and the Krafts should be applauded for building it. But... I kind of winced when I read it was going to cost $50 million. To put it in perspective, the Revolution's practice facility cost $35 million. Belichick's new facility at UNC cost $48 million in 1998, and recently underwent a $15 million renovation. The University of Florida's new practice facility cost $85 million, and each individual locker cost $15,000. The University of Georgia's practice facility renovation was done by renowned architects HOK Sports. When the Patriots decided they wanted to upgrade their weight room a few years ago, they put Matt Patricia in charge of the project.
You're right, but I feel as if those reports about Sanders being closer to QB3 than QB1 match the eye test. When I watched Sanders, I saw a really good college QB that's accurate, but held on to the ball too long and lacked high end arm talent.