RSS Patriots Team Notes

[New England Patriots]

8 Patriots to watch against the Seahawks in 2026 Super Bowl

Football: AFC Championship: New England Patriots Stefon Diggs (8) runs on the field prior to game vs Denver Broncos at Empower Field. Denver, CO 1/25/2026CREDIT: Jamie Schwaberow (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X164831 TK1)

The New England Patriots are back in the Super Bowl, and they are thanks to the strength of their roster. While having an MVP-caliber quarterback certainly makes life in pro football a lot easier, Drake Maye alone could not have gotten the team to this point: it was an achievement by the entire team, and they will again need it to rise to the occasion on Sunday.

Taking on the Seattle Seahawks with the Lombardi Trophy in sight, the Patriots won’t be able to win based on individual talent alone. What they need is a collective effort, as they have gotten all year.

That being said, given the opponent and circumstances, some players project to be more pivotal for the overall outcome of the game. With that said, let’s take a look at eight players we will be keeping a particular eye on in Super Bowl LX.

RB TreVeyon Henderson​

The Patriots’ second-round rookie has had a quiet postseason so far, and in the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos played only four snaps compared to Rhamondre Stevenson’s 60. So, why is he a player to keep an eye on against Seattle? Because of both what he does and doesn’t do well and how it might impact the game.

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First, a look at his skillset. While Stevenson also is an able receiver out of the backfield, Henderson is the more dynamic player of the two and thus might be better suited to attack an area of the field New England should be able to successfully target: the flats. Passes to the youngster either as a check-down option or on designed plays could be a vital part 0f Josh McDaniels’ play to counteract New England’s questions along the offensive line (a plan similar to the one he implemented for Super Bowl XLIX).

As for his weaknesses, they are something the Patriots need to account for. Henderson, after all, has been bad in pass protection this year. Asking him to pick up blitzers one-on-one will be a tough task is not something they should reliably do based on his NFL track record so far.

While Stevenson ultimately should out-snap him again, Henderson seeing an uptick in snaps and as part of two-back sets could be on the menu on Sunday.

WR Stefon Diggs​

It took Stefon Diggs 11 seasons, four different teams and a lot of heartbreak to get to this point, but he is finally in the Super Bowl. His first appearance on the biggest stage in the sport also is one where he could play a major role considering the opponent.

Obviously, the Seahawks defense is impressive and ranked among the top units in football in several statistical categories all while relying on swarming nickel coverage and a disruptive front four. However, that does not mean the Patriots won’t find areas to target, and one of them just happens to perfectly align with what Diggs and Drake Maye do well: find open space against zone coverage.

Versus Seattle, the Patriots will get chances to do so particularly in the underneath parts of the field and between the first and second levels. So whether it is crossers or sit-down routes, Diggs could become a volume target for Maye on Sunday.

RG Mike Onwenu​

Head coach Mike Vrabel has spoken repeatedly this season about needing the best players to perform in order for his team to be successful. One of those players is right guard Mike Onwenu.

You might not be hearing his name often, but the six-year veteran has been New England’s most reliable player along the offensive line and will play a big role against Seattle’s front four on Sunday. The Patriots, after all, will not be able to double all of them and will likely prioritize helping their rookie duo on the left side, Will Campbell and Jared Wilson. If so, Onwenu holding his own in one-on-ones against the likes of Byron Murphy and Leonard Williams will be a crucial battle in this game.

DT Milton Williams and DT Christian Barmore​

Yes, they had obvious questions at the quarterback position, but the Broncos still entered the AFC title game with arguably the top offensive line in football. It did not matter because the Patriots’ interior defensive line duo of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore took over. The two registered a combined 10 quarterback pressures including a sack, proving that they are capable of completely disrupting the rhythm of the opponent.

The Seahawks’ offensive line is not bad either, especially compared to years past, but it is not close to the same level as Denver’s especially at the center and right guard spots. The prospect of Jalen Sundell and Anthony Bradford going up against Williams and Barmore is not something Seattle should feel comfortable with.

Obviously, there are ways to counteract this, but it would require the Seahawks to still periodically win their matchups and move away from what they are comfortable doing (running the ball on early downs and take play-action shots). If the Patriots end up winning, it very well could be because of this particular matchup.

LB Robert Spillane​

The Patriots run defense has impressed this season, and Robert Spillane is a big reason why. A hyper-instinctual player with a quick downhill trigger and the proper physicality and technique to stuff runs in the hole, he is a glue guy on defense both because of his natural abilities and his communication skills.

He also is a question mark entering Sunday. Listed as questionable because of an ankle injury he suffered in the AFC Championship, he only practiced twice in the lead-up to the Super Bowl and never in a full capacity. He is still expected to play, but any limitations could end up hurting New England’s ability to properly shut down Kenneth Walker and Seattle’s run game.

CB Christian Gonzalez​

Christian Gonzalez against Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the marquee matchup of this year’s Super Bowl. One of the top cornerbacks in the NFL against one of its top receivers, who was just voted the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, on the game’s biggest stage. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Of course, it remains to be seen just how often the two will actually end up crossing paths. The Patriots have morphed into a zone-heavy team under Mike Vrabel, Terrell Williams and Zak Kuhr, and are only playing man coverage on around 31% of defensive snaps. Still, on the occasions that they do go man-to-man, they cannot allow JSN to take over — and he very well has shown that he is capable of that.

The question for New England is how to prevent that from happening. Using Gonzalez is their best bet, particularly when Smith-Njigba splits out wide. However, Seattle has shown that it is also comfortable moving him inside or even the backfield in order to create favorable matchups.

In that particular case, the Patriots have to ask themselves whether they want Gonzalez trailing — which he very much can do — or play a different defense altogether with, for example, Marcus Jones and chip or safety help. Realistically, they will use a mix of looks and defenders, but when the Seahawks are facing money downs, you just know that quarterback Sam Darnold will be looking Smith-Njigba’s way.

If he does, Gonzalez is the single player to give the Patriots the best chance of success.

K Andy Borregales​

If the game plays out as expected, points will be at a premium. This in turn, makes every scoring opportunity valuable and puts pressure on those tasked with delivering points. For the Patriots, there is one player uniquely positioned to do so.

We are, of course, talking about their rookie kicker, Andy Borregales.

Borregales has been fairly decent this year, despite only making 31 of his 38 field goal tries for a success rate of 81.6%; two of his misses so far, for example, came in rough conditions in Denver two weeks ago. Overall, he has shown that he can deliver the goods when called upon and that he enjoys his team’s trust. Of course, the Super Bowl is a different beast from a pressure and mentality perspective, and Borregales needs to show that he can withstand the brightest of all lights shining on him.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...atch-seahawks-christian-gonzalez-stefon-diggs

 

[New England Patriots]

Instant analysis from Patriots’ 29-13 loss to Seahawks in Super Bowl LX

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) is sacked by Seattle Seahawks Derick Hall (58) during the first quarter of Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026. (Photo by Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

It had been 4,025 days since the sides last crossed paths in February. But as eventual AP NFL Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel said during his introductory press conference, there’s things that are interesting and there’s things that are important.

The New England Patriots were unable to finish the important in Sunday’s 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.

Here’s a glance back on the 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Levi’s Stadium.

Maye ahead of schedule, just not in Santa Clara​

The youngest quarterback to start a Super Bowl since Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino had to stay ahead of schedule. In Santa Clara, that proved to be daunting. Drake Maye completed 27-of-43 passes for 295 yards versus the Seahawks on Sunday. The 23-year-old Patriots quarterback did so en route to two touchdowns, two interceptions and one fumble.

Taking the field in “22” personnel, New England’s opening drive spanned a pair of first downs before ending in sack, a blitzed throwaway and a punt. After climbing the pocket for a play-action pickup of 21 yards to wide receiver Kayshon Boutte next time out, there would be a third-and-15 takedown for another punt. It’d soon be three, four and five punts in a row versus Seattle’s zone-heavy coverage.

The Patriots hadn’t found themselves shut out at halftime all season. But the score read 9-0 at the break. And no team still scoreless at that point had ever gone on to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. It soon read 12-0. A sixth, seventh and eighth punt were endured heading out of it.

With 16 seconds remaining in the third quarter, a punch-out went in the books as the first turnover. A Seahawks touchdown came of it. The response? A 35-yard Patriots touchdown down the left sideline and over the shoulders of towering veteran Mack Hollins. With that, a 19-7 game it briefly became.

An underthrown deep shot in the dark followed and backfield. Seattle safety Julian Love intercepted what was intended for rookie wideout Kyle Williams. And the nickel blitz that had hit home before soon did again on a pick-six.

An eight-play, 75-yard push would cut things to 29-13. But reality had set in. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ group finished 6-for-15 on third down against the NFL’s top defense in EPA per play.

Seahawks turn up the thermostat with six sacks​

The wild card against the Los Angeles Chargers, the divisional round against the Houston Texans, and the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos gave way to 15 sacks. January’s playoff gauntlet continued.

Left tackle Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson became first rookie duo to start on a Super Bowl offensive line. There was little margin for error. There were, however, errors that extended beyond a false start. Both gave up sacks before halftime.

The No. 4 overall pick out of LSU and the No. 95 overall pick out of Georgia were joined by center Garrett Bradbury, right guard Mike Onwenu, right tackle Morgan Moses. But with four pressures generated through the opening five snaps, including a Cover 0 blitz, the thermostat was cranked early and often.

Seattle’s heat produced six sacks for a combined loss of 43 yards on Sunday. Derick Hall off the blindside, Devon Witherspoon from the slot, as well as Rylie Mills and Byron Murphy III on the interior all got in the column. Some twice. Recurring guests combined for a forced fumble and fumble recovery. And off the edge, Uchenna Nwosu took a floater back 44 yards for a touchdown.

Ground game departs for Patriots​

Seattle allowed a league-low 3.7 yards per carry in the regular season. No defense around the league let up fewer first downs in that department. And in terms of DVOA up though the postseason, the ranking remained the same for a unit overseen by head coach Mike Macdonald.

It would be up to Rhamondre Stevenson to test the choppy waters.

New England’s lead running back turned seven handoffs into 23 yards in Super Bowl LX, yet none arrived after halftime. He added five catches for 40 yards instead, gloving one off the grass with 2:21 to go for a touchdown. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson also got the starting nod in the Pony set on Sunday. The No. 38 overall pick out of Ohio State accounted for 46 scrimmage yards from there, including 24 on the final snap.

Only two carries by the Patriots moved the sticks. Maye maneuvered for a team-high 37 rushing yards.

Avoiding the key mistake, Darnold outlasts former division rival​

Sam Darnold completed throws to Super Bowl XLIX standout Jermaine Kearse during his rookie year in the AFC East. Much has changed since then. The quarterback has, too, through stops on a handful of depth charts around the league.

That was evident on Sunday. Seattle’s signal-caller went 19-of-38 passing for 202 yards with one touchdown and no turnovers.

After threading two first downs through the air on the opening drive, the NFC champions got on the board with a 33-yard field goal by kicker Jason Myers. The next series brought a three-and-out on the heels of an overthrow downfield. The third series, which saw a sea of Patriots drop into coverage from the dime package, also resulted in a punt. Things would bend but not break by intermission. By then, Darnold had gone 9-of-22 through the air for 88 yards.

Through three playoff games, opposing quarterbacks posted a 56.1 passer rating against the New England. And over that span, the NFL’s lowest rating allowed in coverage belonged to cornerbacks Carlton Davis III and Christian Gonzalez. Jaylinn Hawkins and fellow California Golden Bear Craig Woodson, who tallied three tackles for loss and two pass deflections, rounded out the starting secondary.

NFL Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba was kept in check with four catches for 27 yards over the course of 10 targets. New England’s No. 0 soared to deny a pass intended for him the end zone and broke up three altogether. Gonzalez scraped the sky on a deep shot intended for Rashid Shaheed’s speed and timed up another over the middle versus former February MVP Cooper Kupp.

But tight end AJ Barner went vertical to find real estate out of play action with 13:28 left to play. The touchdown made it a 19 unanswered points.

Walker runs away with MVP​

The Patriots had conceded just 71.3 rushing yards per game since the calendar turned to the playoffs. Up next was the controlled chaos of Kenneth Walker III.

The Seahawks running back eclipsed that ground average and then some before halftime. He finished with 135 yards through 27 carries on Sunday despite having a breakaway touchdown wiped away by holding. An impending free agent, Walker got things going with an outside zone worth 10 yards and continued with jab-stepping pickups worth 10, 14, 29, 30 yards. The Super Bowl LX MVP also posed problems working out of the backfield.

New England’s front had to seal the deal on Darnold, too. That was easier said than done. The well-traveled QB slipped out of pressure and was sacked once, courtesy of a defensive tackle who earned a ring 12 months prior.

The base defense took the field with Milton Williams alongside Christian Barmore and Cory Durden. The interior linemen were accompanied off the edges by veterans Anfernee Jennings and Jahlani Tavai. Captains Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane, who were both questionable due to respective knee and ankle injuries, outlasted the inactives list 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

From there, an organization that had gone 4-13 in consecutive campaigns would end up at the doorstep of going 18-3.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...er-bowl-lx-instant-analysis-patriots-seahawks

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots links 2/09/26: Cinderella season sacked

SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) tackles New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during the Seattle Seahawks versus the New England Patriots Super Bowl LX game on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

TEAM TALK

• Gamebook: Full Patriots vs. Seahawks Super Bowl LX stats.
• Post Game Pressers: Mike Vrabel – Drake Maye – Craig Woodson – Robert Spillane – Harold Landry III – Jaylinn Hawkins – Christian Gonzalez – Marcus Jones.

LOCAL LINKS

• Doug Kyed writes how the Super Bowl dream turned into nightmare for Drake Maye.
• Andrew Callahan believes the Patriots will learn from Super Bowl LX and should return soon.
• Karen Guregian explains how the Patriots can avoid being the next one-hit Super Bowl wonder.
• Andrew Callahan explains how Drake Maye and the Pats were caught off guard by Seahawks’ game plan.
• Alex Barth gives us four takeaways from the loss. 1. Offense drops the ball. ‘their first eight drives ended in punts (with five three-and-outs), followed by a fumble.’
• Mike D’Abate’s Patriots Super Bowl takeaways: Drake Maye gets no help.
• Steve Balestrieri recaps how the Pats got hammered by the ‘Hawks.
• Ian Logue shares five thoughts on Sunday’s loss: Offensive struggles spoils valiant defensive effort.
• Jennifer Streeter says the Patriots set up Drake Maye for failure.
• Matt Dolloff takes a look at what went wrong and why the Patriots came up woefully short in the Super Bowl. ‘The Seahawks front-seven isn’t just good on paper. Their pressure packages are on a different level than every other NFL team in terms of diversity and unpredictability.‘
• Mark Morse picks through the Good, Bad, and Ugly as the Cinderella season comes to a crashing end.
• Doug Kyed takes us inside the Patriots’ locker room after the loss: ‘It’s deeper than ball’.
• Chris Mason notes Mike Vrabel didn’t throw anyone under the bus, “Sacks are a team number.”
• Mark Daniels highlights Stefon Diggs on how he hopes to be back with the Pats next year.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Jeremy Fowler (ESPN) Why Drake Maye, Patriots could build dynasty despite loss.
• Albert Breer (SI) Super Bowl Takeaways: Patriots’ path will get tougher in 2026.
• Karl Rasmussen (SI) Drake Maye hopes Super Bowl loss serves as ‘fuel’ for Patriots teammates.
• Bill Barnwell (ESPN) How the Seahawks shut down the Patriots.
• Michael Kadlick (SI) Full list of Patriots 2026 free agents, potential trade and retirement candidates.
• Conor Orr (SI) The Seahawks ripped apart the Patriots’ weaknesses with ease.
• Gilberto Manzano (SI) New England’s young offensive linemen ran into a dominating front, and now needs to turn their attention to 2026.
• Tyler Sullivan (CBS Sports) How Patriots wasted highly unusual opportunity in Super Bowl LX — and have no guarantee of being back. /No such thing as a guarantee of making a Super Bowl, even for the winner.
• Matt Verderame (SI) Good, bad and ugly, Super Bowl LX: Time to crown the Seahawks.
• Judy Battista (NFL.com) Patriots suffer biggest beatdown of season in lopsided loss to Seahawks.
• John Breech (CBS Sports) NFL hit with bizarre postseason quirk at Super Bowl LX that the league hasn’t seen in 23 years: Somehow, there were no indoor games during the 2025 postseason.
• Austin Nivison (CBS Sports) Super Bowl 60 commercials: Ranking the top 10 as Lay’s, Pepsi make an impression.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...triots-links-2-09-26-cinderella-season-sacked

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots defense points to self after Super Bowl loss to Seahawks

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs past New England Patriots defensive end Milton Williams (97) in the first half in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

For much of the night, Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks was a defensively-dominated affair. There was no touchdown scored until the fourth quarter, and even then it took Seattle recovering a Drake Maye fumble to set it up.

Ultimately, plays like those ended up making a difference in what was ultimately 29-13 loss for the Patriots. And it is why, afterwards, the team’s defenses pointed to itself despite playing an overall solid game.

“We didn’t handle what we needed to,” linebacker Robert Spillane said during his postgame press conference. “At the end of the day, we lost the game and our defense did not play well enough to win the game. I put that on my shoulders more than I put it on anyone else’s. I needed to play better. I needed to get the ball out. We knew that going into the game and we we just fell short.”

While Seattle’s defense finished with three takeaways, the Patriots failed to register even one of them. They did try, going aggressively after the ball particularly on pass plays early in the game, but the end result was still a zero-turnover performance by their defense.

That was only one part of the issue. Running back Kenneth Walker, who eventually was voted the game’s MVP, also proved to be a consistent problem and finished with 161 total yards.

“I said it coming in, he’s a special back. He’s talented. Real patient and he got some speed,” said defensive tackle. Milton Williams, who registered the Patriots’ lone sack of the day.

“We knew coming in he was the head of the snake. Put it on me, put on the D-line. We didn’t do enough to win the game. Credit to Seattle. It isn’t often a running back can win MVP and control a game like he. sort of did there in the first half especially. Give them credit. They made plays when they needed to. We didn’t.”

While the Patriots defense fell on the sword for the team and refrained from blaming the team’s offense for the loss, rookie safety Craig Woodson did point to “complementary football” as one of the Patriots’ big issues. He too, however, acknowledged that an ultimate lack of big plays on defense was a problem in the grand scheme of things.

“Honestly, I feel like we played good defense. We just didn’t make enough plays,” Woodson said. “We didn’t make more plays than them. They took over in that aspect, and they had a few explosive plays as well. With a game like that, you have to play complimentary football and we just didn’t do that today.”

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...876/defense-reaction-super-bowl-loss-seahawks

 

[New England Patriots]

Will Campbell not using knee injury as excuse for Super Bowl performance

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 8: Will Campbell #66 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to the NFL Super Bowl LX football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Rookie left tackle Will Campbell knows his Super Bowl performance was not his best.

After a positive rookie season, Campbell did not look the same throughout the Patriots’ playoff run. Some of that had to do with the MCL injury he suffered back in Week 12 that sidelined him for five games before he returned in Week 18.

“It obviously wasn’t 100 percent,” Campbell said Tuesday during locker room cleanout. “I mean, I don’t think when you tear a ligament in your knee, it’s not going to be how it was before, but I was healthy enough to go. I’m not going to say that it held me back, but yeah, it wasn’t the same as it was before, obviously. But I was good.”

The struggles continued in Sunday’s loss to Seattle as Campbell had an outing that he described as “terrible” based on his re-watch. Campbell struggled against an aggressive Seahawks’ front allowing a sack and several pressures (14 per Next Gen Stats, 8 per Pro Football Focus).

Campbell did not use his injury as an excuse and understood the criticism that came from his performance.

“I mean, it comes with the job when you don’t perform,” Campbell said. “Obviously, I was picked high, paid a lot, so people expect a certain thing, and I expect more myself. So whenever I don’t perform, I don’t expect everyone to be like, ‘It’s okay, buddy.’ I mean, obviously it sucks, but it doesn’t suck for anyone more than it sucks for me.”

While Campbell’s season ended on a sour note, the rookie had plenty of positive flashes throughout the year. Many of his teammates spoke positively about the flashes he showed, including veteran right tackle Morgan Moses sharing he’s never seen a rookie tackle do things Campbell did this season.

But through all the ups and downs, Campbell knows there is improvements to make.

“I don’t think one performance defines a season. I think I did some good things this year,” he said. “Obviously, there’s room for growth in every aspect of my game. I’m 22 years old. I have a lot of room for growth in every aspect as a player, as a leader; whether that’s strength and conditioning, pass protection, run blocking, whatever it might be. I have growth everywhere. I’m young. I’m learning.”

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...e-injury-as-excuse-for-super-bowl-performance

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots set to keep Will Campbell at left tackle, says Mike Vrabel

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 18: Will Campbell #66 of the New England Patriots looks on following an NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Before the New England Patriots drafted Will Campbell No. 4 overall in last year’s draft, many projected the LSU standout as a guard rather than a tackle in the NFL.

New England, however, viewed Campbell at his natural tackle position. After drafting him to fill their need at left tackle, Campbell went on to start 17 games his rookie season.

His 17th start, however, was not his best — something Campbell described as “terrible” after rewatching the film. Facing a talented Seahawks front, he allowed a sack and several pressures, which reignited the questions about his long-term position.

Speaking Tuesday before the team broke for the offseason, head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged the scrutiny Campbell faced while making it clear the organization remains committed to him as the team’s left tackle.

“When you sign up to play left tackle, you sign up to play corner, you sign up to play quarterback, you sign up to be the head coach, you get judged, you get scrutinized,” Vrabel said. “Will’s 22 years old. He’s our left tackle. He’ll get better, he’ll get stronger.

“There were moments where he played well, moments where he blocked the guy. There’s plays he’d like to have back. We’re not moving Will to guard, to center, to tight end or anywhere else. So, I don’t know what to tell you.”

Campbell, who apologized to reporters Tuesday for not speaking after the Super Bowl, also revealed he tore a ligament in his knee Nov. 23 against the Bengals. The injury sidelined him for five regular-season games before he returned in Week 18 and started all four playoff matchups.

With a healthy offseason ahead to recover and add strength, Drake Maye is confident Campbell will be ready to protect his blindside again next season.

“It’s a pleasure going out there with Will every time,” Maye said Tuesday. “I know it’s probably been a long year for the rookies, a long year for Will, a long year for these guys to get adapted to playing in the NFL. I think Will is a great case of somebody who’s experienced it all, experienced the ups and downs, the injury side of it. The long times where you don’t want to talk to the media, but you have to, or the expectations of a first-round pick.

“I think he’s dealt with so much this year. It’s only going to be great for him in the future. He’s going to be a great player in this league. He already is a great player in this league, and I look forward to getting back in, seeing him in the offseason, hanging out with him and getting back into OTAs. I love Will, and I look forward to playing with him for a long time.”

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...will-campbell-at-left-tackle-says-mike-vrabel

 

[New England Patriots]

NFL free agency 2026: Full list of Patriots free agents this offseason

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 25: K'lavon Chaisson #44 of the New England Patriots takes the field prior to the AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New England Patriots’ season came crashing down in Super Bowl LX, but there is little reason to be disappointed nor is there much time to do so. Not only did the team of first-year head coach Mike Vrabel exceed expectations, after all, it also will need a quick turnaround considering the shortened nature of its offseason.

Despite starting the offseason five weeks later than last year, the Patriots are in decent shape yet again. They are the owners of 11 draft picks, including three in the top-100, and are again among the most financially flexible teams in football.

According to cap expert Miguel Benzan, the team is currently $41.82 million under a projected salary cap of $303.45 million — top-12 in the NFL as of today. That gives the Patriots some opportunity to fine-tune their roster by adding quality from the outside, possibly locking up one of the most important players on the team long-term, and re-signing their own class of free agents if they so choose.

The latter will likely not put a lot of financial strain on the team either: a lack of star power is the defining feature of a Patriots free agency class that stands at 18 players deep.

Patriots offensive free agents​

QB Tommy DeVito (RFA): The Patriots claimed DeVito after he was waived by the Giants in late August, and he spent the entirety of the season as the No. 3 quarterback behind Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs. Mike Vrabel spoke highly of the 27-year-old and his contributions ahead of the Super Bowl, but considering the projected cost associated with even the lowest restricted free agency tender ($3.5M), it seems unlikely the team will go that route to retain DeVito.

RB Deneric Prince (ERFA): Prince spent two days in mid-August with the Patriots before being waived with an injury designation and reverting to injured reserve for the remainder of the season. Nonetheless, using the exclusive rights tender on him seems like a relatively easy and cost-effective way to bolster the running back depth heading into the offseason. That said, he seems like the least-likely of the three ERFAs to be kept around.

FB Jack Westover (ERFA): Unlike Deneric Prince, fellow exclusive rights free agent Westover feels like a lock to re-sign with the Patriots this offseason. He served as their fullback throughout the season and finished with a 23.3% playing time share on offense as well as 43.4% on special teams. And while he touched the ball just two times all year for 8 total yards, he would at least bring some in-game experience to what is shaping up as a competition with sophomore fullback Brock Lampe.

TE Austin Hooper (UFA): The Patriots and Hooper were in the same position last spring, and he ultimately came back on a one-year, $5 million contract. He finished his second season on the team with 46.3% of offensive snaps as well as a combined 24 catches for 287 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Mostly a blocking tight end, he can be a useful piece of the puzzle but the club will likely not go out of its way to bring him back either. If he is re-signed, it will be on another affordable short-term deal.

OT Thayer Munford Jr. (UFA): After spending time on the practice squad early in the regular season, Munford Jr. returned in November and quickly began making an impact as a jumbo tight end. He ended up playing 95 snaps in that role over nine games, and also provided depth as a backup tackle behind Will Campbell and Morgan Moses. While his lack of Super Bowl snaps raised some questions, he seems like a low-cost re-sign candidate to keep depth stable.

OT Vederian Lowe (UFA): Lowe filled in for Will Campbell during his absence from a torn MCL, and actually did a decent job protecting Drake Maye’s blindside in his four starts. He would not compete for a starting spot, but like Thayer Munford Jr. would be able to provide somewhat established depth at a reasonable cost. The 26-year-old therefore also appears to be a re-sign candidate.

OT Yasir Durant (RFA): As with the aforementioned Tommy DeVito, Durant getting tendered even at the lowest level seems unlikely; the cost is simply too high for a player who missed all of 2025 due to injury and who has played just 188 total offensive snaps in six seasons in the NFL. That does not rule out a return, but it will not come via a restricted free agency tender.

In addition, three players from the Patriots’ final practice squad remain unaccounted for as of Wednesday: RB D’Ernest Johnson, WR Trent Sherfield Sr. and OL Brenden Jaimes were not among the 11 signed to futures contracts since the season ended. Furthermore, RB Craig Reynolds and TE Thomas Odukoya, who finished the year on the practice squad injured reserve, have yet to be re-signed either.

Patriots defensive free agents​

DT Khyiris Tonga (UFA): New England’s free agency class may lack real star power, but it does not lack quality. Tonga is a good example; he is a player who filled a valuable, multi-faceted role during his first season as a Patriot. A commanding early-down presence along the interior defensive line as well as a part-time fullback, he should be one of the team’s priority free agents this year. Unless his asking price reaches levels the team is not comfortable with, a return seems to be in the best interest for both parties.

DT Jaquelin Roy (RFA): Roy played some solid football for the Patriots in 2024, but his 2025 campaign never got off the ground; he was placed on injured reserve in August and missed the entire season. The 25-year-old is in the same boat as the team’s other restricted free agents. A tender offer seems unlikely, and would have to be re-signed in a different fashion.

ED Isaiah Iton (ERFA): Unlike the restricted tender, the exclusive one comes with a fraction of the cost. It is why Iton, despite getting placed on injured reserve in training camp, can be expected back. If so, he would only command a salary cap number of $885,000.

ED K’Lavon Chaisson (UFA): Probably the biggest name on the Patriots’ free agency list this year, Chaisson played the best football of his career in his first season in New England. Starting on the edge and playing 20 games with a final snap count share of 64.9%, he notched 10.5 sacks and recovered a pair of fumbles, including one for a touchdown. While still not the most consistent pass rusher or edge setting versus the run, he does enough things well to be a definitive re-sign candidate. The question is how. other teams view him and whether or not he might price himself out of the Patriots’ comfort zone.

LB Jack Gibbens (RFA): “Dr. Gibby” proved his worth to the Patriots on both defense and special teams during the 2025 season, and is a clear frontrunner to be kept around for 2026 and beyond. How that will happen is the bigger question. The restricted free agency tender is one tool New England has available, but it is relatively cost-intensive. More realistically, the team will try to re-sign him to a multi-year deal and possibly use the appropriate RFA tender as the base cost point for an extension.

CB Alex Austin (RFA): Finishing the season as the Patriots’ fifth cornerback, Austin getting an RFA tender offer also seems unlikely. Instead, he might be in a similar situation as Jack Gibbens: a contract extension low on overall cost and no long-term investment could allow him to be brought back and compete for a role on the team in 2026. While his outlook as a starter is not favorable, he could very well end up pushing Charles Woods for the CB4 role on the depth chart.

S Jaylinn Hawkins (UFA): Hawkins signed a one-year, $1.8 million deal last offseason to stay in New England. The investment paid off: he established himself as a starter in training camp and never looked back, ending the season playing 91.3% of defensive snaps and catching four interceptions, tied for the most on the team. At 28 and likely in position for a first true pay-day, he might explore the market to maximize his value but at the end of the day should be in a position to come back to New England under the right circumstances.

Also not yet under contract for 2026 are four players who ended last season on the practice squad (LB Patrick Johnson, CB Miles Battle, S Richie Grant) or practice squad IR (LB Darius Harris). Like the players mentioned above, they too have yet to sign reserve/futures pacts to stay with the Patriots heading into the offseason.

Adding it all up, we can see that the Patriots currently have 61 players signed for 2026. Not including roster exceptions or similar arrangements, NFL teams can carry up to 90 players on their offseason rosters.

Free agency and the new league year are set to begin March 11 at 4 p.m. ET.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...l-list-of-patriots-free-agents-this-offseason

 

[New England Patriots]

Mike Vrabel sees foundation in place as Patriots eye next step in remodel

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talks to players during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Mike Vrabel stood in front of his Patriots’ team for the final time on Tuesday.

Two days after a magical season ended in disappointment in Super Bowl LX, Vrabel delivered a simple message.

“I just talked about a disappointing finish to a phenomenal, exciting, enjoyable year. It’s unfortunate,” he shared. “Talked to them about the foundation I think that we’ve built.

“We built a foundation, but we aren’t done remodeling,” rookie Will Campbell echoed. “We did some great things this year, and there’s obviously a lot of area for improvement and that’s up to us to do.”

After back-to-back four win seasons, few expected the Patriots to even be playing on Sunday’s biggest stage entering the season.

But a reshaped roster and new culture established by Vrabel that created a tight bond in the locker room, New England exceeded expectations — something the coach acknowledged on Tuesday.

As the Patriots now look to clear the final hump, this offseason will likely look different from the last. It won’t include a major spending spree, and it won’t include a top draft pick, with New England slated to select 31st overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead, the focus will be on upgrading and remodeling the roster rather than rebuilding it.

“Much like a home, you build a home and then run out of things to do, so you continue to add on to it, you finish the basement, you make additions to it, and we’ll try to do that to this football team,” Vrabel said. “I like the foundation of it, and we’ll try to improve on it.”

For a team that wore custom blue, collared work shirts throughout the year, the construction analogy resonated throughout the team auditorium.

“I think that was a great analogy,” upcoming free agent K’Lavon Chaisson said. “We set a good foundation for what we want this new era of the franchise to be.”

Vrabel, the AP Coach of the Year, is central to that foundation. So is 23-year-old quarterback Drake Maye, who emerged as one of the league’s top players this season despite a rocky stretch in the playoffs.

Together, they represent the biggest reason for optimism that the Patriots can return to this stage — and finish the job.

“You got Drake Maye. You got Coach Vrabel. That’s a great start to any organization,” cornerback Carlton Davis said. “So from there on, we just keep building. We just keep putting the right pieces together, keep meshing together and keep working. And you guys will see us soon.”

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...erviews/122019/mike-vrabel-foundation-rebuild

 

[New England Patriots]

7-round mock draft: Patriots continue building around Drake Maye

PISCATAWAY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: Gennings Dunker #67 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter of the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on September 19. 2025 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Super Bowl is over, and now our attention shifts firmly to the offseason and how the New England Patriots can make their team even better than it already is. This, of course, includes taking a deep dive into the upcoming NFL Draft.

To start with that, here is my first seven-round mock draft of the year. I decided not to make any trades to start things off, and make all 11 selections the Patriots have not to complicate things too much.

Also, a few reminders before we get stated. Compensatory picks have not yet been announced, so the picks from Round 4 on marked with an asterisk might be a little bit off from what they will actually end up being. Also, I have included each player’s current ranking on the Mock Draft Database consensus bi. board for reference.

And now, without further ado, let’s get into my Mock Draft 1.0

Round 1​

1-31: OT/G Gennings Dunker (Iowa | No. 47): With his incredible mullet and his play on the field, Dunker was the darling of the Senior Bowl. He has a nasty streak to him, too, and reminds me of Logan Mankins, who also made the transition from tackle to guard upon entering the NFL.

Dunker was willing to play anywhere at the Senior Bowl, taking snaps at tackle, guard, and even center. The Patriots need some serious help on the offensive line, so investing there for a second straight season makes sense. Put Dunker next to Will Campbell with Jared Wilson moving back into his natural spot at center, and the O-line would likely see some serious improvement in 2026.

There is a chance that his stock rises above this spot, but I love this kid, so he absolutely had to be in my first mock of the offseason.

.@HawkeyeFootball @gennings_dunker @seniorbowl final CFB game v @VandyFootball … Doing exactly what we saw during senior bowl week. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/YnfHc767oU

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) February 3, 2026

Round 2​

2-63: WR Malachi Fields (Notre Dame | No. 50): The Patriots take another Senior Bowl standout in the second round with Fields. He was the best overall receiver at the all-star showcase this year, and used his 6-foot-4, 223-pound frame well. His ability to come down with contested catches is impressive, and the Patriots could use a guy with the reliable hands Fields has.

He doesn’t necessarily have breakaway speed, but his route running is solid, and Drake Maye has shown he can take advantage of bigger-body receivers (see: Mack Hollins). The Patriots went for a speedy receiver on Day 2 of last year’s draft, and this year they go for size and physicality.

Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields is unsurprisingly a 50/50 ball savant at 6-foot-4 but he also flashes route running upside with his ability to sink his hips and throttle down.

Was the most talented WR at the Senior Bowl this year. pic.twitter.com/2Gk1e420CA

— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) February 3, 2026

Round 3​

3-95: TE Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt | No. 82): It has been a while since the Patriots have invested draft capital in the tight end position, and it shows. Hunter Henry has been a reliable target for them, as has Austin Hooper, but they don’t get many explosive plays out of them, especially against good defenses. That’s where Eli Stowers comes in

Coming off a season where he won the Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end, the former quarterback looks like he can step in and immediately help in the passing game. He is undersized for a typical in-line tight end and would need to have to put on some weight to be a factor in the run game, but the Patriots need more athleticism and playmaking from the tight end position regardless of size. Stowers will certainly give them that.

On two identical routes, Eli Stowers shows off elite adjustment skills to a bad throw, breaks a tackle, and caps both plays with touchdowns.

Career 2.30+ YPRR for a TE is ELITE stuff.

Would've been TE3 for me last year coming out behind Loveland/Warren.

Every down target. pic.twitter.com/4ddnZk7YWo

— Snoog's Fantasy HQ (@FFSnoog) February 3, 2026

Round 4​

4-125*: LB Taurean York (Texas A&M | No. 119): The linebacker position in the NFL is changing, and York is a good example of that. At 5-foot-10, 227 pounds, he would never had even been considered a linebacker 10 years ago, but he might be able to help the Patriots on the second level in today’s NFL.

His instincts and ability to diagnose plays are incredible, and he is a sure tackler as well. His movement skills are good, and he is strong as a blitzer, something New England showed it knows how to use. The Patriots need more help at the linebacker position, and, although York is undersized, he brings the physicality and football IQ that they are looking for.

#Steelers Draft Profile: Taurean York, LB Texas A&M

Pros:
– Instinctive run defender who diagnoses plays quickly

– Plays with great leverage and power despite smaller frame

– Elite, reliable tackler with strong technique

– Effective blitzer with good timing and burst

Cons:
-… pic.twitter.com/1pB9mpkPW0

— Steelers Draft HQ (@SteelersDraftt) February 6, 2026

4-131*: CB Daylen Everette (Georgia | No. 123): The Patriots have a very good cornerback room right now, led by one of the best corners in the league in Christian Gonzalez. With that being said, it is never a bad idea to build on strength, especially in the secondary. That’s where Everette comes in.

He has NFL-caliber size at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds and is a very good press-man player. He needs a little bit of work and refinement in zone, but has some good players to learn from. Everette is a willing and physical tackler in the run game, and offers the Patriots another solid option on the outside of their defense. Cornerback is a position where you need depth, and Everette combines just that with the potential to turn into an every-down player further down the line.

Daylen Everette

ABC #GoDawgs | @DaylenEverette pic.twitter.com/N0AWxsHiKZ

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) October 20, 2024

Round 5​

5-169*: DT Landon Robinson (Navy | No. 472): Here’s another all-star game standout for you. Robinson dominated at the East-West Shrine Bowl, and was then invited to the Senior Bowl. He might be on the smaller size at 6-foot-0, 287 pounds, but his explosion and burst off the ball are special, and he was nearly unblockable in all-star practices.

The consensus board hasn’t caught up yet, but Robinson is a hot commodity and there is a chance that he isn’t even available at this spot. The first mock, however, is for the guys that you really like, and Robinson is one of those guys.

The Patriots had great interior pressure this season, and, as noted above, it makes sense to build on strength. Robinson is definitely undersized, but the athleticism that he brings to the table is bordering on elite. He would be a very fun piece for the Patriots front 7.

Navy’s Landon Robinson beating the double team against Ole Miss Diego Pounds and Texas DJ Campbell to get the TFL @LandonRobinson @ShrineBowl pic.twitter.com/D2DRa8x1wc

— Bradley Reisenfeld (@bradareisenfeld) January 25, 2026

Round 6​

6-190*: DT Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana | No. 213): Did I mention that I want the Patriots to add to the strength they already have on their defensive line?

I will say, I definitely have a type. Proctor is another undersized defensive lineman who has a fantastic burst off the line. With the Patriots’ penetrating defense, and the need to be able to get after the passer from different spots along the D-line, adding more depth to what already is a talented pass rush especially on the inside would make a ton of sense. On Day 3, it’s all about trying to find the diamond in the rough that is going to play above expectations. A small-school defensive lineman who shows possibly elite traits fits the bill for that.

Kaleb Proctor

HEIGHT
6' 3"
WEIGHT
280

Maybe another late round steal for the Chicago bears.

9 sacks – 2nd most
40 pressures – 2nd most
27 hurries – 2nd mosthttps://t.co/PIm2wXXlGI

— 🅂🄼🄾🄺🄴’🄽_🄹🄾🄴 (@HalasHooligan) February 5, 2026

6-201*: ED Keyshawn James-Newby (New Mexico | No. 237): Let’s stay with our theme of defensive line help. James-Newby was a dominant pass rusher at New Mexico last year, finishing with 10 sacks and 74 combined pressures. He transferred in from Idaho, and was able to prove that he can play against better talent this past season.

After adding to the interior of the defensive line above, the Patriots now add to the edge as well. We’ll see if free agent K’Lavon Chaisson comes back next season, but, even if he does, the Patriots are going to need more depth at the position, and they will get that with James-Newby. They had success with small-school rookie Elijah Ponder in 2025, and it makes sense for them to try the same this year as well.

Keyshawn James-Newby – UNM Edge
HT-6'3 WT-245
•52TKLs-9SKs-2FF

+Great First Step
+Strong Hand Placement & Usage
+Great Motor
+High Level Pass Rusher

-Weaker Run Defender
-Not a 3 down player initially
-Potential Penalty Problem (19 in 3 years)

Grade-Day 3 pic.twitter.com/zdOlUWEPdN

— Scouting Department (@ScoutingDpt) February 10, 2026

6-208*: OT Aamil Wagner (Notre Dame | No. 208): The Patriots added to the interior of their offensive line already, but they are also going to be in need of help at the tackle spot. That’s where Aamil Wagner comes in.

Wagner boasts great length, and a good understanding of how to set up blocks. He might not be the smoothest athlete, but he has decent athleticism. The Patriots need as much help as they can get on the offensive line, and getting a player with this size and raw skill should improve their depth, and give them an option at right tackle for when Morgan Moses leaves.

Aamil Wagner (6’5 302) Notre Dame

+ Multi-sport athlete in high school
+ Passing off stunts and twists
+ Almost 35” arm length
+ 79.4 pass blocking grade in 2025
+ Just 7 pressures allowed in 2025
+ Effectively uses his length to keep defenders out of his chest
+ Blocking on… pic.twitter.com/KAeOVJJt6K

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 7, 2026

6-211*: RB J’Mari Taylor (Virginia | No. 211): The Patriots spent a second-round pick on a running back last year, but they could use some depth at the position behind TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson. Taylor led the ACC in rushing last year, and is a solid contributor out of the backfield as a receiver as well.

As is the theme of this mock draft, he is a little undersized, and he also lacks elite breakaway speed, but he is a tough runner who has above-average quickness and is great at breaking tackles. He could be a solid option as a third-down back, and his ability to run between the tackles will keep the defense guessing when he’s on the field.

Virginia RB J'Mari Taylor runs a lot bigger than you’d expect at 205 pounds. Impressive contact balance and rugged style to create hidden yardage.

The former NC Central transfer is an older prospect (turns 24 on March 15) and a modest athlete… but this an NFL contributor. pic.twitter.com/QdzcrmZMIk

— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) February 7, 2026

Round 7​

7-247*: WR Aaron Anderson (LSU | No. 228): Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Anderson is an undersized player. What the 5-foot-8, 188-pounder brings to the table, however, is elite speed and quickness. His ability to stretch the field, but also get in and out of his breaks, make him a tough cover.

The biggest concern is going to be his size, and whether or not he is able to stay healthy for a full NFL season, especially since his 2025 campaign at LSU was injury-disrupted. Still, for the last pick in this mock draft, I like taking a swing on a player that can be a potential game-breaker, and the Patriots might be thinking the same.

One of the comps I have seen for him is DeMario Douglas, and he’s worked out OK here, so I don’t mind taking a chance on Anderson, especially at pick No. 247.

I was very high on #LSU WR Aaron Anderson after his breakout 2024 showing, and I still think there’s a lot of potential for NFL teams to unlock.

Anderson is a twitched-up GAMER, and has the short game skills to develop into a true weapon in the slot
pic.twitter.com/5U0mRZepOR

— Ian Harper (@IanHarp34) February 5, 2026

So, there you have it. It’s officially draft season here at Pats Pulpit. As always, please share your thoughts on the draft below and whether or not you believe offensive line should indeed be a top priority for the Patriots in the first round.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-draft/122023/7-round-mock-offense-drake-maye-help

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots make change at defensive coordinator heading into 2026

Jul 28, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel (red sleeves) and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams watch players during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

With his battle against prostate cancer won, Terrell Williams will return to the New England Patriots’ coaching staff in 2026. However, he will not do so as defensive coordinator.

According to a report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Patriots will be moving Williams to a “high-ranking role” within their staff.

Williams, 51, arrived in New England last season alongside head coach Mike Vrabel. However, he had to spend a majority of the spring working remotely from his Detroit home following what he referred to as a “health scare.” He returned for training camp and served as defensive coordinator and play-caller in Week 1 of the regular season, but shortly thereafter left the team for unrelated medical reasons.

In late September, Vrabel announced that Williams would be away from the team indefinitely because of his cancer diagnosis. In his place, inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr stepped up.

Kuhr, who also joined the Patriots during the 2025 offseason, already filled in for Williams in the spring and later took on play-caller duties during the regular season. With him at the helm, New England finished the season ranked fourth in points allowed and advanced all the way to the Super Bowl.

Williams was diagnosed as cancer-free in early February, clearing the way for him to resume his old role. That will not happen, with the door now wide open for Kuhr to officially get promoted to defensive coordinator for the upcoming season.

“There’ll be a lot of things that we’ll have to work through there,” Mike Vrabel said earlier this week. “T’s healthy and been given a release to be back and be back at work. So, I’ll work through all those things here in the next couple days, weeks, however long those decisions may take.”

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...ing-staff-2026-zak-kuhr-defensive-coordinator

 

[New England Patriots]

Stefon Diggs legal update: Patriots WR pleads not guilty in assault case

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs appeared at Dedham District Court on Friday morning to be arraigned on felony strangulation or suffocation as well as misdemeanor assault and battery charges. The charges stemmed from an incident in December, when Diggs allegedly assaulted his personal chef following an argument.

Diggs pleaded not guilty and is due in court again on April 1 for the next hearing. He left the courthouse without talking to the media.

Diggs’ lawyer, Mitchell Schuster, briefly spoke to reports, expressing confidence that Diggs will ultimately be cleared.

“He is completely innocent of these false allegations,” Schuster said. “We are confident that after the facts and evidence are reviewed in this case, he will be completely exonerated.”

#Patriots: Stefon Diggs leaves Norfolk County District court after pleading not guilty to assaulting his personal chef.

He was ordered no contact with the victim and was released on personal recognizance.

His next appearance is scheduled for April 1 (pre-trial hearing). @NBC10 pic.twitter.com/RTZOF5OYNT

— Ryan Medeiros (@RRyanmedeiros) February 13, 2026

According to the police report, Diggs allegedly entered his personal chef’s unlocked bedroom following an ongoing text exchange regarding money she said she was owed. She stated that the discussion escalated into a physical confrontation, and that he “then smacked her across the face” and “tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.”

Diggs has denied the allegations since they emerged in late December. Recently, two of his attorneys — David E. Meier and Michael R. DiStefano — withdrew from the case for undisclosed reasons.

Diggs originally was set for arraignment in January, but the court date was pushed back until after the Super Bowl. He ended up catching three passes for 37 yards in the Patriots’ 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

After the game, Diggs was asked about his future with the Patriots.

“Unless they opt out of the contract, I anticipate being here,” he said. “I hope so. Love my guys. Hell of a year playing with them. We built some real family-like bonds, so I hope so. I don’t control it.”

Diggs joined the Patriots last offseason on a three-year, $63.5 million free agency contract that includes $16.6 million in full guarantees. Including the playoffs, he appeared in all 21 of New England’s games this season and ranked first on the team with 99 combined receptions for 1,123 yards and four touchdowns.

The 32-year-old is not the only Patriots player currently dealing with legal issues. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore will be arraigned on charges of strangulation and domestic assault on March 9 at Attleborough District Court.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-news/122132/stefon-diggs-legal-update-arraignment

 

[New England Patriots]

Quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant to remain with Patriots in 2026

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JULY 23: New England Patriots quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant walks out to the New England Patriots Training Camp on July 23, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. (Photo by Summer Lamont/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

New England Patriots quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant is among the young up-and-comers in NFL coaching circles, but this offseason will not be looking for any new opportunities. According to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Grant has decided to stay with the Patriots for the 2026 season.

The report comes at a time when three offensive coordinator positions remain unoccupied, including one specifically mentioned in Schefter’s report: the Las Vegas Raiders’ under new head coach Klint Kubiak.

Grant, however, will not pursue the open spot and is also not in consideration for the Rams’ and Seahawks’ vacancies.

For the Patriots, this ensures some stability around quarterback Drake Maye. The third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye took a massive step forward in his first year working with Grant and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. With both expected back, and the young passer not going anywhere either, the trio will be able to build on the existing foundation heading into 2026.

“Ashton has been awesome with just kind of relaying the connections between the past offense that he was in last year with the Browns that we had last year and just translating it, now using our own terminology and kind of building the foundation for this offense,” Maye said earlier this week.

“There’s so much more we can take with this offense and give me more tools and more answers at the line of scrimmage. With my capability to play the position, use my knowledge of the game and learn it from Coach to get us in the best spot is only going to help us down the road. Just try to get our guys in the offensive room and get me to that level where I’m able to operate on the field in a game-like manner to accomplish those things. So, I’m looking forward to it, getting a chance to be in the — Lord-willing and knock on wood, the same offense for the second year. I’m looking forward to that, and the sky’s the limit for us.”

A college wide receiver who briefly spent time in Chicago and Kansas City, Grant started his coaching career at Holy Cross in 2019. The Connecticut native joined the Browns in 2020 and over the subsequent five years served as a fellowship coach, quality control coach and offensive assistant working with the quarterbacks.

In 2025, he was hired by new head coach Mike Vrabel to coach Maye and the rest of the Patriots’ quarterbacks.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...hton-grant-2026-nfl-season-raiders-drake-maye

 

[New England Patriots]

What changing Terrell Williams’ role means for the Patriots

Foxborough, MA - September 4: New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams talks to reporters after practice at Gillette Stadium on September 4, 2025. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images

Just one year after his arrival, Terrell Williams’ tenure as New England Patriots defensive coordinator has come to an end. However, the move that was reported on Thursday was not due to performance but rather circumstance: Williams missed significant time in 2025 due to medical reasons, with inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr doing a commendable job as stand-in play-caller.

As a consequence, Mike Vrabel’s hand was forced and the Patriots will now move forward with Williams in what has been described as a “high-ranking role.” What does this mean for the team, though? Let’s take a big-picture view at the move.

Familiar arrangement​

Despite having almost three decades of experience as an assistant coach, the 2025 season was actually Williams’ first as a defensive coordinator at any level of the sport. That said, he is not unfamiliar with a job that would fit the “high-ranking” label mentioned in the initial report of his change of role.

Back in 2023, which was Mike Vrabel’s final year as head coach of the Tennessee Titans, Williams added the assistant head coach title to his role as defensive line coach. While he will not return to working with a position group, him becoming assistant HC to Vrabel very well be in the cards — especially after he already filled an advisory-type role for the Patriots whenever he was available in 2025.

It would be a natural progression given the circumstances, and an arrangement not familiar to both Williams and Vrabel.

Zak Kuhr, next man up?​

With Williams vacating the defensive coordinator role, the expectation is that the aforementioned Zak Kuhr will be promoted to officially get the job he already unofficially held during the Patriots’ 2025 Super Bowl campaign. That said, NFL rules prevent the move from being that straight-forward.

New England, after all, will still have to satisfy the Rooney Rule before naming a new DC. This means that the club will have to interview at least one external minority or female candidate for the position.

In addition, while Kuhr seemingly has earned the promotion, the Patriots also might want to see what else is available on the coaching market. Two names stand out in that respect: longtime Mike Vrabel collaborator Shane Bowen, the Titans’ former defensive coordinator, as well as recently-resigned Browns DC Jim Schwartz. Kuhr is still the overwhelming favorite, but there are plenty of other noteworthy coaches available at the moment as well.

Trickle-down effect​

When all is said and done, any outcome other than Zak Kuhr being named defensive coordinator would be a surprise. The question then becomes, who would succeed him as inside linebackers coach.

The Patriots could make the soon-to-be-open spot part of the search they will have to conduct to officially fill Williams’ spot on the coaching staff. They also could promote internally, with defensive assistant Vinny DePalma seemingly a top candidate to take over should Kuhr indeed move up the ranks.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...ams-high-ranking-role-coaching-staff-analysis

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots assistant Robert Kugler departs for Steelers’ 2026 coaching staff

Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots assistant offensive line coach Robert Kugler against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

After two campaigns in Foxborough, Robert Kugler will be moving on to the AFC North.

The former New England Patriots assistant has been named the next tight ends coach of Pittsburgh Steelers under head coach Mike McCarthy, the organization announced Thursday.

We have finalized our 2026 coaching staff.

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 12, 2026

Kugler marks the first known departure from the reigning AFC champions’ coaching staff. The 33-year-old had been hired by the Patriots as an assistant offensive line coach in 2024. And after Jerod Mayo’s lone campaign at the helm, he was retained last February by eventual AP NFL Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel to oversee the front five alongside veteran position coach Doug Marrone and fellow assistant Jason Houghtaling.

New England’s offense finished the 2025 regular season ranked third around the league in total offense, including fourth in passing and sixth in rushing. Quarterback Drake Maye was sacked 48 times over that span before being taken down for an additional 21 from the wild card through Super Bowl LX.

Prior to heading to Gillette Stadium, Kugler worked with the Carolina Panthers’ offensive line for two years after initially entering the NFL ranks in the same capacity with the Houston Texans in 2021. He made collegiate coaching stops at UTEP, Washington and Appalachian State.

Playing football at North Allegheny High School while his father, Sean, oversaw the Steelers’ offensive line, Kugler went on to serve as a two-time captain at Purdue. The convert from tight end to center started 43 consecutive games for the Boilermakers.

He spent training camp with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted rookie in 2016.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...ed-steelers-2026-coaching-staff-mike-mccarthy

 

[New England Patriots]

Super Bowl mic’d up segment shows why Patriots are all-in on Mike Vrabel

Win or loss, Mike Vrabel made it his mission every week during the 2025 season to personally greet his players as they returned to the locker room. Super Bowl LX was no exception, but it needed the NFL Coach of the Year to dig deep after his New England Patriots were beaten 29-13 by the Seattle Seahawks.

Captured by NFL Films’ cameras, Vrabel offered words of encouragement to his team immediately after what had been a highly successful season came to a crashing end. The brief segment also manages to show why the Patriots’ turnaround under their first-year head coach happened the way it did: Vrabel is fully invested in not just his team as a whole but his players individually.

Even after the loss, Mike Vrabel waited outside the locker room for every one of his players, like he always does. @insidetheNFL Super Bowl LX Mic'd Up on X pic.twitter.com/jSyxm0vZb3

— NFL (@NFL) February 11, 2026

The Patriots’ head coach was consistent in his messaging after the game. Addressing the players again on Tuesday, after they had returned to Foxborough to put an official wrap on the 2025 season, he expressed similar thoughts.

“I just talked about a disappointing finish to a phenomenal, exciting, enjoyable year,” he explained during his end-of-season press conference later that day. “It’s unfortunate. Talked to them about the foundation I think that we’ve built. Much like a home, you build a home and then run out of things to do, so you continue to add on to it, you finish the basement, you make additions to it, and we’ll try to do that to this football team. I like the foundation of it, and we’ll try to improve on it.”

Considering Vrabel’s leadership in light of a Super Bowl loss, it is not hard to see why his players are bought in as well.

“He meant a great deal to all of us, I think,” said running back Rhamondre Stevenson. “Great guy to have in the building, great leader, man. Great guy to follow.”

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...122055/mike-vrabel-super-bowl-micd-up-segment

 

[New England Patriots]

Sunday Patriots Notes: Belief in Drake Maye remains high

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel (right) talks to quarterback Drake Maye (10) during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

A special season for the New England Patriots ended in disappointment Sunday night as they dropped Super Bowl LX 29-13 to the Seattle Seahawks. Now, attention quickly turns to the offseason where the Patriots will look to remodel the roster in hopes of getting over the final hurdle next season.

It’s been a busy week here on Pats Pulpit, with our focus on the conclusion of the Super Bowl loss and locker room clean out day as the Patriots break for the offseason. For anything else not covered previously, let’s clean out the notebook. Welcome to this week’s edition of our Sunday Patriots Notes.

Belief in Maye​

Drake Maye sat roughly 10 feet to Mike Vrabel’s right. Both at their post-game podiums inside a makeshift tent on the 49ers’ practice fields in Santa Clara.

Maye began to choke up while talking about his head coach. Vrabel, meanwhile, spoke about his quarterback with equal emotion and conviction.

“I’m sure he’s over there talking about all the things he has to do to improve and what he could’ve done better,” Vrabel said. “I care deeply about him. I’m confident they’ll be back and they’ll do everything they can to help this team. We won a lot of football games with the guys we have. Drake’s a big reason why we’re here. I can’t wait to get back and coach him again.”

It was a special sophomore season for the 23-year-old quarterback.

Maye finished second in MVP voting and earned second-team All-Pro honors as he led the NFL in completion percentage (72.0), yards per attempt (8.9), and passer rating (113.5) among many other metrics.

But on sport’s biggest stage Sunday night, he wasn’t at his best.

Facing the Seahawks’ top-ranked defense, Maye was sacked six times and turned the ball over three times. A majority of his 295 passing yards came in the fourth quarter after the Patriots had already punted on their first eight possessions (excluding an end-of-half kneel-down).

Despite the struggles in his Super Bowl debut, Maye’s teammates offered nothing but support for their quarterback afterward.

“Keep going. Steph Curry. Keep going, keep shooting,” veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs said. “He’s 23 years old. It’s a team effort. Come from my standpoint, I wish I could’ve done more. It’s hard playing quarterback. It’s not a one-man band. He has a supporting cast. We needed to do a better job supporting him.

“He’s young, he did what he could, fought long, fought hard… I’m just super proud of him.”

“We riding behind him, win or loss,” safety Craig Woodson added. “That’s the QB1. Man, we gonna rally behind him. He got all our love, support. This is just the beginning. I got full trust in him.”

Maye told his teammates to remember the feeling of Sunday night and use the loss as fuel moving forward — fuel they hope will carry them back to this stage sooner rather than later.

With Maye under center, there is plenty of reason to believe that return will come sooner.

“I love Drake, man,” veteran offensive tackle Morgan Moses said. “Drake is an amazing human being outside of just being a great quarterback, man. He’s literally been our MVP the whole season. As a young player, in year two, it’s undeniable what he’s been able to do this season.

“He put the league on notice that there’s a new quarterback in the AFC that you’ve got to worry about. That’s who he is, man.”

Diggs’ future​

Among the top storylines to follow this offseason will be the future of wide receiver Stefon Diggs in New England — one that the veteran acknowledged will not totally be up to him.

“Unless they opt out of the contract, I anticipate being here,” he said following the Super Bowl. “I hope so. Love my guys. Hell of a year playing with them. We built some real family-like bonds, so I hope so. I don’t control it.”

Diggs made a remarkable impact on and off the field in his first season as a Patriot, becoming the team’s first receiver to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark since 2019 while also being a key leadership piece in Mike Vrabel’s locker room. But, a quiet playoff stretch in which he averaged just 27.5 yards per game coupled with a rising cap hit ($26.5 million) could led to New England looking elsewhere next season.

A key date in the process will be Mar. 13, as Diggs has $6 million on his deal become guaranteed.

Difficult decisions​

In his final press conference of the season, Vrabel alluded to the difficult decisions the team will have to make this offseason. Diggs’ case likely tops that list.

“There’ll be some difficult decisions that we’ll have to make, and we’ll try to do them with the team’s best interest in mind. As always, that’ll never change,” Vrabel said. “I appreciate what they did and how they came together, all the guys that came in from other places that maybe didn’t start the year with us, and the different path and a different journey that each guy took.”

Beyond Diggs, other tough decisions may have to be made in the wide receiver room as Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, and DeMario Douglas all enter the last years of their contracts. Center Garrett Bradbury, who became another key veteran voice in a special locker room, also falls on that list as he has no guaranteed money remaining on his deal.

Kuhr’s job?​

Among the decisions New England will make in the upcoming days and/or weeks is officially naming a defensive coordinator. This one might not fall under the “difficult” category, however, as current defensive play-caller Zak Kuhr is considered a heavy favorite to earn the role after growing in the position this season.

That said, the Patriots will have to go through the league’s process and satisfy the Rooney Rule to officially name a defensive coordinator.

QB continuity​

Since Drake Maye became the North Carolina Tar Heels full-time starting quarterback in 2022, he has gone on to have four different offensive coordinators in his next four seasons. So, entering year two with Josh McDaniels in New England is some welcomed continuity for the 23-year-old.

“There’s so much more we can take with this offense and give me more tools and more answers at the line of scrimmage. With my capability to play the position, use my knowledge of the game and learn it from Coach [McDaniels] to get us in the best spot is only going to help us down the road,“ Maye said.

“I’m looking forward to it, getting a chance to be in the – Lord-willing and knock on wood, the same offense for the second year. I’m looking forward to that, and the sky’s the limit for us.”

Armstead’s offer​

There has been plenty of discussion about rookie left tackle Will Campbell’s performance in the Super Bowl last Sunday. Several former NFL linemen and offensive tackles have weighed in, with a common theme emerging: the 22-year-old has a bright future but needs to clean up his technique in certain areas.

That group includes former Saints and Dolphins Pro Bowl tackle Terron Armstead. According to NFL Network’s Cam Wolfe, Armstead has volunteered to work out with Campbell in Dallas this offseason.

A convo about Patriots LT Will Campbell Super Bowl struggles including my chat with former Pro Bowl LT Terron Armstead on why arm length isn’t the issue, what is the problem + @T_Armstead72 offer to help Will in Dallas this offseason.

For @nflnetwork The Insiders: pic.twitter.com/pUx8sAyPPA

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) February 11, 2026

A strong athlete at the position, Armstead was known for his aggressive pass sets — an area that could benefit Campbell, particularly given his narrower build for the tackle spot.

Offseason goals​

Third-round wide receiver Kyle Williams finished his rookie season with just 12 receptions for 225 yards and three touchdowns. The rookie showcased explosive speed and big-play ability, but a group of veteran receivers ahead of him on the depth chart limited both his opportunities and the chemistry he could build with quarterback Drake Maye.

Entering year two, Williams understands how important the upcoming offseason will be and already has a clear plan. At the top of the list is adding muscle to his 5-foot-11, 190-pound frame to improve his play strength. He also wants to sharpen his work at the top of his routes to complement a strong release package off the line of scrimmage.

Message from Jaylen​

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown knows what it’s like to be in Drake Maye’s shoes. Brown was on the losing end of the 2022 NBA Finals as the Celtics dropped the series to the Golden State Warriors. That led to him sending Maye a message while on a Twitch livestream.

“Turn all that hurt into fuel, and I promise you, you’ll be better for it,” Brown said. “Level up, come back even better. Could have been an MVP year, should have been an MVP Year for Drake Maye. I stand on that.”

Brown and the Celtics eventually bounced back, winning the NBA Finals in 2024 — a similar script Maye and the Patriots now hope to follow.

Episode four​

The New England Patriots’ in-house content team debuted “Forged in Foxboro” this offseason, a three-part series offering a behind-the-scenes look at Mike Vrabel’s first months in charge — spanning free agency, the NFL Draft, the offseason program and training camp.

With the season now complete, a fourth episode is expected to drop, featuring exclusive footage from the team’s postseason run.

Setting up the week ahead​

The offseason begins for the New England Patriots, and as Bill Belichick infamously said after winning Super Bowl LI: the Patriots are “five weeks behind” in preparation for next season. It will be a quick transition for the coaching staff and front office, as Mike Vrabel and Co. are expected to be at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis next week.

New England will also begin the process of filling out current/future holes on their coaching staff — perhaps starting with defensive coordinator — and getting to work on any player contracts that need attention.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...-notes-belief-drake-maye-super-bowl-struggles

 

[New England Patriots]

Maxx Crosby trade rumors: Should Patriots pursue Raiders star?

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 07: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during the NFL 2025 game between Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New England Patriots are coming off their best season in years, but there are still areas that need to be addressed in order for them to keep finding consistent success. One of the most glaring among them is the defensive edge, which saw some solid performances but is nonetheless facing questions heading into the offseason.

One of those is whether or not the team should try to throw its hat in the ring for one of the top players the position has to offer: Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders.

A five-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro selection in 2021 and 2023, Crosby is rumored to be on his way out of Las Vegas. Even though new head coach Klint Kubiak recently claimed that there would be no doubt “we want him to be part of our success moving forward,” the rumblings do point at some form of disconnect between player and franchise.

Could the Patriots try to capitalize on it, and attempt a trade for Crosby? Let’s assess the arguments for and against such a move.

Why the Patriots should pursue a Maxx Crosby trade​

Blue-chip talent: There are a lot of elite edge rushers in the NFL, and Crosby is right up there with the best of them. At 6-foot-5, 255 pounds with a Relative Athletic Score of 9.64, he offers an enticing athletic profile and combines it with some outstanding production: in his seven seasons since entering the NFL, he has registered a combined 70.5 regular season and playoff sacks as well as 11 forced fumbles. He also is more than just a productive pass rusher and has proven himself capable of setting a hard edge versus the run, allowing him to be a high-impact player on all three downs.

Addressing a need: As noted above, the Patriots have a need along the defensive edge. At the moment, they have four players under contract for 2026 — Harold Landry, Anfernee Jennings, Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson — plus another, 2025 sack leader K’Lavon Chaisson, headed for unrestricted free agency. All of them are solid players and with the exception of Swinson showed some real flashes in the new system last season. That said, none of them has Crosby’s disruptive ability and potential to be a playmaker for what has already been a very good defense.

Age: Even though they advanced all the way to the Super Bowl in 2025, the Patriots are still in the early stages of their rebuild under head coach Mike Vrabel. They are, consequently, not in a position to think “win now” and have been operating accordingly since Vrabel came aboard last January. Crosby would fit that mindset: at age 28, he is still in his prime and capable of becoming a starter-level contributor for years to come. That is especially true given that he is under contract through the 2029 season.

Character fit: “Culture” has been the Patriots’ big theme since Mike Vrabel’s arrival, and the team likely would not have to think twice about adding Crosby from that perspective. A five-time team captain with the Raiders, including twice alongside now-Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane, he has been a strong presence in the Las Vegas locker room and would likely be the same in New England. Sure, his current situation is the topic of speculation but there is no questioning that he could continue flourishing as a tone-setter following a change of scenery.

Trade chips: We will speak about the questions with the asking price in a second, but for now let’s just state that the Patriots — in theory — have the capital to acquire Crosby. They are projected to have around $42 million in salary cap space, three draft picks within the first 100 selections, plus some tradable assets like wide receivers DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte. If they want to, they could produce a package to make a trade work.

Vrabel factor: The Patriots would likely have to beat out several other teams in order to bring Crosby in, and any edge they can get over their competition could end up making the difference. For them, one potential edge is their head coach: according to a recent report by Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Crosby told her that he “wants to play for Mike Vrabel.” While that might not be the ultimate reason New England brings him in, it does play in New England’s favor if push indeed comes to shove and would also effectively guarantee immediate buy-in from Crosby.

Why the Patriots should not pursue a Maxx Crosby trade​

Asking price: The reasons listed above why the Patriots should go after Crosby this offseason are also why he won’t come cheap. What exactly would the Raiders be looking for in a potential trade? That is hard to assess without knowing his true desire to leave plus the competitiveness of the market (several teams would likely be interested in his services). However, considering his age and past production, it would not be a surprise if Las Vegas was looking for at least a first-round draft pick plus additional high-level capital. Given that New England is not set to pick until the 31st selection in Round 1, those add-ons could become quite substantial.

Team building: As mentioned above, the Patriots would be investing in Crosby with a long-term vision in mind. That is fair, but it might also contradict the team’s approach to roster building. While seemingly no longer as tied to the “draft and develop” method as EVP of player personnel Eliot Wolf pointed out the team would be in 2024, a trade to acquire Crosby would still leave New England short some valuable assets, be they draft picks or players. A team in rebuilding mode might think long and hard before parting with those.

Injury questions: Over his first five seasons as a pro, Crosby was a model of availability: he did not miss a single game between his 2019 rookie campaign and the 2023 season. For comparison, he has had some issues over the last two seasons. In 2024, he dealt with a nagging ankle injury and eventually had to undergo season-ending surgery in December. Last year, he also ended the season early on injured reserve because of a meniscus issue. He still only missed seven combined games, but with 111 games on his résumé the wear and tear might be starting to add up.

---

There is no denying Maxx Crosby is one of the best outside linebackers in football and a “rising tide lifting all the boats”-level player on that side of the ball.

The Patriots, especially if they do not retain K’Lavon Chaisson in free agency, are in need of that kind of talent on the edge even with Harold Landry still around and Elijah Ponder seemingly having a bright future ahead of him. Crosby would still bring a different level of playmaking skill, and pairing him with Christian Barmore and Milton Williams would probably give opposing offensive coordinators some sleepless nights.

Obviously, though, there are plenty of questions. The biggest among them has not even been discussed above: are the Raiders willing to part ways with him? There are only rumors for now and no official statements, but they hold all the cards at the moment even if Crosby wants to go the nuclear route and threaten a holdout to increase the chances of a trade.

There is little the Patriots can do as far as that particular situation is concerned, but they could force Las Vegas’ hand with a competitive offer. Whether they would be willing to present such an offer is a different question, but there is no denying that the return would have a positive impact on New England’s pass rush and defense as a whole.

What do you think, though? Is Crosby worth pursuing? And what do you believe it takes to bring him to Foxborough?

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-opinion/122169/maxx-crosby-trade-rumor-patriots

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots 2026 free agency profile: Alex Austin coming off uneven season

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 18: Alex Austin #28 of the New England Patriots reacts during an NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New England Patriots are entering the 2026 offseason with 14 players headed for free agency, including five in the restricted group. Among them is cornerback Alex Austin, who has been a part-time starter for the team since his arrival in 2023.

Given his free agency status, the Patriots have the inside track to retain Austin before the start of the new NFL league year in March 11. Whether they will opt to do so is a different question, though.

With that said, let’s assess his outlook.

Hard facts​

Name: Alex Austin

Position: Cornerback

Jersey number: 28

Opening day age: 25 (5/22/2001)

Measurements: 6’1”, 191 lbs, 31 7/8” arm length, 8 1/2” hand size, 4.55s 40-yard dash, 7.06s 3-cone drill, 4.33s short shuttle, 33” vertical jump, 10’2” broad jump, 7.29 Relative Athletic Score

Experience​

NFL: Buffalo Bills (2023), Houston Texans (2023), New England Patriots (2023-) | College: Oregon State (2019-22)

An alumnus of Long Beach Poly, the alma mater of multiple NFL players including ex-Patriots Willie McGinest, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Jack Jones, Austin was rated as a three-star recruit out of high school. He received multiple scholarship offers before ultimately deciding to take his talents to Oregon State.

In four seasons with the Beavers, Austin appeared in 36 games with 30 starts and was named honorable-mention All-Pac-12 during each of his final two seasons in Corvallis. His college performance led to him getting selected 252nd overall in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.

His time in Buffalo was short-lived, however, and he found himself a member of another team after his release on cutdown day: the Texans claimed him off waivers and he went on to play three games for them as a rookie in 2023. Austin left Houston in November that year and shortly thereafter joined the Patriots.

Since then, he has seen action in 29 games for the team with six starts. He also registered an interception as well as 31 tackles, but also had to miss time on injured reserve in both 2024 and 2025.

2025 review​

Stats: 15 games (2 starts) | 144 defensive snaps (11.2%), 157 special teams snaps (28.6%) | 9 tackles, 1 missed tackle (10%), 1 TFL | 13 targets, 10 catches (76.9%), 158 yards, 1 TD, 1 PBU | 4 special teams tackles | 2 penalties

Season recap: Even though he was limited to nine games the previous season, and the Patriots underwent some significant change with the arrival of head coach Mike Vrabel, Austin was kept around as an exclusive rights free agent in the spring of 2025. This, in turn, gave him an opportunity to compete for a rotational spot as a nickel cornerback behind projected starters Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis.

With both of the two missing time in training camp, Austin saw increased reps with the top-level defense and made them count. He survived roster cutdown day and with Gonzalez nursing a hamstring ailment played 110 of 120 available snaps over the first two weeks of the season. However, the second of those games in particular was a struggle: he surrendered six catches for 98 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins, including a 47-yarder to Tyreek Hill and an 18-yard score to Jaylen Waddle.

As a consequence of his performance and recent waiver claim Charles Woods trending up, he saw his playing time decrease. Over the next two weeks, Austin was on the field for only 34 of 123 defensive snaps. Once Gonzalez was fully back in action, the third-year man was headed for the bench: from Week 5 on, Austin played not a single defensive snap the rest of the season and finished as the fifth CB in the pecking order behind Gonzalez, Davis, Marcus Jones and Woods.

He was actively involved in the kicking game, though, and saw action on up to four units: punt return, kickoff return, kickoff coverage, and field goal/extra point block. Even though not a particularly noteworthy player in the game’s third phase, Austin did manage to carve out a role and finished the season ranked 14th in special teams snaps and 10th in tackles.

That said, he also missed extended time with an injury for a second straight year. In late November, Austin was sent to injured reserve because of a wrist injury. He ended up missing five games as a result of the ailment.

Free agency preview​

Free agency status: Restricted free agent (RFA)

What is his contract history? Austin entered the NFL on a standard four-year rookie deal, but never actually played under that pact. Instead, he signed multiple low-level contracts after leaving Buffalo, including most recently the aforementioned exclusive rights tender at a value of $1.03 million. In total, Over the Cap has calculated his contractual career intake at $2.7 million.

Which teams might be in the running? There are several teams in the NFL in need of cornerback help, including the Falcons, Packers, Rams, Dolphins, Giants, Jets and Eagles. All of them could make a play for Austin if he is allowed to enter the open market at the start of the new league year in mid-March.

Why should he be expected back? Even though he didn’t get any opportunities down the stretch in 2025, Austin has the makings of a valuable backup player. He is experienced enough on both defense and special teams that he can step in whenever called upon and contribute in a positive fashion. For a player who will not command anything close to top dollar that is not a bad thing and could lead New England to retain him, particularly after the team decided to return him from injured reserve in 2025.

Why should he be expected to leave? Austin was a non-factor on defense for most of 2025 and did not stand out as a special teamer either. Add the fact that he missed substantial time with an injury yet again, and that depth cornerbacks such as Kobee Minor and Marcellas Dial Jr. are waiting in the wings as well, and you could see why the Patriots might be willing to move on.

What is his projected free agency outcome? The Patriots will forgo tendering Austin even at the lowest level projected at $3.55 million. Instead, he will be allowed to test the open market, which might will eventually result in a return via a one-year minimum deal worth $1.15 million — one that will certainly not make him a lock to be on the roster come the regular season but allow him to at least compete for a spot during the offseason and into training camp.

Now it’s your turn to play GM: What would you do with Alex Austin? Let him go? Re-sign him? Please head down to the comment section to share your plan.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...tions/122190/alex-austin-profile-preview-2026

 

[New England Patriots]

Contracts expire for eight members of 2025 Patriots practice squad

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 25: New England Patriots running back D'Ernest Johnson (34) returns a kickoff in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Eight recent New England Patriots have become street free agents a week into the NFL offseason.

Running backs D’Ernest Johnson and Craig Reynolds, wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr., tight end Thomas Odukoya, center Brenden Jaimes, linebackers Patrick Johnson and Darius Harris, as well as safety Richie Grant all saw their contracts with the organization expire on Tuesday.

Each finished Super Bowl LX run in the fold, either on the practice squad or its injured reserve, before not being retained on futures contracts.

Contracts expired for the following members of the 2025 Patriots practice squad:

— Oliver Thomas (@oliverbthomas.bsky.social) 2026-02-17T15:22:51.685Z

D’Ernest Johnson, 29, appeared in 11 games after signing in Foxborough in October, including the entirety of the playoff run. Spending time both on the practice squad and 53-man roster, the 5-foot-11, 205-pound running back handled 46 snaps on offense and 46 snaps on special teams. A veteran of 109 combined games, Johnson’s NFL career includes 228 carries for 1,014 yards, 53 catches for 467 yards, 51 kickoff returns for 1,229 yards, as well as three starts and three touchdowns. Beginning with the Alliance of American Football’s Orlando Apollos, the 2018 undrafted free agent from the University of South Florida has also been a member of the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals.

Reynolds, 29, joined New England’s practice squad in November and was placed on injured reserve in December. The 5-foot-11, 216-pound running back accrued the previous five years with the Detroit Lions and cleared waivers on Thanksgiving Day. Through 60 NFL games, Reynolds has totaled 469 snaps on offense and 785 snaps on special teams. He stands 658 rushing yards, 258 receiving yards and one touchdown across 179 touches from scrimmage in the regular season. An additional visit to the end zone arrived during his playoff career. The Kutztown product has spent time with an additional three organizations since going undrafted in 2019.

Sherfield, 29, signed with the Patriots ahead of the divisional round and re-signed after the AFC Championship Game. It marked his eighth NFL stop since going undrafted out of Vanderbilt in 2018. A veteran of 124 games in the regular season, including 14 starts, the 6-foot-1, 206-pound wide receiver has caught 89 passes for 1,034 yards and six touchdowns. Sherfield has tallied 2,684 snaps on offense and 1,804 snaps on special teams. His journey has also featured seven playoff appearances across tours with the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings.

Odukoya, 28, was sent to injured reserve in December after reuniting with a familiar coaching staff in October. The Netherlands native had signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He did so through NFL’s International Player Pathway after beginning his United States football journey at West Hills-Coalinga, Garden City Community College and Eastern Michigan. After spending his first two NFL campaigns on the practice squad, Odukoya made the 53-man roster in Nashville out of training camp in 2024. The 6-foot-6, 253-pound tight end appeared in two games during his stay and became a free agent in the fall.

Jaimes, 26, landed on New England’s practice squad in September and returned in January after a stint on the 53-man roster. A three-time standard elevation, the 6-foot-5, 300-pound interior lineman totaled 22 snaps on offense and 28 snaps on special teams over that span. Selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL draft at No. 159 overall, Jaimes has appeared in 50 games and started three in his career. The Nebraska alum spent four years with the Los Angeles Chargers before making an offseason stop in Tennessee.

Patrick Johnson, 28, agreed to terms with the reigning AFC champions as Super Bowl LX preparations got underway. Entering the NFL in the seventh round of the 2021 draft at No. 234 overall, Johnson was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LVII team and circled back last league year after being claimed off waivers by the New York Giants in 2024. The 6-foot-2, 248-pound linebacker via Tulane has checked into 70 games in the regular season while amassing 615 snaps on defense and 1,902 snaps on special teams. A two-game starter, his career includes 47 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one recovery.

Harris, 30, signed in September and closed out the year on injured reserve after reaching the NFL limit in standard elevations. The 6-foot-2, 238-pound linebacker played 52 snaps on special teams over that stretch while notching four tackles. Entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019, Harris has also been in the fold for the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. He has appeared in 40 games, including six starts on defense, and earned three Super Bowl rings. The Middle Tennessee alum stands with 63 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.

Grant, 28, landed at Gillette Stadium in October and reverted to the practice squad after one standard call-up. It brought one tackle through nine snaps on special teams. The 6-foot, 200-pound safety out of Central Florida entered the NFL in the second round of the 2021 draft at No. 40 overall. Now a veteran of 68 games, made 33 starts while a member of the Atlanta Falcons, recording 275 tackles along with three sacks, three interceptions, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He has seen 2,479 snaps on defense and 1,080 snaps on special teams in his career.

Head coach Mike Vrabel’s Patriots signed 13 players to futures contracts last week.

The initial wave included wide receivers Jeremiah Webb and John Jiles, tight end Marshall Lang, offensive tackle Lorenz Metz, guards Mehki Butler and Andrew Rupcich, defensive tackles Leonard Taylor III and Jeremiah Pharms Jr., linebackers Amari Gainer and Otis Reese, as well as safety John Saunders Jr. The returns of running back Elijah Mitchell and offensive tackle Sebastian Gutierrez followed.

Cornerback Miles Battle stayed in the AFC East on a futures pact with the Dolphins.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...-2025-patriots-practice-squad-dernest-johnson

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots promote Zak Kuhr to full-time defensive coordinator

Foxborough, MA - September 24: New England Patriots fill-in defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr at practice on September 24, 2025. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images

The New England Patriots have promoted Zak Kuhr to the team’s defensive coordinator job.

Kuhr took over defensive play-calling duties in Week 2 last season after then-defensive coordinator Terrell Williams stepped away while battling cancer.

Under Kuhr, New England’s defense improved throughout the season and became the driving force behind the team’s run to Super Bowl LX, surrendering just 26 points over its first three playoff games.

“I think he really can adjust quickly, and he has an ability to not get hung up,” Mike Vrabel said of Kuhr prior to the Super Bowl. “We sub and we make different calls, and I’m always trying to watch and make sure that we’re coordinated in what we’re doing. He’s done that. He did a great job in the offseason. He’s a good teacher, good communicator. He’s really helped us.”

Following the season, the Patriots moved Terrell Williams — now cancer-free — into a high-ranking role on staff, officially opening the defensive coordinator position for Kuhr to be promoted.

Kuhr, 37, previously worked with Vrabel at Ohio State before joining him in Tennessee as a quality control coach in 2020, and then as an inside linebacker assistant for three seasons. After spending the 2024 season with the New York Giants, Kuhr joined the Patriots last offseason as inside linebackers coach. That role will now be filled by Vinny DePalma, who has worked with the position since arriving to New England in 2024.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...e-zak-kuhr-to-full-time-defensive-coordinator