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[New England Patriots]

Stefon Diggs leaving New England without deal, but talks will reportedly continue

Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

The Patriots were the first team to express interest in Diggs this free agency.

He came, he saw, he left without a deal.

Veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who the New England Patriots had in town for a free agency visit on Wednesday and Thursday, left Foxboro without a contract. The two sides “[wi]ll keep talking” after what was considered a positive meeting, as reported by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

According to a follow-up by Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, who also mentioned that “both sides intend to remain in contact,” the main intention behind the meeting was to get to know Diggs and get a feel for his medical status. The 31-year-old is five months removed from tearing his ACL.

Diggs is the latest veteran wide receiver the Patriots were involved with this offseason. They unsuccessfully pursued Chris Godwin, expressed interest in DK Metcalf and Cooper Kupp, and also were expected to go after Tee Higgins had he made it to the open market. All four will play elsewhere in 2025, while Diggs also remains unsigned for now.

A fifth-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015, the Maryland product developed into one of the league’s better wide receivers during his five seasons in the NFC North. Despite his success, he was traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2020 where he became quarterback Josh Allen’s go-to guy and was voted to four straight Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams.

With one year remaining on his contract, the Bills decided to send Diggs to the Houston Texans last offseason. He went on to appear in eight games, catching 47 passes for 496 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns before suffering his season-ending knee injury in late October.

His injury as well as his age likely contributed to what has been a slow free agency so far for the former NFL receptions and receiving yards leader. The Patriots were his first visit since he entered the open market last week.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/20/24390545/stefon-diggs-patriots-visit-no-deal-nfl-free-agency

 

[New England Patriots]

The Top 10 Patriots Moments of 2024: No. 9

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Our offseason countdown continues with the Number 9 Best Patriots Moment of 2024.

It’s been a wild week here at Patriots Nation, as New England has been extremely active in Free Agency. There are still a few more players to bring in, of course, but the Free Agency dust seems to have mostly settled, and so let’s get back to our countdown of the Top 10 Patriots Moments of 2024.

Plus, my March Madness bracket is already destroyed, so I may as well reminisce on another good Patriots moment.

The list so far:

10. Jerod Mayo out, Mike Vrabel in.

At Number 9, I get to give some love to not only a massive bright spot for 2024, but a franchise cornerstone for the foreseeable future.

9. Drake Maye hits Austin Hooper for a 38-yard TD on 4th-and-15 against the Miami Dolphins.​

One of the worst games of the entire 2024 season was the first matchup between Miami and New England, where QB stud Tyler Huntley went 18 of 31 for 194 yards and a pick en route to a 15-10 victory over the Jacoby Brissett-led Patriots. It was a game we all thought that the Patriots would win, as they were at home against a third-string quarterback - but as we all learned the hard way over and over last season, there was no limit to New England’s suckitude.

The second matchup between these two squads didn’t fare much better, as a healthy Tua Tagovailoa carved the Patriots up with 317 yards and four touchdowns in a 34-15 victory that wasn’t even as close as the score dictates. It was 31-0 through the first three quarters, and up until that point the Patriots had only put together two drives of more than four plays. Gillette Stadium started to empty out. No point hanging around for the rest of the drubbing.

What the early leavers ended up missing was one of the several moments that have Patriots fans excited for 2025 and beyond, as the ensuing drive following Miami’s last touchdown of the day more or less encapsulated the entire season.

After a 30-yard kickoff return, Drake Maye hit Pop Douglas for 20 yards, then Hunter Henry for 16 to set up a 1st and 10 at the Miami 38. A seven yard out to Austin Hooper to set up and 2nd and 3 was negated, and then some, Jaylen Ramsey came in completely unblocked to level Maye for a 12-yard sack. On 3rd-and-15, an OPI call was declined on an incomplete pass to set up 4th-and-15 at the Miami 38.

May as well go for it. No reason to attempt a 55-yard field goal down 31 points.

There isn’t a play in any NFL playbook that consistently works on 4th-and-15, so everyone pretty much ran either dummy crossers or Go Routes in hopes that someone got open with enough real estate in front of them to pick up the first or in a position where they could bring in a 50/50 deep pass. The problem with Go Routes, however, is that the receiver needs three to four seconds to get downfield, which Drake Maye definitively did not have behind this offensive line. Even though the Dolphins only rushed four, and an NFL Offensive Line consists of five men, the penetration was immediate and May had to start scrambling before he even set his feet to scan the field. He scurried out to his right, buying some time, and threw across his body on the run to a wide-open Austin Hooper, who caught the ball at the two-yard line and dove in for the score. As Maye broke the pocket, a bit of defensive miscommunication allowed Hooper to get behind the defense and sit uncovered in an open spot. It would have been a gimme throw for any quarterback who had some time to settle into the pocket and let the play develop.

But for a rookie quarterback to break into a run, scramble right, look downfield, see his man, and throw it on the run 40 yards down the field right between the numbers... that just isn’t something you see every day.

I’m well aware that a meaningless touchdown in a complete blowout game isn’t all that much of a highlight. Pretty much everything about that Dolphins game was a disaster. But some of the plays that Drake Maye made last season, with everything going against him, during his rookie season... it’s hard not to get fired up about that stuff. In a season filled with disappointment, Maye was a consistent bright spot for the team. And this was an amazing throw that showed perfect accuracy and wise-beyond-his-years vision. It’s the kind of stuff you very much hope to build on coming into the future. So even though the game stunk, I feel good putting it here at No. 9.

Check out the play here.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/21/24387916/top-10-patriots-moments-of-2024-no-9

 

[New England Patriots]

Christian Elliss’ Raiders offer sheet carries reported $4.8 million salary cap charge

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

A restricted free agent Elliss was tendered at the original round level by the Patriots.

More details have emerged about the restricted free agent offer sheet Christian Elliss signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The veteran linebacker, who was tendered at the right of first refusal level by the New England Patriots earlier this month, put his signature under a deal carrying a $4.842 million salary cap charge for the 2025 season, according to a report by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. For comparison, the original tender used by the Patriots was worth $3.263 million.

Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf, the Patriots’ head coach and executive vice president of player personnel, respectively, have until Monday to make a decision. Either they match the Raiders’ offer to retain Elliss, or they decline and see him leave the organization without getting any compensation in return.

As of Friday, New England has around $81 million to work with, according to calculations by salary cap expert Miguel Benzan.

Elliss, 26, joined the Patriots in December 2023. An undrafted free agent out of Idaho in 2021, he had stints with the Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles before finding his way to Foxboro.

Since arriving as a waiver claim, he has appeared in 20 games for the organization with five starts. Originally used exclusively in the kicking game, he increased his defensive contributions during the 2024 season.

Helping the team replace the injured Ja’Whaun Bentley, Elliss ended the season with a career-high 513 defensive snaps. He also registered 72 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception, while continuing to serve as a five-unit special teamer. He had eight tackles as well as one forced fumble and recovery each in the kicking game.

Entering the offseason as a restricted free agent, Elliss was tendered by the Patriots before making it to the open market. With tendered RFAs still allowed to negotiate with other clubs through April 19, he visited the Raiders earlier this week resulting in an offer being extended.

Elliss is one of five members of the Patriots’ free agents class still in limbo. Running back JaMycal Hasty, offensive lineman Lester Cotton, outside linebacker Oshane Ximines and kicker Joey Slye all remain unsigned.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/2...s-raiders-offer-sheet-salary-cap-hit-patriots

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots up-to-date roster with NFL free agency underway

Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

An updated look at the Patriots’ 90-man roster.

Even though they have some pieces in place, the New England Patriots remain in full rebuilding mode. Not only did they go a combined 8-26 over the last two seasons, they also now had a head coaching change in back-to-back offseasons.

Luckily for the Patriots, they do have some resources to help speed up the process — starting with more than $130 million in salary cap space heading into the NFL’s 2025 free agency period. The team has already started spending some of it, adding pieces to the roster early in free agency.

At the moment, that roster looks as follows:

Patriots updated roster: 70 players​

Quarterback (3): Drake Maye (10), Joshua Dobbs (11), Joe Milton III (19)

Running back (3): Rhamondre Stevenson (38), Antonio Gibson (4 | KR), Terrell Jennings (26)

Wide receiver (8): Kayshon Boutte (9), DeMario Douglas (3), Kendrick Bourne (84), Mack Hollins (13), Ja’Lynn Polk (1), Javon Baker (6), JaQuae Jackson (82), John Jiles (83)

Tight end (5): Hunter Henry (85), Austin Hooper (81), Jaheim Bell (88), Jack Westover (87), Giovanni Ricci (86 | FB)

Offensive tackle (5): Morgan Moses (76 | RT), Vederian Lowe (59), Demontrey Jacobs (75), Caedan Wallace (70), Sidy Sow (62)

Interior offensive line (8): Michael Onwenu (71 | RG), Garrett Bradbury (55), Cole Strange (69), Layden Robinson (63), Ben Brown (77), Wes Schweitzer (66), Jake Andrews (67), Tyrese Robinson (65)

Interior defensive line (8): Christian Barmore (90), Milton Williams (97), Keion White (99), Khyiris Tonga (95), Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (98), Jaquelin Roy (94), Eric Johnson (96), Marcus Harris (58)

Defensive edge (5): Harold Landry III (2), Anfernee Jennings (33), K’Lavon Chaisson (44), Titus Leo (97), Truman Jones (54)

Linebacker (6): Robert Spillane (14), Ja’Whaun Bentley (8), Jack Gibbens (51), Jahlani Tavai (48), Christian Elliss (53), Monty Rice (45)

Cornerback (8): Christian Gonzalez (0), Carlton Davis III (7), Marcus Jones (25 | PR), Alex Austin (28), Marcellas Dial Jr. (27), Isaiah Bolden (29), Miles Battle (35), D.J. James (30)

Safety (8): Kyle Dugger (23), Jabrill Peppers (5), Marcus Epps (22), Jaylinn Hawkins (21), Marte Mapu (15), Dell Pettus (24), Brenden Schooler (41), Mark Perry (34)

Specialists (3): John Parker Romo (37 | K), Bryce Baringer (17 | P | H), Joe Cardona (49 | LS)

---

Patriots free agents: 4 players​

Unrestricted free agents (3): RB JaMycal Hasty, K Joey Slye, ED Oshane Ximines

Restricted free agents (1): OL Lester Cotton

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/4/24377927/patriots-updated-roster-heading-into-nfl-free-agency

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots expecting big things out of Austin Hooper in 2025, contract details show

Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images

The Patriots signed the veteran tight end to a one-year deal.

Ahead of the start of NFL free agency, the Pats Pulpit staff got together to rank the New England Patriots’ free agents according to their perceived importance to the team’s success in 2025. Sitting in the top spot was tight end Austin Hooper, and it seems that the Patriots’ decision makers share that opinion.

Hooper is one of only two unrestricted free agents re-signed by the team so far, joining safety Jaylinn Hawkins, and the one to sign the biggest deal among them. As a closer look at that pact shows, it seems the Patriots are expecting big things out of the 30-year-old this fall.

TE Austin Hooper: Contract details​

2025:
Base salary: $2,000,000
Signing bonus: $2,000,000
Roster bonus: $850,000
Workout bonus: $150,000
Incentives: $2,000,000
Salary cap hit: $5,000,000

Compared to other tight ends around the league or the rest of the Patriots’ current roster overall, Hooper’s deal does not particularly stand out. His $5 million cap number is ranked 24th and 16th in those two respective groups, meaning that he can best be classified as a middle class player.

That being said, the structure gives us definitive clues about how New England feels about Hooper and his potential role in what will be a new-look offense coordinated by Josh McDaniels: the team is expecting big things after he caught 45 passes for 476 yards and 3 touchdowns in his first year in Foxboro.

Not only did the Patriots give Hooper a $2 million signing bonus, it also guaranteed his $2 million salary in full. In addition to those combined $4 million in guarantees, Hooper also can earn up to $2 million in incentives — increasing his potential cash intake to $7 million.

It remains to be seen how much of that maximum sum will be his by the end of the season, but even the contract’s base value suggests the Patriots feel comfortable about where Hooper is at heading into 2025.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/2...ustin-hooper-contract-details-nfl-free-agency

 

[New England Patriots]

Sunday Patriots Notes: Milton Williams details New England’s free agency pursuit

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Notes and thoughts on the Milton Williams signing, Stefon Diggs visit, and more.

The main wave of free agency is in the rearview mirror, but the New England Patriots continue to tinker with their roster as the 2025 NFL league year is underway. While things have slowed down between free agency and the NFL Draft, let’s clean out the notebook to take a look back on the week that was.

Welcome to the latest edition of our Sunday Patriots Notes.

Williams pursuit​

Mike Vrabel entered free agency with the goal of remodeling a Patriots defense that ranked 30th in DVOA in 2024. To do that, Vrabel looked to add a key difference maker at each level of the defense.

That started with linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerback Carlton Davis, but the big target came up front in Philadelphia Eagles interior pass rusher Milton Williams, who projected as a perfect fit in Vrabel’s defensive scheme.

Roughly an hour into the free agent negotiation period, however, Williams looked to be on the cusp of signing with the Carolina Panthers. That was until New England swooped back in with a monster four-year, $104 million offer that made him the highest paid player in franchise history in terms of AAV.

“My agent — they were all on the phone, and I was just kind of in the room,” Williams told NFL Network Friday night. “They were on the phone talking to teams and teams were coming in with new deals. There was a lot going on, it happened really fast. He told me about Carolina then and I was like, ‘alright, it sounds like the best offer we are going to get, so, we were going to go there.’

“Then, a split second later, New England hopped on and was like, ‘Nah, this is what we got for you.’ Carolina, they felt like they went too high on their number, so, they stayed where they were at. New England came in, and it was it after that. They showed they wanted me the most and made me a priority. So, made them a priority.”

Following a season in which he was one of the most dominant interior penetrators in football, Williams was viewed by many as the top available player in free agency. That and his level of play last season led to the hefty price tag, as Vrabel explained during the NFL Combine in February that when “there’s only one of a certain car, maybe you have to pay a little bit more for that one car because there’s only one of them.”

But New England is not just paying Williams for what he has accomplished, but in hopes of what he can continue to develop into. After playing a situational role throughout his career on a deep Eagles defensive line, Williams will be counted on more in Vrabel’s defense.

After visiting the facility last week, the soon-to-be 26-year old returned to Texas and has already got back to work to make that happen.

“Do what I’ve always done, just put in the work,” Williams said of preparing to handle the extra workload. “Just extra conditioning, boxing, running, trying to make sure I’m eating right, eating cleaner, getting the right amount of sleep, everything. Anything I can do in my power, I’m trying to do whatever I can to make sure that I’m fully functioning and able to provide for my team when they need me to.”

Beyond expecting to be a dominant force on the field, Williams’ contract will come with a leadership role as well. While he is more of a lead-by-example type of leader, Williams believes he and his fellow free agents additions are the right people to help establish Vrabel’s culture and vision.

“[Vrabel] wants us to come in and try to change the culture around with what’s been going on in New England the last couple of years,” Williams shared. “I definitely think he picked the right guys for that.”

Reseting the tackle market​

Fellow free agent addition Morgan Moses also projects as a big figure on and off the field for the Patriots. The veteran will take on a leadership role, but more importantly is expected to settle down the right tackle position which was the weakest along the offensive line last season.

Who will play opposite of Moses is still a question, however. Last year’s starter Vederian Lowe remains under contract, while Caedan Wallace and Trey Jacobs are the only other tackles on the roster.

Following Cam Robinson signing a one-year deal in Houston, the free agent options are limited at the position:

Tyron Smith: The 34-year still has some gas left in the tank, making him the best stop-gap option remaining.

Jedrick Wills Jr.: A former top-10 pick, Wills has never lived up to the billing in Cleveland. Vrabel saw first hand Wills get benched last season after he made a “business decision” to sit out of a game with a minor knee injury — likely removing him from the option list going forward.

D.J. Humphries: The 31-year old played just 92 snaps at tackle for the Chiefs last season after missing the start of the year rehabbing a torn ACL.

Joe Noteboom: A versatile backup in Los Angeles, Noteboom has struggled with injuries appearing in just 24 games over the last three seasons.

Diggs review​

With Mike Vrabel looking to establish a new culture and find a veteran for his receiver room, some were surprised the team held wide receiver Stefon Diggs on a free agent visit. Diggs has never been shy to be animated on the sideline while a fallout in Buffalo with Josh Allen led to a trade to Houston last offseason.

Ask the Texans — and specifically quarterback C.J. Stroud — and the reviews are nothing but positive about the 31-year old receiver.

“It’s been great. I think he got a bad rap just by the media and by people,” Stroud said of Diggs during training camp last year. “But he’s been nothing but just amazing to this team and to his teammates. He’s helped me out a ton. As you can see, we’re clicking more and more every game. So, I’m very happy for him and I’m glad that he’s finally having fun playing the game and doing what he loves to do because he loves football a lot. So, just really, really happy to be part of his journey and just being around him has been really awesome.”

Stroud then added later in the season: “He’s somebody who loves the game and doesn’t cheat it, and that’s why he’s been successful and I think he’ll continue that success. I’m blessed enough to, hopefully, be a part of that. That’s some things that just stuck out to me. Just how personable he is, how relatable he is. He’s really friendly and very vocal, so it’s really nice to have him around.”

Deadline deal​

As Diggs ultimately left the building without a deal, the search continues for upgrades at the wide receiver position. While the most likely outcome may be the NFL Draft at this point, New England will keep eyes on the trade market. The top available option is wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who the 49ers are opening to dealing as they look to reset their financial books.

With money being a priority to moving off the receiver, April 1 could be the deadline to move Aiyuk as his $22.855 million option bonus kicks in that date — where an additional $31 million would also become guaranteed.

Josh’s system​

“To me it’s not a hard system. It gets said it’s such a hard system, it’s a very intricate system and everyone has to be on the same page and when they are there’s a lot of success cause it gives the quarterback the controls to get things right,” David Andrews said of Josh McDaniels’ offensive system.

“Everyone’s got to be on the same page, there’s a lot of checks involved in it. I think it’s a great system because the whole point of the system is not to run a bad play. You have answers to problems within the system. Now sometimes it’s just hard getting to those answers.”

Gonzo lookahead​

Following the 2025 season, signing the then extension eligible Christian Gonzalez to a new contract should be atop the Patriots to-do list. That likely made Gonzalez a happy camper to see Texans’ CB Derek Stingley Jr. sign a historic three-year, $90 million extension with $89 million guaranteed this week.

“I think it’s good that the cornerback position and other defensive positions are starting to get up there, too,” Stingley said. “Obviously with time, it’s gonna keep on going up, so I’m excited to see who is gonna make [the next] deal like that.”

Tee times​

The third annual NFL Players Association Classic will be held on Tuesday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 26 at the El Camadleón Golf Course at Mayakoba in Riviera Maye, Mexico. Among the 18 foursomes in competition will include Patriots quarterbacks Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs in addition to cornerback Marcus Jones.

Maye and Dobbs will be teammates for the first time in their foursome which also includes former Patriots QB Jacoby Brissett and Maye’s close friend Sam Howell. Maye will hold the team captain title.

Setting up the week ahead​

Free agency remains on going for the Patriots to make any moves or host visits. New England will also have to make a decision by Monday on the Raiders’ free agent offer sheet to restricted free agent Christian Elliss.

Outside of that, the Pro Day circuit continues for New England’s front office as they get closer to the NFL Draft in April.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/2...notes-milton-williams-nfl-free-agency-pursuit

 

[New England Patriots]

What releasing 4 players, including Curtis Jacobs, means for the Patriots

Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Patriots parted ways with four players on Friday.

Even with NFL free agency winding down, the New England Patriots continue being active building their roster. As part of that process, the team made a series of moves on Friday.

In total, four players were released: the tenures of offensive linemen Caleb Jones and Lecitus Smith as well as linebackers Curtis Jacobs and Andrew Parker Jr. all came to an end. Let’s assess what the moves mean for the team.

No surprises​

The Patriots entered Friday with 74 players on their roster. All four of the players released Friday found themselves toward the bottom of that list: they all projected as depth options or potential camp bodies at their respective positions.

Seeing New England part ways with all four of them does therefore ultimately not come as a surprise. The chances of Jones, Smith, Jacob and Parker Jr. making the team were slim to begin with.

Christian Elliss hint?​

Among those 74 players mentioned above is linebacker Christian Elliss, who the Patriots tendered as a restricted free agent earlier this month. However, he recently signed an offer sheet with the Las Vegas Raiders, and could be on his way out of town: if New England declines to match the offer by Monday, the 26-year-old will leave without any compensation coming the Patriots’ way.

One of Friday’s moves in particular might be a hint toward the team’s plans: like Elliss, Curtis Jacobs is a rotational off-the-ball linebacker who also brings multi-unit special teams experience to the table. From that perspective, releasing the 23-year-old former waiver claim could be a sign of things to come.

However, we would be a bit cautious reading too much into the move being connected to the Ellis situation. For one, recent linebacker addition Jack Gibbens has a profile even more similar to Elliss’ than Jacobs’, something that is also true for current Patriots LB Monty Rice (who, like Gibbens, played under Mike Vrabel in Tennessee). Additionally, Jacobs’ chances of making the team appeared to be slim in the first place.

Thinning out the herd​

What the four moves do more than anything else is remove a layer of depth at offensive tackle, along the interior offensive line, and at off-the-ball linebacker. Looking at our up-to-date Patriots roster, the three position groups now look as follows:

Offensive tackle (5): Morgan Moses (76 | RT), Vederian Lowe (59), Demontrey Jacobs (75), Caedan Wallace (70), Sidy Sow (62), Caleb Jones (76)

Interior offensive line (8): Michael Onwenu (71 | RG), Garrett Bradbury (55), Cole Strange (69), Layden Robinson (63), Ben Brown (77), Wes Schweitzer (66), Jake Andrews (67), Lecitus Smith (68), Tyrese Robinson (65)

Linebacker (6): Robert Spillane (14), Ja’Whaun Bentley (8), Jack Gibbens (51), Jahlani Tavai (48), Christian Elliss (53), Curtis Jacobs (52), Monty Rice (45), Andrew Parker Jr. (47)

As can be seen, the four releases have a minimal impact on the top of the depth chart. If anything, they create space for other depth signings to happen between now and the draft.

At the moment, the Patriots have 70 players on their 90-man offseason roster, including Christian Elliss. They are the owners of nine draft picks at the moment.

Minor cap savings​

Even though the Patriots parted ways with four players, the salary cap impact is marginal. In total, the moves created a mere $140,000 in net savings, according to cap expert Miguel Benzan.

The reason for that is that only Jones and Smith counted against the Top 51 rule at the time of their respective released: their $1.03 million salaries qualified among the team’s biggest 51 cap hits, which in turn made space for lower-compensated players to move up the list. Those players are QB Joe Milton and TE Jaheim Bell, who are both on $960,000 — a cumulative difference of, you guessed it, $140,000.

Meanwhile, neither Jacobs ($960k) nor Parker Jr. ($840k) were in that Top 51 group. Their releases have no impact on New England’s still-substantial salary cap number.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/22/24391322/patriots-releasing-curtis-jacobs-analysis-roster-moves

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots reportedly match Raiders’ offer sheet for linebacker Christian Elliss

Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Elliss was tendered as a RFA by the Patriots.

The New England Patriots have matched the free agent offer sheet to linebacker Christian Elliss, according to multiple reports.

A restricted free agent this offseason, Elliss was tendered by the Patriots before making it to the open market. Elliss was granted to the right to negotaute with other clubs with New England retaining right of first refusal.

Following the linebackers visit with the Las Vegas Raiders, Elliss signed a tender on a deal reportedly carrying a $4.842 million salary cap charge for the 2025 season. New England, whose original tender was worth $3.263 million, has now matched the deal that carries a two-year duration.

Elliss was one of the few bright spots on New England’s defense last year taking on a bigger role with Ja’Whaun Bentley sidelined. He logged a career-high 513 defensive snaps and 80 tackles while he did his best work in coverage as he recorded his first career interception and five pass deflections.

The 26-year old also remained a key special teamer logging snaps across five kicking units.

New England has been busy remodeling the second level of their defense this offseason after a disappointing year from the unit as a whole. The team added Robert Spillane to a three-year deal on the first day of free agency and recently signed Jack Gibbens following his release from the Tennessee Titans.

With Elliss now remaining in the fold, the three will join Jahlani Tavai, Ja’Whaun Bentley, who is reportedly slimming down to better fit Mike Vrabel’s defense, and Monty Rice on the depth chart.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/2...iders-offer-sheet-linebacker-christian-elliss

 

[New England Patriots]

Lecitus Smith, Curtis Jacobs claimed off waivers from Patriots

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

After departing on Friday, both found new rosters on Monday.

Two players waived by the New England Patriots last Friday found new rosters on Monday.

Offensive lineman Lecitus Smith has been claimed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to the NFL transaction wire, while linebacker Curtis Jacobs has been claimed by the Tennessee Titans.

Smith, 26, joined the 53-man roster in Foxborough off the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad last October. Eight appearances followed, including one start as an eligible lineman in the backfield. The 6-foot-3, 314-pound Virginia Tech product was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft. Between work at center and guard, he stands 18 games and three starts into a career that has also included stints with the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles.

Jacobs, 23, landed off waivers following the NFL’s roster deadline last August. Entering the league with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2024, the 6-foot-1, 241-pound rookie out of Penn State proceeded to appear in nine games before being placed on injured reserve. His 21-day practice window opened and closed without his activation to end the campaign. Twice part of the starting lineup, he had a hand in four tackles across 23 snaps on defense and 136 snaps on special teams.

Both were among the four roster cuts made at Gillette Stadium following a series of arrivals in free agency.

Offensive tackle Caleb Jones and linebacker Andrew Parker Jr., who were retained on futures contracts in January after finishing the season on the practice squad, went through waivers unclaimed.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/2...is-jacobs-claimed-off-waivers-steelers-titans

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots draft meetings tracker: Workouts, interviews, visits, and more

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

NFL Draft season is underway, and the Patriots will be quite busy.

Even though their scouting department only underwent minor changes since last season, the New England Patriots of 2025 are still a different team than they were a year ago. Incoming head coach Mike Vrabel, after all, is expected to have a more prominent role in building the squad than his predecessor, Jerod Mayo.

One big part of that is, obviously, the NFL Draft. Until the event in late April, the Patriots — led by Vrabel and EVP of player personnel Eliot Wolf — will be conducting interviews, working out prospects, inviting them for a finite number of pre-draft visits, and in general try to get as complete a picture as possible. It remains to be seen what this process eventually leads to, but there will be plenty of news to report.

In order to find out who the Patriots have already spoken to or worked out thus far, please make sure to bookmark this regularly-updated pre-draft tracker. We will have all contact listed to the best of our knowledge.

(Note: Please scroll down for a meeting-by-meeting breakdown)

Quarterback​

N/A

Running back​

Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Arizona): East-West Shrine Bowl

Omarion Hampton (North Carolina): Combine

R.J. Harvey (UCF): Senior Bowl + Combine

Jordan James (Oregon): Pro Day

Jo’Quavious Marks (USC): Pro Day

Kyle Monangai (Rutgers): Combine

ShunDerrick Powell (Central Arkansas): Hula Bowl + Pro Day

Dylan Sampson (Tennessee): 30 visit

Treshaun Ward (Boston College): Tropical Bowl

Jalen White (Georgia Southern): Tropical Bowl

Josh Williams (LSU): East-West Shrine Bowl

Marcus Yarns (Delaware): Senior Bowl

Wide receiver​

Pat Bryant (Illinois): Senior Bowl + Combine

Tai Felton (Maryland): Senior Bowl

Matthew Golden (Texas): Combine

Tre Harris (Ole Miss): Combine

Jayden Higgins (Iowa State): Senior Bowl

Jeremiah Hunter (Washington): Tropical Bowl

Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona): Combine

Jaylin Noel (Iowa State): Senior Bowl

Landon Parker (Troy): Tropical Bowl

Xavier Restrepo (Miami): Combine

Jalen Royals (Utah State): Senior Bowl

Arian Smith (Georgia): Senior Bowl

Carl Smith Jr. (Robert Morris): Tropical Bowl

Ricky White (UNLV): Combine

Kyle Williams (Washington State): Senior Bowl

Tight end​

Gavin Bartholomew (Pitt): Combine

Rivaldo Fairweather (Auburn): East-West Shrine Bowl

Jackson Hawes (Georgia Tech): Senior Bowl

Gunnar Helm (Texas): Combine

Bryson Nesbit (North Carolina): Combine

Mason Taylor (LSU): Senior Bowl + Combine

Robbie Ouzts (Alabama): Combine

Offensive tackle​

Anthony Belton (NC State): Senior Bowl

Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon): Senior Bowl + Combine

Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota): Senior Bowl + 30 visit

DeVonte Gordon (Wake Forest): Tropical Bowl

Charles Grant (William & Mary): Combine

Easton Kilty (Kansas State): Pro Day

Mason Miller (North Dakota State): Hula Bowl

Josh Simmons (Ohio State): Combine

Ozzy Trapilo (Boston College): Senior Bowl + Pro Day

Interior offensive line​

Miles Frazier (LSU): Senior Bowl

Drew Kendall (Boston College): Pro Day

Zovon Lindsay (Coastal Carolina): Tropical Bowl

Marcus Mbow (Purdue): Senior Bowl

Wyatt Milum (West Virginia): Senior Bowl

Dylan Poirier (New Hampshire): Hula Bowl

Carson Vinson (Alabama A&M): Senior Bowl

Interior defensive line​

Mason Graham (Michigan): Combine

Kenneth Grant (Michigan): Combine

Cam Jackson (Florida): Senior Bowl

DeAndre Jules (South Carolina): Pro Day

Nic Scourton (Texas A&M): Combine

Nazir Stackhouse (Georgia): Pro Day

Deone Walker (Kentucky): Campus meeting

Defensive edge​

Abdul Carter (Penn State): Combine

Seth Coleman (Illinois): Hula Bowl

B.J. Green (Colorado): Hula Bowl

Mike Green (Marshall): Senior Bowl

Landon Jackson (Arkansas): Senior Bowl

Jah Joyner (Minnesota): Senior Bowl + Combine

Kyle Kennard (South Carolina): Senior Bowl + Pro Day

R.J. Oben (Notre Dame): Senior Bowl

T.J. Sanders (South Carolina): Senior Bowl

Josaiah Stewart (Michigan): Senior Bowl

Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss): Senior Bowl

Linebacker​

Eugene Asante (Auburn): Senior Bowl

Jeffrey Bassa (Oregon): Pro Day

Jihaad Campbell (Alabama): Combine

Barrett Carter (Clemson): Senior Bowl + Combine

Matt Jones (Baylor): Hula Bowl

Cody Lindenberg (Minnesota): Senior Bowl

Nick Martin (Oklahoma State): Senior Bowl + 30 visit

Danny Stutsman (Oklahoma): Combine

Jesiah Pierre (UCF): Tropical Bowl

Karene Reid (Utah): Senior Bowl

Cornerback​

Korie Black (Oklahoma State): Pro Day

Tyron Herring (Delaware): East-West Shrine Bowl

Tommi Hill (Nebraska): Senior Bowl

Travis Hunter (Colorado): Combine

Bilhal Kone (Western Michigan): Senior Bowl + Combine + Pro Day

Mac McWilliams (UCF): Combine

Quincy Riley (Louisville): Senior Bowl

Car’lin Vigers (ULM): Hula Bowl

Safety​

Mason Hook (Toledo): Senior Bowl

Jayden Johnson (Arkansas): Tropical Bowl

Keondre Jackson (Illinois State): Senior Bowl

Jonas Sanker (Virginia): Senior Bowl + Combine

Specialists​

Andy Borregales (Miami): East-West Shrine Bowl

Ben Sauls (Pitt): Combine

---

Whereas the list above gives an overview over the prospects the Patriots have been in contact with before the draft, the following overview is a breakdown by meeting opportunity plus the source of each report.

Hula Bowl​

RB ShunDerrick Powell (Central Arkansas) | Source

OL Dylan Poirier (New Hampshire) | Source

LB Matt Jones (Baylor) | Source

ED B.J. Green (Colorado) | Source

ED Seth Coleman (Illinois) | Source

OT Mason Miller (North Dakota State) | Source

CB Car’lin Vigers (ULM) | Source

Tropical Bowl​

RB Treshaun Ward (Boston College) | Source

WR Landon Parker (Troy) | Source

RB Jalen White (Georgia Southern) | Source

LB Jesiah Pierre (UCF) | Source

S Jayden Johnson (Arkansas) | Source

OT DeVonte Gordon (Wake Forest) | Source

OL Zovon Lindsay (Coastal Carolina) | Source

WR Carl Smith Jr. (Robert Morris) | Source

WR Jeremiah Hunter (Washington) | Source

East-West Shrine Bowl​

TE Rivaldo Fairweather (Auburn) | Source

RB Josh Williams (LSU) | Source

RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Arizona) | Source

CB Tyron Herring (Delaware) | Source

K Andy Borregales (Miami) | Source

Senior Bowl​

OT Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon) | Source

OT Ozzy Trapilo (Boston College) | Source

RB R.J. Harvey (UCF) | Source

WR Tai Felton (Maryland) | Source

S Mason Hook (Toledo) | Source

LB Eugene Asante (Auburn) | Source

OL Miles Frazier (LSU) | Source

TE Jackson Hawes (Georgia Tech) | Source

LB Cody Lindenberg (Minnesota) | Source

LB Nickolas Martin (Oklahoma) | Source

LB Karene Reid (Utah) | Source

OL Marcus Mbow (Purdue) | Source

ED Jah Joyner (Minnesota) | Source

ED Josaiah Stewart (Michigan) | Source

WR Jaylin Noel (Iowa State) | Source

WR Jayden Higgins (Iowa State) | Source

CB Quincy Riley (Louisville) | Source

WR Kyle Williams (Washington State) | Source

CB Tommi Hill (Nebraska) | Source

S Jonas Sanker (Virginia) | Source

ED Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss) | Source

OT Anthony Belton (NC State) | Source

WR Jalen Royals (Utah State) | Source

OL Carson Vinson (Alabama A&M) | Source

OT Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) | Source

DT Cam Jackson (Florida) | Source

ED T.J. Sanders (South Carolina) | Source

CB Bilhal Kone (Western Michigan) | Source

WR Pat Bryant (Illinois) | Source

WR Arian Smith (Georgia) | Source

TE Mason Taylor (LSU) | Source

RB Marcus Yarns (Delaware) | Source

OL Wyatt Milum (West Virginia) | Source

ED Mike Green (Marshall) | Source

ED Kyle Kennard (South Carolina) | Source

ED R.J. Oben (Notre Dame) | Source

ED Landon Jackson (Arkansas) | Source

LB Barrett Carter (Clemson) | Source

LB Nick Martin (Oklahoma State) | Source

S Keondre Jackson (Illinois State) | Source

NFL Scouting Combine​

ED Abdul Carter (Penn State) | Source

DT Nic Scourton (Texas A&M) | Source

LB Jihaad Campbell (Alabama) | Source

LB Danny Stutsman (Oklahoma) | Source

K Ben Sauls (Pitt) | Source

DT Mason Graham (Michigan) | Source

ED Jah Joyner (Minnesota) | Source

DT Kenneth Grant (Michigan) | Source

LB Barrett Carter (Clemson) | Source

S Jonas Sanker (Virginia) | Source

TE Bryson Nesbit (North Carolina) | Source

TE Gavin Bartholomew (Pitt) | Source

TE/FB Robbie Ouzts (Alabama) | Source

TE Mason Taylor (LSU) | Source

CB Mac McWilliams (UCF) | Source

CB Bilhal Kone (Western Michigan) | Source

CB/WR Travis Hunter (Colorado) | Source

WR Matthew Golden (Texas) | Source

WR Pat Bryant (Illinois) | Source

WR Ricky White (UNLV) | Source

WR Xavier Restrepo (Miami) | Source

TE Gunnar Helm (Texas) | Source

WR Tre Harris (Ole Miss) | Source

WR Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) | Source

RB Omarion Hampton (North Carolina) | Source

RB R.J. Harvey (UCF) | Source

RB Kyle Monangai (Rutgers) | Source

OT Josh Simmons (Ohio State) | Source

OT Charles Grant (William & Mary) | Source

OT Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon) | Source

Pro Days​

RB Jordan James (Oregon) | Source

LB Jeffery Bassa (Oregon) | Source

OT Easton Kilty (Kansas State) | Source

CB Bilhal Kone (Western Michigan) | Source

DT Nazir Stackhouse (Georgia) | Source

RB ShunDerrick Powell (Central Arkansas) | Source

RB Jo’Quavious Marks (USC) | Source

ED Kyle Kennard (South Carolina) | Source

DT DeAndre Jules (South Carolina) | Source

CB Korie Black (Oklahoma State) | Source

OT Ozzy Tarpilo (Boston College) | Source

C Drew Kendall (Boston College) | Source

Local Pro Day​

N/A

Other meetings​

DT Deone Walker (Kentucky) | Source

30 visits​

LB Nick Martin (Oklahoma State) | Source

RB Dylan Sampson (Tennessee) | Source

OT Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) | Source

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/2/2...t-meetings-interviews-workouts-visits-tracker

 

[New England Patriots]

What signing Stefon Diggs in free agency means for the Patriots

Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The Patriots are adding a Pro Bowl wide receiver to the fold.

Five days after hosting him on a visit, the New England Patriots and free agent Stefon Diggs have reached an agreement. The veteran wide receiver, who last played for the Houston Texans, is coming to Foxboro via a three-year contract with a reported maximum value of $69 million.

While the full details of the pact have yet to become available, the simple fact that Diggs is now a Patriot changes the entire complexion of the team’s wide receiver room. With that in mind, let’s analyze what the signing means from a big-picture perspective.

Alpha wide receiver​

The Patriots entered the offseason with a definitive need at the wide receiver position, and they were quite motivated to address it. However, despite that and having plenty of cap space available they did not bring the coveted No. 1 wide receiver in: they unsuccessful pursued Chris Godwin, expressed interest in DK Metcalf and Cooper Kupp, and also were expected to go after Tee Higgins had he made it to the open market.

New England eventually pivoted to Diggs, a player who falls into a similar category than those four. While on the older side compared to Godwin, Metcalf and Higgins, he was an alpha in every wide receiver group he was part of: the 31-year-old was a tone-setter in Minnesota, Buffalo and Houston both on and off the field.

While that came with some well-documented outbursts of frustration, Diggs brings a clear competitive spirt and extensive experience to New England. A team captain in his first and only year with the Texans, he seems like a candidate to take on a leadership role in what was a young room last season.

Playmaking potential​

Coming off a torn ACL suffered in late October, questions about Diggs’ outlook are only natural. Time will tell whether or how quickly he will return to the player of old — somebody who had six straight 1,000-yard seasons between 2018 and 2023 — but the potential is clear: a healthy Diggs can be a go-to receiver for quarterback Drake Maye.

The experience of a combined 158 regular season and playoff games plays a part in that, as does the fact that he seems comfortable keeping himself alive as a receiving option in off-schedule situations. Diggs has shown that repeatedly with Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen and to a lesser degree with C.J. Stroud in Houston.

Stroud finding Stefon Diggs off-schedule pic.twitter.com/izWzpxbDsr

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) March 20, 2025​

Drake Maye, of course, plays the game in a similar fashion. The second-year passer has the athleticism to extend plays and the arm talent to throw an accurate ball regardless of platform and angle. The main missing ingredient last year was the receivers, who at times were unable to put themselves in a position to help their QB — something the seasoned Diggs should be able to do.

The Patriots have seen what Diggs can provide to an offense regularly through the years, including last season. The veteran pass catcher had one of the best games of his Texans tenure against New England in Week 6, catching 6 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown against none other than star cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

Like Cooper Kupp, Stefon Diggs had his 2nd best game of the season vs the #Patriots

Hid production came vs off and zone coverage, but he did shake Gonzo at the top of one route for a TD pic.twitter.com/I4uBe1ZyWv

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) March 20, 2025​

In total, Diggs finished the 2024 season with 47 receptions for 496 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was on the field for 78.1 percent of Houston’s available offensive snaps before his ACL tear in Week 8.

Trickle-down effect​

With Diggs in the fold, the Patriots now have nine wide receivers under contract for the 2025 season. Around a third of them will not be on the team come the regular season:

Wide receiver (9): Stefon Diggs (--), Mack Hollins (13), Ja’Lynn Polk (1), DeMario Douglas (3), Kayshon Boutte (9), Kendrick Bourne (84), Javon Baker (6), JaQuae Jackson (82), John Jiles (83)

A more comprehensive look at the position shows a depth chart that looks somewhat like this at the moment:

X receiver (5): Mack Hollins (13), Kayshon Boutte (9), Javon Baker (6), JaQuae Jackson (82), John Jiles (83)

Z receiver (3): Stefon Diggs (--), Ja’Lynn Polk (1), Kendrick Bourne (84)

Slot receiver (1): DeMario Douglas (3)

From the current perspective, only two players can be considered roster locks come the regular season; Diggs and fellow free agency pickup Mack Hollins will be part of the mix this fall. The odds are also looking good for Ja’Lynn Polk and DeMario Douglas, the former a second-round draft pick last year and the latter New England’s leading wideout in both of his seasons in the league.

All the other pass catchers, meanwhile, will be competing for a finite number of spots. One name stands out in particular among them: Kendrick Bourne, who, as can be seen above, is playing a similar role as the one Diggs is expected to fill. Adding him to the mix might therefore be bad news for Bourne.

Draft impact​

What the depth chart above shows is that the Patriots still appear to have room for improvement at the X-receiver position, even with Mack Hollins added on a two-year deal in free agency. Improved play at the Z spot from Diggs and Ja’Lynn Polk would lessen the need for an investment in that area, but New England likely remains in the market.

The need as a whole does look slightly different now, though. Whereas inside-first receivers such as Missouri’s Luther Bolden III appeared like realistic targets for the Patriots heading before the addition of Diggs, they now might no longer be seen as priority candidates.

That being said, Diggs will turn 32 this season and is coming off a major injury. Despite signing a three-year pact, the Patriots are not in a position to just turn away talent at wide receiver regardless of projected position.

No injury concern​

What do Stefon Diggs and Davante Adams have in common? Not only are they both wide receivers in their 30s, they also all signed new free agency contracts including $26 million in guarantees. One key difference between them is how they ended the 2024 season: while Adams was stuck in pro football purgatory — i.e. with the New York Jets — Diggs was recovering from the aforementioned ACL tear.

And yet, both got the same number of guarantees in their new deals. Obviously, every veteran NFL contract is unique and dependent on a variety of factors, but the Patriots handing out a healthy sum of guaranteed money is an indication they are comfortable with Diggs’ outlook less than five months removed from his injury.

Diggs is reportedly “on track” to be ready for the start of the regular season in September. It remains to be seen how ready, but the team is apparently feeling optimistic.

Salary cap impact​

As noted above, the details of Diggs’ contract are not yet known; we will break them down once they have become available. For the time being, however, it seems that the widely-mentioned $69 million figure will not end up as the pact’s actual base value: according to a report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, it is an “up to” sum suggesting that this is the number Diggs’ camp wants out there.

The reality of the deal in regards to its salary cap impact will likely be different. Expect the actual average annual value to be below $23 million.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/25/24394060/patriots-signing-stefon-diggs-nfl-free-agency-analysis

 

[New England Patriots]

Concerns about Stefon Diggs’ fit with Patriots seem greatly exaggerated

Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Patriots are signing the veteran wide receiver to a three-year contract.

Stefon Diggs’ breakup with the Buffalo Bills was one of the big stories of the 2024 NFL offseason. One of the most productive wide receivers in football and a go-to guy for quarterback Josh Allen, he was traded to the Houston Texans under what appeared to be less than amicable circumstances.

Diggs’ role in the Bills offense had changed, and he was not quite happy about that development. And so, shipped to the AFC South he was.

The media coverage at the time reflected the nature of the split, and shone a negative light on Diggs. Sports Illustrated labeled him a “controversial” player; ABC13 Houston wondered whether he would be “difficult for the Texans;” Buffalo Rumblings called him an “enigmatic and seemingly self-absorbed” player.

Based on those sentiments, the move seemed like a gamble for the Texans at the time. Teaming up a young quarterback with what appeared to be a difficult personality could very well have blow up in their faces.

It did not.

While Diggs was limited to only eight games due to a torn ACL suffered in late October, and failed to extend his 1,000-yard streak into a seventh straight season as a result, he was nothing like the diva he was portrayed as. Quite the opposite actually, as Texans beat writer Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston explained.

“He fit in well. He was popular in the locker room. He was well-liked by the coaching staff,” Wilson said in a recent YouTube video. “A lot of people said, ‘Well, he’s a diva’ and all that sort of stuff — it’s not really the way he was perceived in the locker room. He was perceived as a fun-loving personality and someone that definitely is an individual, but what he does helps the collective.”

A clear reflection of that was Diggs getting named a team captain in just his first season with the organization. The Texans, just like the Patriots have done the past two-plus decades, are letting their players vote for who will represent them in that fashion.

Diggs earned the honor alongside six of his teammates. One of them was the aforementioned young QB, C.J. Stroud, who only had good things to say about the supposedly enigmatic wideout.

“I think he got a bad rap just by the media and by people. But he’s been nothing but just amazing to this team and to his teammates. He’s helped me out a ton,” Stroud said during the regular season. “Just being around him has been really awesome.”

The Texans’ quarterback was not the only one to benefit from Diggs’ presence. As Wilson explained, he also took the team’s young group of wide receivers under his wing.

“He was generous with his time,” he said. “He would stay after practice, working with the younger receivers. He mentored Tank Dell and John Metchie III, and Nico Collins and Xavier Hutchinson.”

Diggs’ stint in Houston ended up lasting less than a year, and his knee injury had a negative effect on the on-field impact he ended up having. Nonetheless, it shows a side of the 31-year-old that oftentimes appears to get lost in the discourse surrounding him.

It is a side the New England Patriots are also banking on shining through.

Signing him to a three-year contract worth up to $69 million on Monday, they are adding Diggs to a situation similar to the one he encountered in Houston. He will be playing with a second-year quarterback in Drake Maye, and be counted on to help lead a wide receiver room that lacked direction, leadership and productivity the previous year.

Obviously, his potential as a playmaker and go-to guy for Maye is a primary reason for the team’s investment. However, his experience and willingness to mentor younger players was seemingly also part of the deal.

It is something he has shown he can do, despite the doom-and-gloom stories after his departure from Buffalo.

“Two things can be true: he can be a lot in terms of his personality, could be a little extra, but this isn’t the type of place where you have to tread lightly,” said Wilson. “This is a football team, and you can have a few personalities like Stefon Diggs, especially when they are as productive as Stefon was.”

The Patriots appear to agree with that assessment, and that any concerns about Diggs’ locker room fit seem greatly exaggerated.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/2...iggs-locker-room-fit-patriots-nfl-free-agency

 

[New England Patriots]

Garrett Bradbury contract details seemingly confirm projected Patriots role

Photo by David Berding/Getty Images

The Patriots signed Bradbury to a two-year, $9.5 million contract in free agency.

The New England Patriots did not waste any time after releasing longtime starting center and team captain David Andrews. Just five days later, they signed a player who was immediately projected to fill his shoes: Garrett Bradbury, himself a six-year starter with the Minnesota Vikings, was added on a two-year, $9.5 million contract.

As a look at the details of that deal as first reported by Ben Volin of the Boston Globe and further dissected by salary cap expert Miguel Benzan shows, the initial projection still appears to hold true. It’s his job to lose.

C Garrett Bradbury: Contract details​

2025:
Base salary: $1,400,000
Signing bonus: $1,200,000
Roster bonus: $850,000
Workout bonus: $150,000
Incentives: $1,000,000
Salary cap hit: $4,600,000

2026:
Base salary: $3,700,000
Signing bonus: $1,200,000
Roster bonus: $850,000
Workout bonus: $150,000
Incentives: $1,000,000
Salary cap hit: $5,000,000

Despite falling short of the initially reported maximum value of $12 million, Bradbury is still getting well-compensated by the Patriots. In fact, it becomes very likely that he will not just be on the roster in 2025 but the first man up snapping the football in lieu of David Andrews.

Besides giving him a $2.4 million signing bonus prorated over the deal’s two years, the team also guaranteed his $1.4 million salary in Year 1. In addition, he agreed to a combined $1.85 million in availability pay this fall: Bradbury will be playing for an $850,000 roster bonus paid out in per-game installments of $50,000, as well as up to $1 million in playing time incentives classified as likely to be earned (and thus counting versus the cap).

The structure of the deal starts tipping in the team’s favor in 2026, but a $5 million cap charge with $1.2 million in guarantees is still good value for both sides. Bradbury remaining on the roster for the entire lifespan of his new Patriots contract could very well happen.

Whether or not he remains the starter throughout is another story. But the contractual groundwork seems to have been laid for him to at least fill that role in 2025.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/2...ett-bradbury-contract-details-nfl-free-agency

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots draft profile: Armand Membou should firmly be in consideration at No. 4

Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

Membou is one of the best offensive tackle prospects in this year’s draft.

As the New England Patriots have used the early portion of the offseason to upgrade their roster, a hole continues to remain at the left tackle position. New England has been on the hunt for a long term answer on what is now Drake Maye’s blindside for multiple seasons and perhaps could find it atop this year’s draft.

Let’s therefore take a closer look at Armand Membou to find out what he would bring to the table.

Hard facts​

Name: Armand Membou

Position: Offensive tackle

School: University of Missouri

Opening day age: 21 (03/27/2004)

Measurements: 6’4 1/4”, 332 pounds, 9 3/4” hand size, 33 1/2” arm length, 82” wingspan, 4.91 40-yard dash, 9.89 Relative Athletic Score

Experience​

Career statistics: 35 games (29 starts) | 2,099 offensive snaps, 134 special teams snaps | 3 sacks allowed (0 in 2024), 26 pressures (23 hurries) | 11 penalties

Accolades: Second-team All-SEC (2024)

A growth spurt prior to his junior year of high school at Lee’s Summitt North quickly put Membou on college team’s radars. After moving to right tackle his senior year, Membou remained listed as an offensive guard prospect where he stayed in state committing to the University of Missouri.

Membou quickly saw the field his true freshman season appearing in 10 games — with some work early in the year as a jumbo tight end — before drawing four starts down the stretch at right tackle. With Javon Foster holding down left tackle duties for the Tigers, Membou’s play earned him the starting right tackle spot entering next season.

In his first season as a full-time starter, Membou started all 13 games at right tackle and allowed just two sacks throughout the season. His work on the right side played a large role in Missouri’s line being named a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award that recognizes the most outstanding offensive line unit in the nation.

Remaining at right tackle for his junior season, Membou’s play reached another level along another strong Tiger’s offensive line. Starting all 12 regular season games, Membou did not allow a sack and he surrendered just eight total pressures en route to earning Second Team All-SEC honors.

After forgoing his senior season to declare for the draft, Membou accepted his invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl but was forced to pull out due to a stomach flu. He later attended the NFL Combine where he put forth one of the best testing performances among offensive lineman.

Armand Membou is a OT prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.89 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 17 out of 1398 OT from 1987 to 2025.

Pro day pending for remaining tests.https://t.co/3r3aqdoJUJ pic.twitter.com/80O2lRsMkw

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 12, 2025​

Draft profile​

Expected round: 1 (Top 10) | Consensus big board: No. 8 | Patriots meeting: Attended pro day

Strengths: If you’re looking for a power and athletic tackle, look no further than Membou. The 20-year-old has a unique build at just 6-foot-4, but has the necessary length and strength to excel at the position. He plays strong and with good technique in pass protection and can also move defenders in the run game.

I'm on the 8th tape for #Missouri RT Armand Membou and I can count the number of pressures allowed on one hand (zero sacks). Love this dude.

Looks like a 1st round player. Explosive + controlled in pass pro. Finisher in the run game. Still just 20 years old. pic.twitter.com/HorFXIQSEn

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 12, 2024​

Membou’s athletic profile is his true gift as he moves extremely well for someone who weighed in at 332 pounds. At the NFL Combine, Membou posted a 4.91 40 time and top speed of 20.28 miles per hour — both the fastest among any offensive tackle in attendance. According to NFL Research, his 40 was the fastest among any offensive lineman that’s at least 6-4 and 330 pounds since 2003.

The testing numbers translate to the game field, as Membou is explosive out of his stance and has the necessary range to beat rushers out wide in pass sets and on zone runs.

Weaknesses: There are not many holes in Membou’s game but he did have trouble dealing with power at times in pass protection. Improved technique at the next level will likely correct those issues.

While Membou has very good length at the tackle position, some teams may view him best as a guard due to his thicker build at 6-foot-4. There’s nothing on his tape or based on his skillset that says he can’t stick at tackle at the NFL level, however.

Patriots preview​

What would be his role? Despite playing right tackle throughout his collegiate career, Membou has all the necessary traits needed to attempt to flip over to the left side. While there is obvious risk with the change, his athletic testing does mirror Trent Williams and Tristan Wirfs, who recently made the switch from right to left tackle. All three are among four offensive lineman ever to record a 30-plus inch vertical and run a sub-5.00 second 40 at 315 pounds or heavier.

If flipping sides does not work for Membou, then New England would at least have their long term answer at right tackle with Morgan Moses entering his age 35 season next year.

What is his growth potential? Membou will soon turn 21 and has been playing the position for just a handful of years. The early returns have been exceptional and there is still some room for improvement with his technique at such a young age. He has a chance to be a premiere tackle in the league on either side of the line.

Does he have positional versatility? As noted above, all 29 of Membou’s collegiate starts came at the right tackle position. He has logged roughly 75 snaps as a jumbo tight end or on unbalanced lines on the left side of the line during his career while Missouri head coach Eliah Drinkwitz has said the tackle cross trains at left tackle behind the scenes during the year.

Why the Patriots? Offensive tackle remains the biggest need on the Patriots roster and Membou has a case to be the top tackle in this year’s draft — which includes a transition to the left side where he could be an immediate contributor.

Why not the Patriots? If the Patriots have hesitations about moving Membou to left tackle they may opt for a natural at the position with Moses holding down the right spot this season. That could still include Will Campbell at No. 4 overall — or going best player available with Travis Hunter and/or Abdul Carter if they fall.

One-sentence verdict: Membou’s athletic ability and raw power should firmly put him into consideration with the No. 4 overall pick, especially as he has the makeup of switching to left tackle.

What do you think about Armand Membou as a potential Patriots target? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/2...rmand-membou-missouri-profile-scouting-report

 

[New England Patriots]

K’Lavon Chaisson is a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Patriots, contract details show

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

The Patriots signed the former first-round draft pick to a one-year, $3 million contract in free agency.

The New England Patriots’ pass rush fell well short of expectations in 2024, finishing as one of the least effective in the entire NFL. In order to righten that particular ship, the team decided to make some investments in free agency.

The biggest among them were Milton Williams and Harold Landry, who were brought aboard on respctive four- and three-year contracts. Compared to those deals, the one signed by K’Lavon Chaisson was a drop in the bucket. That being said, his one-year, $3 million contract can be classified as a low-risk, high-reward pact from a team perspective.

Its details as first reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss show this.

ED K’Lavon Chaisson: Contract details​

2025:
Base salary: $1,400,000
Signing bonus: $1,000,000
Roster bonus: $510,000
Workout bonus: $90,000
Incentives: $2,000,000
Salary cap hit: $3,940,000

Coming off arguably the best seasonof his career, Chaisson signed a deal that includes $1.5 million in guarantees. Besides his signing bonus, the Patriots also guaranteed $500,000 of his salary. Even in case of a release that would make for a comparatively minor dead cap hit.

Ideally, however, the former first-round draft selection will pick up where he left off in 2024. The chances of that happening do not look bad either, considering that he should be joining what is a much-improved pass rushing unit headlined by the aforementioned Milton Williams and Harold Landry as well as the likes of Christian Barmore and Keion White.

If Chaisson can build on his 5-sack, 29-pressure season, he should be able to approach the $5 million maximum value of his contract. At the very least, his $30,000 per game roster bonuses totaling $510,000 would look very achievable in that scenario.

Regardless of the eventual outcome and the dollar amount associated with it, the Patriots’ investment in Chaisson is relatively modest. The potential upside, meanwhile, is anything but.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/2...von-chaisson-contract-details-nfl-free-agency

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots release captain Ja’Whaun Bentley after 7 seasons

Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images

The Purdue product arrived in Foxborough in the 2018 NFL draft.

A tenure that began at pick No. 143 overall has come to a close in Foxborough.

The New England Patriots announced the release of linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley on Friday, as previously reported by Mike Reiss of ESPN and Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald.

Thank you for everything JB pic.twitter.com/sjR1PkiVqH

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) March 28, 2025​

Bentley, 28, suffered a torn pectoral muscle last September and was scheduled to carry a cap charge of $6.433 million in the final year of his latest contract extension, per OverTheCap.com. But no guaranteed salary remained for the 6-foot-2, 250-pound green dot of the defense, who recently shared that he had been cleared medically.

Selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL draft, Bentley earned a Super Bowl LIII ring while on injured reserve due to a biceps tear during his rookie campaign. It got underway as a starter, however, and the former three-time Purdue captain went on to serve as a four-time Patriots captain.

He appeared in 83 games, starting 68, while amassing 509 tackles and 10.5 sacks. Along the way arrived four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two interceptions.

New England
Thank You for Everything
It’s Been a Blessing

— JB (@NVBentley33) March 28, 2025​

Bentley’s run with New England spanned 3,665 defensive snaps, including a career-high 86.56 percent of the workload in 2023. Prior to 2024 under Jerod Mayo, he had led the team in tackles for three consecutive campaigns under Bill Belichick.

Since the calendar turned to March, the Patriots have retained Christian Elliss as a restricted free agent and added Robert Spillane as well as Jack Gibbens to the inside linebacker depth chart. With a scheme shift ahead under new head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, the off-the-ball position also includes holdovers Jahlani Tavai and Monty Rice.

The organization released center and fellow captain David Andrews midway through the month, while defensive veterans Jonathan Jones and Deatrich Wise Jr. both departed for the Washington Commanders as the new league year opened.

Long snapper Joe Cardona, a member of the 2015 draft class, moves forward as the longest-tenured member of the renovated roster.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/2...ly-release-linebacker-captain-jawhaun-bentley

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots draft profile: Luke Lachey knows how to get his hands dirty

Photo by Keith Gillett/IconSportswire

Lachey projects as a late-round selection in this year’s draft.

With Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper both back in 2025, the New England Patriots tight end position is in some able hands. However, there are questions about both the depth behind them and the long-term outlook at the position.

If the Patriots want to address both, they can look at what is considered a deep draft at tight end. One of the later-round options to keep an eye on is Luke Lachey out of Iowa.

Hard facts​

Name: Luke Lachey

Position: Tight end

School: Iowa

Opening day age: 24 (6/29/2001)

Measurements: 6’5 3/4”, 251 lbs, 78 3/8” wingspan, 32 1/8” arm length, 10” hand size, 35.0” vertical jump, 10’0” broad jump, 4.47s short shuttle, 7.18s 3-cone drill, 8.72 Relative Athletic Score

Experience​

Career statistics: 43 games (24 starts) | 1,616 offensive snaps, 84 special teams snaps | 111 targets, 74 catches (66.7%), 877 yards, 4 TDs | 3 drops (2.7%), 1 fumble

Accolades: Honorable mention All-Big Ten (2024), Academic All-Big Ten (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)

A four-year letterman as a wide receiver, tight end and defensive back at Grandview Heights High School in his Ohio hometown, Lachey was a three-star recruit entering the college ranks. The son of former first-round draft pick Jim Lachey eventually ended up at Iowa, where he spent five seasons and appeared in 43 games with 24 starts.

Lachey started off as a redshirt freshman before settling into a blocking tight end role from Year 2 on. His best statistical season came in 2022, when he had 28 receptions for 382 yards and 4 touchdowns. He likely would have bested those numbers the following year had an ankle injury not limited him to three games that season. He was back on the field in 2024, but finished with a rather pedestrian 28-231-0 stat-line.

Lachey entered the NFL Draft after that season, and was invited to both the Scouting Combine and the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Draft profile​

Expected round: Day 3 | Consensus big board: No. 206 | Patriots meeting: N/A

Strengths: Even though he stands to add some bulk, Lachey is a well-built player at just under 6-foot-6, a 78-inch wingspan and 10-inch hands. He knows how to use his physical attributes as both a receiver and a blocker. He is a sure-handed player with a big catch radius, who offers the vertical ability to shield off or out-leap defenders in contested catch situations.

Iowa used him comparatively sparingly in that capacity, though, and instead opted to rely on him as a blocker. In that department, Lachey showed that he knows how to get his fairly big hands dirty: he is able to quickly engage opposing defenders in the run game, and moves well to get off his assignments and into open space; he is a factor when blocking on the move and at the second level, and keeps his technique consistent throughout the process.

In addition, Lachey checks the off-field boxes: he is a four-time Academic All-Big Ten who was named a permanent team captain in his final two years in school.

Luke Lachey broke out in 2022, and 2023 was supposed to be his year. But an ankle injury abruptly ended it just a few games in.

Here are some highlights from Lachey’s first game of 2023.

His skillset should translate well to the NFL. I’m a big fan.pic.twitter.com/mmSRbsGhdx

— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) March 25, 2025​

Weaknesses: Lachey will be 24 at the start of the season, creating questions about his developmental ceiling. Besides his age and underwhelming production as a pass catcher, a lack of straight-line speed and acceleration is another concern. His ability to reach his vertical landmarks on time is not a given, especially considering that he has not shown that he can apply his physicality as a blocker in the passing game.

As a result, he is not consistently shaking free from defenders covering him down the field. Making matters worse is that he also is not the most nimble-footed athlete in and out of his breaks, leading to some awkward-looking routes. He did have flashes as a receiver in college and has some skills to build around, but he is a project and also was primarily used differently in college: almost 60 percent of his snaps saw him as a blocker.

Patriots preview​

What would be his role? Based on his college usage and performance, Lachey projects as a rotational Y-tight end whose value lies primarily as an in-line blocker in the running game and a part-time pass protector; as noted above, he is a player willing to get the job done even if it is not a luxurious one. He could take the field in select passing situations, though, in particular as a red zone or short yardage target.

What is his growth potential? Lachey is a solid overall athlete, even though he seemingly lacks the elite tools to become one of the blue chip players at the tight end position. His ceiling might be capped to a degree, but he can still become a factor as a blocker and situational receiving threat. If developed patiently, he should become more than the relative one-trick pony he was in college.

Does he have positional versatility? Even though he was moved around a bit — into the slot, split out wide, and in the backfield — Lachey’s positional versatility at Iowa was limited. He lined up in-line on more than 80 percent of his career offensive snaps. In addition, he saw only limited action in the kicking game.

Why the Patriots? Lachey has some similarities to Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski entering the NFL — athletic testing scores, build, injury history — which in itself might make him worthy of a flier on Day 3. If the Patriots feel comfortable with his developmental status as a contributor in the passing game, they could add him in hopes of installing him as a TE3 and developing him into a more well-rounded player.

Why not the Patriots? With Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper both on the wrong side of 30, New England needs to think long-term at tight end. That process might lead to the team being more interested in players with superior developmental upside particularly in the receiving game. If so, there are other options on Day 2 or Day 3 to consider.

One-sentence verdict: Lachey is a plus-blocker who offers the right mindset and build and combines it with some untapped potential as a receiver.

What do you think about Luke Lachey as a potential Patriots target? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/2...rget-luke-lachey-iowa-profile-scouting-report

 

[New England Patriots]

Stefon Diggs excited to get to work with ‘fiery’ Patriots QB Drake Maye

Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Diggs sees similarities in Maye with his former QB.

As the New England Patriots looked to upgrade quarterback Drake Maye’s supporting cast this offseason, the team agreed to a three-year, $69 million contract with free agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

Diggs, who has briefly connected with Maye over text since the signing, is ready to get to work with his new teammate — who he already sees similarities in with one of his former quarterback.

“Oh, I’m excited. I really look forward to it,” Diggs said. “It’s crazy because when you ask around, he has a lot of similarities — well, people say through the grapevine he acts a lot like Josh [Allen]. And you know, that was my guy. So, I look forward to meeting him and connecting with him.”

Diggs’ arrival in Buffalo back in 2020 coincided with Allen’s breakout season in his third year in the league. Allen recorded career-highs in both passing yards and touchdowns as Diggs led the league with 1,535 receiving yards.

New England is now hoping the 31-year-old Diggs can have a similar impact on Maye, whose play style has also drawn comparisons to Allen, both on and off the field entering his sophomore season.

“I got the experience. I’ve been doing this for 10 and a half years,” Diggs said. “I played with a lot of quarterbacks, I’ve been around a lot of quarterbacks. So learning the quarterback, getting to know him, spending more time with them — once you know somebody on a more personal level I feel like it’s a lot of carryover to the field.”

“Just honing in on what he’s good at. We played [Maye] last year. He shows a lot of fight. He got that fiery quarterback. I want to win myself so that’s something I get excited about and love to be around.”

After tearing his ACL in late October last season, Diggs is hoping to get on the field with Maye sooner rather than later as he is ahead of schedule in his rehab process. Once he’s back between the white lines, Diggs is confident he can continue to produce with his new quarterback.

“What I’ve done in my past is my résumé, but at this point I’m really looking forward to putting my best foot in front of me,” Diggs said.

“Even towards last year I was at like 47 receptions and like 450 yards or something like that — close to 500 yards. So that’s halfway through the season. I would have been on pace to have another 1,000-yard season and 100 catches if I didn’t get banged up. If you’re doing the math right, I’m going to be productive.”

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/29/24396129/stefon-diggs-excited-patriots-quarterback-drake-maye

 

[New England Patriots]

Sunday Patriots Notes: Drake Maye’s off-field development will be crucial in 2025

Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images

Notes and thoughts on the Patriots’ leadership voids, pre-draft measurements, and more.

The busiest days of free agency are firmly in the rear-view mirror, with NFL Draft still almost a month away. In theory, we might find ourselves in a bit of an offseason lull right now. However, if you have visited Pats Pulpit at some point over the last seven days, you know that that is definitely not the case for the New England Patriots.

Between signing wide receiver Stefon Diggs, releasing longtime starting linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, and several other developments, the team has been quite busy lately. Let’s put a wrap on the week that was, though, and clean out the notebook.

Welcome to the latest edition of our Sunday Patriots Notes.

Drake Maye’s off-field development will be crucial in 2025​

Leading up to the Patriots’ Week 10 game against the Chicago Bears last November, Drake Maye asked coordinator Alex Van Pelt if he could address the offense. The unit had just had a sloppy practice, and the rookie quarterback wanted to make sure both he and his teammates committed to raising the standard.

Four days later, the Patriots played one of their better games of the season in a 19-3 road win. Maye taking center stage leading up to the contest may have impacted the final result, but more than that it showed a player willing to step up.

“To have enough courage to stand in front of the whole offense and let us know, ‘This stuff is going to get us beat if we don’t fix it’, that speaks volumes of who he is,” offensive tackle Demontrey Jacobs later said. “I remember thinking, ‘This kid is taking ownership of the details that are going to help us win.’”

The Patriots ended up doing a lot more losing than winning in 2024, which led to a massive overhaul both on the coaching staff and the roster after the season. Part of that turnover was several team leaders departing — a development that created a massive leadership void.

Drake Maye, more than any other single player on the roster, will be asked to fill it.

Being a leader is part of the job, and it is something Maye already embraced as a rookie in 2024. Him standing up in front of the unit leading up to the game in Chicago was just one example of the young quarterback showing his willingness to lead. More of that will be needed in 2025.

According to Alex Van Pelt, who was let go as part of the staff restructuring, Maye is well-suited for that.

“He’s a genuine leader. He cares about the guys, and I think they’ll respond when he says something,” Van Pelt explained during the season.

The Patriots started the 2024 season with six team captains. David Andrews and Ja’Whaun Bentley have both been released; Deatrich Wise Jr. and Jacoby Brissett left as free agents; Jabrill Peppers remains with the team but had his captaincy removed following an in-season arrest; Joe Cardona is still going strong as the lone member of the Patriots’ dynasty era remaining with the team.

Given those changes, the team’s leadership will need to redefine itself. There are some obvious candidates besides Cardona and Peppers, including 2024 stand-in captains Kyle Dugger and Hunter Henry, as well as free agency signings such as Morgan Moses and Robert Spillane.

All of them ending up as captains this year could happen. The same is true for Maye.

“I think there’s no better quarterback you’d want in your franchise,” his new position coach, Ashton Grant, said at the Patriots’ recent draft party.

His abilities on the field are a big reason for that, but so are his skills off of it. For the Patriots to build sustainable success in 2025 and beyond, further developing those skills will be crucial.

Stefon Diggs sees himself filling leadership role​

While on the subject of team leaders, free agency signing Stefon Diggs also sees himself as a candidate to become just that. There is precedent, too, with the 31-year-old getting voted a team captain in his first and only season with the Houston Texans in 2024.

“I feel like I could be helpful as far as the development with the receivers and everybody involved,” Diggs explained during his introductory presser on Friday.

“Everybody wants to have success in this league. Everybody wants to play at a very high level. But I feel like I can help more so with the lows just because I’ve experienced them myself on a personal level.”

Diggs is not the oldest player in the Patriots’ receiver room — fellow offseason signing Mack Hollins has him beat by two months — but by far the one with the most impressive career résumé: he is arriving in New England a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler has gained more than 10,000 yards in his 10-year career.

Along the way, however, he learned that what happens on the field is only one piece of the puzzle. His leadership agenda is reflective of that.

“It’s not all about the Xs and Os,” Diggs said. “With the young guys, bringing them along to show them how to be a professional and how to handle business each and every day will go a long way.”

New QB coach explains why he is ready for the job​

There was some speculation that the Patriots might decide to keep last year’s quarterbacks coach, T.C. McCartney, to help with stability around Drake Maye. However, new head coach Mike Vrabel ended up letting McCartney go and hiring Ashton Grant from the Cleveland Browns.

Grant is arriving in Foxboro not having served as a position coach at any point in his NFL coaching career. However, he still feels ready for the challenge.

“Kevin Stefanski was very intentional about my development,” he explained at the aforementioned draft party. “He moved me around every single position on offense besides offensive line, so I could learn it from every single perspective. So, having that background, to be able to translate information to Drake and help him out will be huge.”

Grant will be part of an offensive staff led by veteran coordinator Josh McDaniels, who himself has served as a QB coach for much of his career. How the dynamic between the top 3 — Grant, McDaniels, Maye — will develop remains to be seen.

Regardless, he is feeling quite positive about his starting quarterback and his outlook.

“When this opportunity presented itself, it’s something I jumped on as quickly as possible,” Grant said. “This kid is going to be special. He has all the talent in the world.”

Funky pre-draft measurements raise questions​

There is an inherent silliness to NFL Draft season, and this year is no exception. The big story in New England is measurements, especially those of one Mr. Will Campbell: the top offensive lineman in the class and a possible Patriots target, Campbell’s arm length raised questions about his ability to play left tackle at the next level.

Campbell’s arms were measured at 32 5/8 inches at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, but he thought something was up. As a result, he decided to remeasure at the LSU pro day. The result: 33 inches.

“There were a lot of people at the Combine who had messed up measurements,” Campbell said. “I knew my arms were 33 inches. Height, weight, wingspan, arm length — everybody was kind of deducted at the Combine. That’s why I measured in again.”

Campbell is not wrong: comparing arm length measurements from other pre-draft showcases to the Combine shows that the latter repeatedly produced lower results.

Hadn't seen this. Here's the updated list https://t.co/4HCSzXAbY7 pic.twitter.com/GNnwQ5VNKW

— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) March 26, 2025​

At the end of the day, though, a difference of a few fractions of an inch will not be the deciding factor whether a player gets drafted or not.

Will Campbell calls ‘BS’ on arm length debate​

Speaking of Will Campbell, he shared his take on the arm length debate at his pro day. Needless to say, he’s not a fan of the discourse.

“For two years, nobody had any measurements on me and nobody said anything about my play,” he said. “So now, all of a sudden, an arm length decides if I’m a good player or not? I think it’s BS. But any decision-makers in the NFL, they don’t really care. It’s all people who don’t coach, and they don’t coach for a reason.”

Ja’Whaun Bentley gets the David Andrews treatment​

When the Patriots announced Ja’Whaun Bentley’s release on Friday, they did not mention one detail later revealed through the NFL transactions wire: Bentley, who had suffered a torn pectoral muscle last September, was released with a failed physical designation.

He is in good company when it comes to that label. Fellow longtime captain David Andrews, who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in September, also was let go with that designation earlier this month.

What does it mean for the Patriots, though? At the moment, nothing. However, if one or both end up out of football in 2025 due to their injury, they can file for the NFL’s injury protection benefit. If so, New England’s cap would be charged an extra $350,000 for Andrews and $1.26 million for Bentley, according to salary cap expert Miguel Benzan.

Patriots’ dead cap figure in the spotlight​

With Ja’Whaun Bentley no longer part of the Patriots’ roster, his remaining contract guarantees worth $1.83 million were added to their dead salary cap space. In total, $19.74 million or 6.12 percent of the team’s adjusted 2025 cap number are allocated for players whose contracts are no longer on the books.

That seems like a lot, but New England — which is still tops in the NFL in actual cap space — is ranked only 21st in that category in a league-wide comparison. The Patriots’ dead cap pales in comparison to other clubs such as the Jacksonville Jaguars ($58.9M), Seattle Seahawks ($67.1M) or San Francisco 49ers ($81M).

Mike Vrabel feels strongly about Patriots’ defensive line​

The Patriots’ defensive line will look different both in scheme and personnel in 2025, but head coach Mike Vrabel sounds quite optimistic about the group. Appearing on ex-Patriot Chris Long’s Green Light podcast, Vrabel touched on the state of the group.

“We feel good about what we’ve done,” he said. “We’re excited about what Milton [Williams] is going to bring to our football team. We’re excited to see where Christian Barmore is coming back, and where his availability is going to be.

“Continue to work with some of these young guys. Excited about Keion White and his ability to continue to work on his technique. He’s such a talented athlete with size, that if we can continue to refine some of this technique, that it really is going to help him.”

Quarterback dominos falling into place​

This week saw the New York Giants, one of the three teams set to pick ahead of the Patriots in the draft, make another investment at quarterback. After signing Jameis Winston last week, the team now added fellow veteran Russell Wilson.

The move may or may not be a sign of things to come on Day 1 of the draft. According to Giants beat writer Ed Valentine of Big Blue View, however, the writing seems to be on the wall:

Prior to the Wilson signing, there was increasing speculation in the draft community linking the Giants to Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

That door may not be 100% closed, but I think Sanders to the Giants at No. 3 is highly unlikely.

If the Giants indeed end up passing on Shedeur Sanders with the third pick in the draft, one of the top two overall prospects — Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter and Penn State ED Abdul Carter — falling to the Patriots at No. 4 seems like a long-shot. In that scenario, the Tennessee Titans would pick quarterback Cam Ward first overall followed by the Cleveland Browns and Giants taking Hunter and Carter, in whichever order, off the board.

Time will tell whether that is what is going to happen, but the Patriots might not find themselves in the same “run to the podium” situation in Round 1 as the last two years.

Please support Doug Kyed’s Visionaries of the Year Fundraiser​

Patriots beat writer Doug Kyed is a candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Visionaries of the Year” campaign. He is trying to raise $100,000 between March 27 and June 5 to honor the memory of his daughter Hallie, who passed away at the age of 2 in January 2024 following a battle with leukemia.

If you can, please consider supporting the cause. Click here for more information and to donate.

Setting up the week ahead​

The week ahead will be a busy one for the Patriots, starting with the annual NFL meeting in Palm Springs. As part of the event, head coach Mike Vrabel will participate in the AFC Coach’s Breakfast between 7:45 and 8:15 a.m ET on Monday, March 31.

Additional media availability is scheduled for Thursday and Friday: the offensive and defensive coaches will be available on those two days, respectively, including new coordinators Josh McDaniels and Terrell Williams.

In addition, the pro day cycle will conclude with Sacramento State (Monday) and Nevada (Tuesday) among the final teams to showcase their draft hopefuls.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/3...-notes-leadership-drake-maye-vrabel-nfl-draft

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots draft profile: Charles Grant is an offensive tackle project worth investing in

Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

The William & Mary left tackle projects as a fringe Day 2 pick in this year’s draft.

The New England Patriots made some big and necessary investments in free agency, but one hole keeps looming large both figuratively and literally: the left tackle position remains a work in progress, to say the least.

The Patriots taking to the draft to pick a left tackle is therefore expected to happen, and there are some suitable candidates. But while top-tier prospects Will Campbell, Armand Membou, Josh Simmons and Kelvin Banks Jr. have gotten most of the attention, there is talent to be found in the later rounds as well.

One example of that is Charles Grant.

Hard facts​

Name: Charles Grant

Position: Offensive tackle

School: William & Mary

Opening day age: N/A

Measurements: 6’4 7/8”, 311 lbs, 81 7/8” wingspan, 33 3/4” arm length, 10 1/4” hand size, 19 bench press reps, N/A Relative Athletic Score

Experience​

Career statistics: 50 games (41 starts) | 2,643 offensive snaps, 80 special teams snaps | 32 QB pressures surrendered (4 sacks, 4 hits, 24 hurries) | 19 penalties

Accolades: First-team All-CAA (2022, 2023, 2024), First-team All-American (2024), Second-team All-American (2023)

Grant will hear his name called in this year’s draft, which will add another chapter to a story that only began in his junior season at Churchland High School in Portsmouth, VA. Originally an All-State wrestler, he was approached by the school’s new head coach to join the football team and immediately joined the lineup as the left tackle. Grant never looked back, earning All-District and All-Region offensive lineman honors in his two years at the job.

Despite being a fast riser, he was overlooked heading toward the college level. Not getting ranked by any of the major recruiting networks, he joined the first school that offered him a scholarship. Grant ended up spending his entire four-year college career at Division I’s William & Mary, starting 41 games and earning first-team All-CAA honors in each of his final three seasons with the school.

After his senior season, Grant was invited to both the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl and participated in the Scouting Combine.

Draft profile​

Expected round: 3-4 | Consensus big board: No. 91 | Patriots meeting: Combine

Strengths: Grant is what you would call a “toolsy” prospect. Despite having only six years of football experience on is résumé, he has all the makings of an NFL offensive tackle and has shown massive and steady growth throughout his career. He has an ideal frame but still has room to carry extra weight, combining it with natural length, impressive athletic makeup and a technical foundation shaped by his wrestling background.

He is not easily moved off his spot in pass protection because of his anchor, grip and balance. However, getting around him has also proven itself a challenge for opponents due to his length and special agility which allows him to readjust his set but still play off a firm base. In the running game, meanwhile, he has shown himself a fleet-footed player exploding out of his stance and being capable of climbing to the second level and executing backside cutoff blocks seemingly with ease.

You don't want Charles grant reaching you - his fights are one side at William & Mary. The tape is like a man pushing kids around.

The most dominant OT in the draft has met with the #Patriots, #eagles, among others. pic.twitter.com/OsiUcs3q9B

— ZeeBee (@BellinoZee) March 29, 2025​

Weaknesses: All the tools you need to see from an NFL-caliber offensive tackle are on Grant’s tape, but applying them consistently at the same time has proven itself a challenge. Yes, he has the grip strength and punch to stun opposing defenders, but he also struggles with placement and timing. Yes, he moves very well, but his attack angles and kick-slide in pass protection are questionable at times. Yes, he has the build you are looking for, but using leverage to his advantage has been a problem.

His technique being all over the place, particularly in regards to his hand usage, has led to some penalty issues; Grant has been on the wrong end of 19 penalty flags in his career, including seven in 2024 alone. All of that happened while playing at a lower level of competition at William & Mary, meaning that there is an element of projection to him especially in regards to his pass protection and fit outside of a zone scheme.

Patriots preview​

What would be his role? Grant has been a left tackle since the day he started playing football, and that is where he is expected to get his NFL start as well. While his potential is sky-high, he likely will begin his career in a backup capacity while continuing to learn the ins and outs of the position and adjusting to a serious uptick in competition.

What is his growth potential? Grant’s ceiling might be as high as any offensive tackle’s in the draft. In just six years he went from somebody who has never played a down of football in his life to being a top 10 tackle in the class, and a player who still has only scratched the surface of his potential. If he can clean up his game and become more consistent in applying his technique, he can be a legitimate starting left tackle with All-Pro upside.

Does he have positional versatility? Even though he played only one special teams snap over the last two seasons, Grant has experience as a protector on field goals and extra points; he even played on punt coverage, a testament to his rare tools. Other than that and a handful of snaps as an inline blocker, his versatility in college was limited and projects to remain that way heading into the NFL:

Why the Patriots? By now, you probably have heard that New England needs help at left tackle. Grant would probably not provide that straight away, but he is a player who might be able to step into the starting lineup and hold down the fort for a decade-plus after some lead-up time. If the Patriots are comfortable being patient with his development and the uncertainty surrounding him in some respects, they could target him late on Day 2 or early on Day 3.

Why not the Patriots? Grant is a project with a promising but uncertain outcome, which in turn might lead to the Patriots preferring more certain projections earlier in the draft; if they pick a tackle in Round 1 or high in Round 2, there would be limited need to add Grant later in the draft. They also could be turned off by the fact that he is coming from a zone-based scheme and would have to essentially learn gap blocking from scratch.

One-sentence verdict: Grant is your classic high risk/high reward prospect, and somebody who could be looking like a draft steal in a few years.

What do you think about Charles Grant as a potential Patriots target? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/3...rant-william-and-mary-profile-scouting-report