Boston
Footballguy
It is more than just on-field…it is a statement signing that Vrabel is in charge and the Pats are committed to winning…this is the type of signing that other players take note of and the type of move the Pats needed very badly.
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Indefinite New England Patriots Thread (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter captain_amazing
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It is more than just on-field…it is a statement signing that Vrabel is in charge and the Pats are committed to winning…this is the type of signing that other players take note of and the type of move the Pats needed very badly.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Williams only played 47% of defensive snaps for the Eagles. Other top D line guys play 75%. If they plan on having him play a lot more, then fine. But if he is only going to be a situational guy or specialist, that’s a lot.
Snotbubbles
Footballguy
I wouldn't read too much into the snap count. That's how the Eagles rotated their DTs. Davis on perceived run downs, Williams on perceived pass downs. Williams was the second best DT on the Eagles behind Jalen Carter. I don't know NEs DT depth, but I will say, Williams absolutely benefitted from Jalen Carter getting double teamed on most downs. That's the only question I have about him, can he still be productive if the interior OLs focus on him.
Boston
Footballguy
The x-factor for the Pats D is Christian Barmore...he has the blood clot issues so whether he will play this year seems to still be up in the air...at his best he is a high-end interior D-lineman that would prevent any double teams on Williams.
Boston
Footballguy
Will be interesting to see if the Pats have interest in the recently released Kyle Juszczyk...McDaniel's has used FBs in the past and from a culture standpoint he would be a nice addition...he also played college ball at Harvard so he has a connection to the area...no doubt if they signed him, he would immediately become a fan-favorite.
Watching what CLE and NYGs do at QB. The more they land meh veteran options the more likely they'll be to draft a QB in the top 3.
We get Ward and Sanders both in the top 3 one of Hunter or Carter falls.
Would like to see both of those teams whiff on A. Rodgers (and he lands in PIT).
We get Ward and Sanders both in the top 3 one of Hunter or Carter falls.
Would like to see both of those teams whiff on A. Rodgers (and he lands in PIT).
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Barmore is a bit of a mystery. No one that covers the team really knows what his situation is . . . if the team knows, they aren't saying much. I have heard all sorts of speculation ranging from he'll be fine, to he still could have long-term health issues, to he could miss the start of the season, to he may not fit the scheme they want to run, to they may want to move him for what they can get for him after this year (when he doesn't have that much dead cap money).
Vrabel didn't have much to offer in terms of a health update a week or too ago, only that they will check in on him in April to see where he's at. Wolf said they were hopeful for his recovery and return. The speculation of the team having a scheme fit and moving on was proffered when they allowed Godchaux to seek a trade, and the panel wondered if Barmore might also fall in the same category. Certainly, anything that I have seen or heard has been guesswork.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
I saw that TEN could potentially have interest in old friend Mac Jones (or Zach Wilson). I can't see them being considered as their regular starter, but they could be an early season option while a rookie developed.
As far as Hunter goes, given what NE did yesterday, I could see a scenario where he would play on passing downs on offense and defense (and sit on running downs on both sides of the ball). Crazy as it may seem, he might be able to play half of the snaps on both offense and defense.
They have 2 top-flight CB . . . so having Hunter as a third wouldn't make all that much sense. But as a 3rd CB or in nickel packages, why not? Maybe they would draft him to be a full time WR (and a depth piece on defense). As far as Carter goes, would they still go after him after just signing Williams? At this point, the OL is still in need of repair. Moses is a 34-year-old who could start but probably would be better served as a rotational / depth piece.
By signing a CB and a DT . . . would they be more likely to draft an OT or a WR (since those are big positions of need at the moment)?
Agree with Hunter being sprinkled in there in nickel packages.
I don't think Vrabel will be able to resist Carter. He's the #1 player in the draft and after seeing what Philly did why not go bezerk and make that D line an absolute wrecking machine.
Surprised C. Robinson hasn't been signed. Be curious to know what kind of cash they have left after yesterday's spending spree.
Boston
Footballguy
Overall I think a trade up from their second to the first is a possibility although I have been thinking about getting a WR like Golden or Egbuka by doing it but a tackle like Simmons would certainly be a possibility although I could see him going pretty high with this tackle class being thin up top…I know I am very much in the minority but I still have interest in Campbell and I don’t mind doing it and putting him at Guard right away…I know drafting a Guard that early is hearsay but the things I am reading say that while LT might not be the fit for him with the arm length he would be an elite All Pro level Guard…between him and Owenu you would have that position locked down for awhile…I know it is not optimal taking a Guard that early but whoever they take there needs to be elite.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
No. If the OT available there isn't rated highly enough (or would be projected to have to transition to be a G), then why take that guy there? There are plenty of other OL options later. If the guy available at 4 is an elite prospect at another position, then take the elite player instead.
Boston
Footballguy
If they are sold on Campbell as a LT than it is an easy pick…especially since it seems pretty certain he will be available…the issue is we don’t know if they are sold on him after the combine measurables…it is still only day 2 of free agency and they could also make a trade…still a lot of time until the draft but no doubt it needs to be addressed.
I'm now hoping they work out a 1 year deal for T. Smith. Incentive laden if he stays on the field.
His metrics were not bad at all last year.
Starting to lean against C. Robinson. Metrics point to him possibly not being too much better than the bums we already have.
Dynasty
Footballguy
Lots of fans and media seem obsessed with getting a left tackle in the first round. They talk like it's the only viable option
Looking at OTs projected in the second round, there are a couple guys who have the 34+ inch arm length that's become such a hot topic among Patriots fans.
Josh Connerly Jr. (Oregon) (33 1/2) (6-4, 313 lbs.)
Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) (34 1/8) (6-5 339 lbs.)
Cameron Williams (Texas) (34 1/2) (6-5, 335 lbs.)
These players surely have issues that are keeping out of the first round (technique, footwork, etc.). But, that can be worked on.
Matt Light was a 6-5, 303 lbs second round draft pick that played left tackle for eleven seasons.
Looking at OTs projected in the second round, there are a couple guys who have the 34+ inch arm length that's become such a hot topic among Patriots fans.
Josh Connerly Jr. (Oregon) (33 1/2) (6-4, 313 lbs.)
Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) (34 1/8) (6-5 339 lbs.)
Cameron Williams (Texas) (34 1/2) (6-5, 335 lbs.)
These players surely have issues that are keeping out of the first round (technique, footwork, etc.). But, that can be worked on.
Matt Light was a 6-5, 303 lbs second round draft pick that played left tackle for eleven seasons.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
As another example, the Chiefs restructured the contracts of Mahomes and Chris Jones, freeing up $49.5M of cap space for 2025.
Ridiculous. It's a joke.
King of the Jungle
Footballguy
Interesting, what could be the play here?
Kraft...
Footballguy
If Kupp goes to KC even though NE offers him $10M more I'm going to lose it.Kupp?
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Perry and Breer were on TV last night and essentially said NE offered 20-30% more to a bunch of players and were turned down by all of them. Godwin was more like 40-50% more. A lot of guys just aren't interested in playing in NE right now. They reasoned part of the issue is guys looking for a third contract (or later) already have made a ton of money, so they probably have different things on their checklist besides money. Godwin already made $80M. Stanley already made $108M. Adams $130M.
Kupp has total earnings of $94M. Who knows if his primary motivation at this point is money. He's married with 3 kids. They've lived in Oregon and California. Maybe they don't have any interest in living in New England? Guess we'll find out.
King of the Jungle
Footballguy
Makes nailing those draft picks that much more critical.
Boston
Footballguy
With all their cap space and the fact the pickings are slim for WR it may have made sense just to trade for him (unless something did not make sense for LA doing it that way)...I get wanting to keep your picks, but they have to figure something out with this position.If Kupp goes to KC even though NE offers him $10M more I'm going to lose it.Kupp?
Boston
Footballguy
C Josh Myers to sign with the Jets
The Jets have agreed to terms with free agent center Josh Myers on a one-year, $3.5 million deal, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports.
www.nbcsports.com
Myers to Jets on a 1 year 3.5mil deal...if Andrews is done this could have been a nice replacement because if Andrews is done it opens up another huge hole on a line that already has one big one at LT and is still suspect at LG.
Boston
Footballguy
A very blah signing:
www.nbcsports.com
Patriots to re-sign S Jaylinn Hawkins
The Patriots are bringing in a number of outside free agents as they try to build a winner with new head coach Mike Vrabel, but they are also holding onto some of their own players.
www.nbcsports.com
Mentioned earlier
www.masslive.com
I would sooo bet $ on this if I could
Patriots kicking the tires on another former Titans LB who played for Mike Vrabel
Patriots have interest in another former Titans LB who played for Mike Vrabel.
I would sooo bet $ on this if I could
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Forget to mention the discussion on Milton on the radio yesterday. They mentioned some teams are interested, but they mentioned no one is going to give up the type of pick that people want. Most likely only a conditional 6th round pick that could turn into a 5th based on playing time. Ted Johnson mentioned that Milton views himself as an NFL starter and not a backup, and Johnson felt Milton could become a negative more than a positive if he feels like he should be given a legit shot to beat out Drake Maye. Ted surmised that was one of the reasons they brought in Dobbs . . . he's not going to campaign to be a starter, and he's happy to play when called upon. Maye would be the clear starter, and no one would be there to take Maye's job with Dobbs as the #2 guy.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Offseason grades so far from Sports Illustrated:
Hollins: A- (veteran presence)
Spillane: B+ (Vrabel connection)
Landry: B+ (sack total)
Davis: B (played well before injury)
Moses: C+ (durability)
Godchaux trade: C+ (would have cut him otherwise)
Williams: F (huge overpay)
Hollins: A- (veteran presence)
Spillane: B+ (Vrabel connection)
Landry: B+ (sack total)
Davis: B (played well before injury)
Moses: C+ (durability)
Godchaux trade: C+ (would have cut him otherwise)
Williams: F (huge overpay)
Lansdowne
Footballguy
Do you have a link? Keep in mind Sports Illustrated laid off most of their staff and rely on fan generated articles much like Bleacher Report has. It would be no different than taking the opinion of someone who bought their blue checkmark on Twitter if that's the case.
I put more stock in Mike Reiss' thoughts on the offseason moves: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id...-free-agency-tracker-offseason-moves-signings
Anarchy99
Footballguy
It's an ongoing commentary on recent free agency signings and trades, not just NE transactions.
NFL Free-Agency Tracker 2025: Grading Every Major Move
The 49ers signed Mac Jones to be Brock Purdy's backup, the Titans added edge Dre'Mont Jones and the Vikings re-signed safety Harrison Smith.
Bossman
Footballguy
If Hunter or Carter falls to #4 the Patriots would have a HUGE opportunity to trade down and grab a top LT or WR.
I would think there would be a bidding war for that pick. LOAD THE BOAT!!!
Not looking good.
Looks like another motley crew at WR this year unless a T. Higgins or J. Meyers miracle happens.
Mike Giardi
@MikeGiardi
A league source tells me Kupp's asking price is "insane" compared to where he is at this point in his career.
Looks like another motley crew at WR this year unless a T. Higgins or J. Meyers miracle happens.
Mike Giardi
@MikeGiardi
A league source tells me Kupp's asking price is "insane" compared to where he is at this point in his career.
Dynasty
Footballguy
I was listening to Mike Francesca's podcast (New York guy).
At 5:50, he says a source (that can't be a better source) told him the Giants' plan is to go all-out to sign Aaronn Rodgers AND to draft a quarterback in the first round (possible by trading up to #1).
www.youtube.com
At 5:50, he says a source (that can't be a better source) told him the Giants' plan is to go all-out to sign Aaronn Rodgers AND to draft a quarterback in the first round (possible by trading up to #1).
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
www.youtube.com
Boston
Footballguy
K'Lavon Chaisson agrees to terms with Patriots
K'Lavon Chaisson has found a new home.
www.nbcsports.com
rockaction
Footballguy
There's a reason he's not with the Rams. There had to be behind-the-scenes disconnect about his salary.
I'm not exactly sure of what his salary was and what his asking price was, but the way all his teammates spoke genuinely glowingly of him even before they knew he was leaving (he's always available for questions, he's the guy the receivers look to in the locker room, he's such a leader, you can learn a ton from him about football, always shows up ready to practice, etc.) lets me know that it wasn't an attitude problem that kept him out of their plans. It's that he's either washed or asking way too much for his talents at this point. I'd bet on the latter.
I think teams are making a bit of a mistake and gauging him differently than they should. LA involves their receivers in some hard blocking nearly every running play. Kupp ain't that big, and that stuff adds up. I'd bet that's partly responsible (the wear-and-tear) for his injuries, although he does seem to have a trick ankle that is the source of many of his woes. Anyway, writing him off at this stage is probably a touch prudent if you're looking at it from a GM's perspective, but I think it's unwise to count him out in the long run. I think he might have a year or two left.
Of course, once the guy's body breaks down, it rarely comes back, so maybe that was a lot of typing for nothing.
Puka is younger
Anarchy99
Footballguy
For what it's worth, Dianna Russini has indicated NE is no longer in the running for Cooper Kupp.
www.patspulpit.com
Patriots reportedly out of Cooper Kupp sweepstakes
The veteran wide receiver is not coming to New England, it seems.
www.patspulpit.com
Bossman
Footballguy
Great. He can keep his same locker.I was listening to Mike Francesca's podcast (New York guy).
At 5:50, he says a source (that can't be a better source) told him the Giants' plan is to go all-out to sign Aaronn Rodgers AND to draft a quarterback in the first round (possible by trading up to #1).
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
Boston
Footballguy
Marcus Epps signs with Patriots on one-year deal
Safety Marcus Epps has found a new team.
www.nbcsports.com
Will be curious to see what the Pats do now that the C. Kupp dream is over.
Still think they need to add a FA WR of some kind that is above the level of say, KJ Osborne. Somebody who can raise the floor of the WR room, add to the culture, and actually produce. Some names:
- S. Diggs: Coming off a big injury. Diva. No thanks.
- A. Cooper: If they can get him cheap, sure, although rumors at the combine are that he's washed.
- Dionte Johnson: He's a headache, but he has talent and I don't think he'll ever be cheaper. Cut him in camp if he's a problem.
- K. Allen: Maybe he's got one year left?
- T. Lockett: Not a good sign that Seattle cut him even with DK on the trade block.
I'd probably take a wack at Cooper.
There's a ton of other options in the next tier down. Think Cooks, Agholor, Woods, Reynolds, Chark, etc. I say why bother? I'd rather see what Boutte, Polk, Baker, Pop can do with a clean slate.
Trade? Everyone keeps talking about J. Meyers, but why would LV even make him available? Aiyuk? Coming off a big injury and don't think he even would want to be here. Maybe GB? They have a few young guys there maybe they'd trade on? Be curious if there is a team I'm not thinking of here.
Then of course the draft.
- If Hunter is there, take him.
- T. McMillan: Really doubt they take him at 4. They could trade down a bit. I personally don't love him.
- L. Burden, E. Egbuka, M. Golden: They could trade back into the back half of the first round and grab one of these guys.
- 2nd / Third Round: I think they WILL draft a WR here. My personal favorite: Jayden Higgins, Iowa State. Others: Tre Harris, Jack Bech, Jalen Royals.
Now they could just semi-punt on the position and go TE in the draft. I'd expect them to draft one for sure. We know McDaniel's loves his two TEs.
I wonder if T. Warren could be an option at 4 or especially if they trade down? There's also a ton of depth in the draft at TE...good year to target one.
Well, we'll see how it all plays out.
Still think they need to add a FA WR of some kind that is above the level of say, KJ Osborne. Somebody who can raise the floor of the WR room, add to the culture, and actually produce. Some names:
- S. Diggs: Coming off a big injury. Diva. No thanks.
- A. Cooper: If they can get him cheap, sure, although rumors at the combine are that he's washed.
- Dionte Johnson: He's a headache, but he has talent and I don't think he'll ever be cheaper. Cut him in camp if he's a problem.
- K. Allen: Maybe he's got one year left?
- T. Lockett: Not a good sign that Seattle cut him even with DK on the trade block.
I'd probably take a wack at Cooper.
There's a ton of other options in the next tier down. Think Cooks, Agholor, Woods, Reynolds, Chark, etc. I say why bother? I'd rather see what Boutte, Polk, Baker, Pop can do with a clean slate.
Trade? Everyone keeps talking about J. Meyers, but why would LV even make him available? Aiyuk? Coming off a big injury and don't think he even would want to be here. Maybe GB? They have a few young guys there maybe they'd trade on? Be curious if there is a team I'm not thinking of here.
Then of course the draft.
- If Hunter is there, take him.
- T. McMillan: Really doubt they take him at 4. They could trade down a bit. I personally don't love him.
- L. Burden, E. Egbuka, M. Golden: They could trade back into the back half of the first round and grab one of these guys.
- 2nd / Third Round: I think they WILL draft a WR here. My personal favorite: Jayden Higgins, Iowa State. Others: Tre Harris, Jack Bech, Jalen Royals.
Now they could just semi-punt on the position and go TE in the draft. I'd expect them to draft one for sure. We know McDaniel's loves his two TEs.
I wonder if T. Warren could be an option at 4 or especially if they trade down? There's also a ton of depth in the draft at TE...good year to target one.
Well, we'll see how it all plays out.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Multiple beat guys have indicated they don’t have much interest in the older WRs (Cooper, Diggs, Allen). Heard some chatter that there are folks in the building that think Baker could be the best of the young receivers and that with more seasoning Polk could be a lot more productive. I think that’s wishful thinking, but they may have no other options.
There really aren’t frontline OT available, so that could mean they would take Campbell if the two non-QBs are gone. I’d prefer they traded down, added picks, and took Membou as I think he will end up as a better player. I hope they don’t use the 4th pick on McMillan. I don’t see him as much more than a decent NFL WR2. They may have to take mid round OL and WR guys and pray they can develop.
There really aren’t frontline OT available, so that could mean they would take Campbell if the two non-QBs are gone. I’d prefer they traded down, added picks, and took Membou as I think he will end up as a better player. I hope they don’t use the 4th pick on McMillan. I don’t see him as much more than a decent NFL WR2. They may have to take mid round OL and WR guys and pray they can develop.
Totally agree.
I'm also starting to think there not as hung up on getting a LT as they are just securing solid lineman across the board with flexibility. And now they probably have to take a look at C with Andrews gone.
Kraft...
Footballguy
Maybe some things will losten up trade wise after the draft. I like the Green Bay option, maybe a guys Like Dobbs will free up if they take a WR in the draft. Same with Sutton in Denver maybe
I think at this point I'd grab Allen just to have a vetern high end character guy in the room.
Bossman
Footballguy
I would also like to see what these WR's can do ... with an above average O-line.
Imagine if Maye had 3 (or 5) seconds to allow WR's to get open before having to pull the trigger.
I'd prefer NE trade down from #4 and fill more holes elsewhere. Maybe pick up a bonus pick or two in 2026.
I might be asking a lot but my vision for this team is a well balanced offense behind a capable O-line ... and a dominant defense at all 3 levels.
I don't think they need an "ELITE" WR to make this happen.