Boston
Footballguy
Seeing as every deal in the NFL is now a player and a #7 for a #6 the Pats are now set-up for 4 deals...
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Indefinite New England Patriots Thread (8 Viewers)
- Thread starter captain_amazing
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Seeing as every deal in the NFL is now a player and a #7 for a #6 the Pats are now set-up for 4 deals...
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
Here is what I found about the $...that is the best part of this deal.
Dugger entered this season with a $15.27 million cap hit. That number was set to grow to $17 million in 2026 and $18 million in 2027. According to overthecap.com, the Patriots will save over $12 million next season and over $13 million in 2027 by trading Dugger.
Patriots trade former second rounder, starting safety to Pittsburgh
The Kyle Dugger era is over. Multiple sources told MassLive the Patriots are trading the former starter to Pittsburghwww.masslive.com
Yeah I’m surprised they got anything
SeniorVBDStudent
Footballguy
google language....
The Steelers will take on Dugger's remaining contract, but as part of the trade, the Patriots reportedly "ate" some of the existing salary to help facilitate the deal. The deal is made more palatable for the Steelers because none of Dugger's remaining base salary is guaranteed after the 2025 season, giving them an easy out if things don't work out.
upon me asking google said further....
The New England Patriots reportedly are paying most of the remaining $5.4 million on Kyle Dugger's base salary for 2025 to facilitate his trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
which conflicts with pats pulpit....
However, the belief is that New England will retain parts of his current salary on its books as a deal-sweetener for the Steelers. How much exactly is not known at the moment, but we do know that Dugger’s remaining 2025 base salary stands at $4.3 million.
of course, big picture is 2026/2027 savings and getting out from under.
The Steelers will take on Dugger's remaining contract, but as part of the trade, the Patriots reportedly "ate" some of the existing salary to help facilitate the deal. The deal is made more palatable for the Steelers because none of Dugger's remaining base salary is guaranteed after the 2025 season, giving them an easy out if things don't work out.
upon me asking google said further....
The New England Patriots reportedly are paying most of the remaining $5.4 million on Kyle Dugger's base salary for 2025 to facilitate his trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
which conflicts with pats pulpit....
However, the belief is that New England will retain parts of his current salary on its books as a deal-sweetener for the Steelers. How much exactly is not known at the moment, but we do know that Dugger’s remaining 2025 base salary stands at $4.3 million.
of course, big picture is 2026/2027 savings and getting out from under.
SeniorVBDStudent
Footballguy
The New England Patriots plan to sign safety John Saunders Jr. off the Miami Dolphins practice squad, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss, to fill the void left at the position by their trade of Kyle Dugger.
Boston
Footballguy
Vrabel definitely prefers a certain style of Safety...and it is certainly not the Peppers/Dugger type.
fatness
Footballguy
Florio: Eagles could be shopping A.J. Brown | NFL News | FantasyAlarm.com
www.fantasyalarm.com
SeniorVBDStudent
Footballguy
definitely maybe. can contribute quickly on special teams, carries and passing downs.
frees up vrable to grab all the shiny trade goodies on the defensive side of the ball.
SeniorVBDStudent
Footballguy
Florio: Eagles could be shopping A.J. Brown | NFL News | FantasyAlarm.com
so basically the rumors about the brown / hurtz relationship having reached butthurt status is correct. maybe trade brown to miami for an injuried hill so both couples can avoid therapy.
Boston
Footballguy
7-2 after a nail-biter yesterday...odd game in that they were in total control until Maye's strip-sack near the end of the half...after that it felt like they might give this one away but they stay composed, got lucky with a missed PAT and came away with a big win even without Maye at his best...makes going to Tampa Bay a little easier...would have hated to go into that one with a bad loss...next up is the trade deadline...Breer is reporting they are playing the long-game (which I agree with) and aren't looking to make any "wow" moves unless the price is really right or it is a player that can help them for multiple years...so, what could they use:
*Another pass rusher...if Landry or Chiasson got hurt they would be in big trouble...even with them they need some help here...when you get into these close games with quality QBs you can't make it easy for them...Penix was giving them issues yesterday and he is nowhere near the player Allen, Lamar or Hebert are...this is one area I would be really surprised if they don't add something.
*Secondary...Gonzo is a stud but he is not the most durable player so far...wouldn't hurt to add more depth at CB...Safety could use another body unless they are high on the Saunders kid they just picked-up.
*LB...Ellis left the game yesterday...this is not a deep group so if his injury is long-term they could use some help here.
*RB...a lot depends on Stevenson's health and whether his injury is just short-term...Henderson is improving, looks like they like/trust Jennings and Johnson is now in the fold...I don't have a strong feeling on this one...with 4 6th round picks they can easily do something here but outside of depth I'm not sure how much it will help.
*WR...the caveat is this depends on Boutte's injury...if he is healthy they are fine for this year, especially since Pop seems to be carving out a role...if there are concerns about Boutte that makes things interesting...do they trust Williams and/or Chism to be able to contribute...Williams has been getting on the field but not really getting involved and so far Chism seems to be a complete afterthought...hopefully Boutte is fine and they can ride this unit out this year than go after a bigger fish this offseason.
*TE...Henry and Hooper have been a good 1-2 punch...the issue is there is nothing behind them.
My guess is they use a few of those 6th round picks on a couple of those player/#7 for a #6 deals and add some depth on the defensive side of the ball but don't do anything considered big...all signs point to Vrabel having a long-term plan and he is not going change gears unless it is something that just makes too much sense.
*Another pass rusher...if Landry or Chiasson got hurt they would be in big trouble...even with them they need some help here...when you get into these close games with quality QBs you can't make it easy for them...Penix was giving them issues yesterday and he is nowhere near the player Allen, Lamar or Hebert are...this is one area I would be really surprised if they don't add something.
*Secondary...Gonzo is a stud but he is not the most durable player so far...wouldn't hurt to add more depth at CB...Safety could use another body unless they are high on the Saunders kid they just picked-up.
*LB...Ellis left the game yesterday...this is not a deep group so if his injury is long-term they could use some help here.
*RB...a lot depends on Stevenson's health and whether his injury is just short-term...Henderson is improving, looks like they like/trust Jennings and Johnson is now in the fold...I don't have a strong feeling on this one...with 4 6th round picks they can easily do something here but outside of depth I'm not sure how much it will help.
*WR...the caveat is this depends on Boutte's injury...if he is healthy they are fine for this year, especially since Pop seems to be carving out a role...if there are concerns about Boutte that makes things interesting...do they trust Williams and/or Chism to be able to contribute...Williams has been getting on the field but not really getting involved and so far Chism seems to be a complete afterthought...hopefully Boutte is fine and they can ride this unit out this year than go after a bigger fish this offseason.
*TE...Henry and Hooper have been a good 1-2 punch...the issue is there is nothing behind them.
My guess is they use a few of those 6th round picks on a couple of those player/#7 for a #6 deals and add some depth on the defensive side of the ball but don't do anything considered big...all signs point to Vrabel having a long-term plan and he is not going change gears unless it is something that just makes too much sense.
Boston
Footballguy
Jaelen Phillips to the Eagles...he was one of the few "big names" that could possibly have made sense since he is only 26 and really fills a need...although because he was with Miami and will be unrestricted I didn't see him actually being a realistic target...Philly is in their window (with a lot of draft capital as well) while the Pats are still building towards that...if they are gonna deal a third they can't do it if the player is about to be unrestricted...there would have to be more long-term certainty.
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Boston
Footballguy
Perry: Patriots have obvious deadline need after beating Falcons
The New England Patriots had arguably their biggest weakness shine through against the Falcons on Sunday, two days before the trade deadline.
www.nbcsportsboston.com
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
Dudes missed a lot of games too
Boston
Footballguy
Definitely...Pats just aren't in a spot to be rolling the dice for this type of player...makes a ton of sense for a team like Philly and where they are but while the Pats are 7-2 they need to stick to the fundamentals of building this roster long-term.
I sooo appreciate this type stuff.
I don't need to hear what he's saying. I just know he's coaching and trying his best while sitting on my couch.
I'll never understand why so many coaches just stand there with their arms folded
I don't need to hear what he's saying. I just know he's coaching and trying his best while sitting on my couch.
I'll never understand why so many coaches just stand there with their arms folded
Dynasty
Footballguy
Nobody seems to be commenting on the Pats offensive line. The team has given up the second most sacks in the league.
That seems like the team's biggest priority and something that should be addressed in the first three rounds of next year's draft since it probably is unlikely to get fixed by tomorrow.
That seems like the team's biggest priority and something that should be addressed in the first three rounds of next year's draft since it probably is unlikely to get fixed by tomorrow.
Reddit rumor that Pollard going to the pats. Take it for what it's worth.
Would have to mean Stevenson toe injury is pretty severe.
Boston
Footballguy
Just posted in another thread that Giardi is hearing a rumor that Owner Amy doesn’t want to do a deal with Vrabel.
Patriots have inquired about Key, Pollard, and Ridley- mentioned in that interview.
Amy was a darling when JRob had them winning and has really become this big negative since.
Titans are being dumb and don't understand value or timing.
Ridley stinks and is a practice player. Vrabel liked Chig. I think I'd swap them. Chig's elite athleticism but lack of blocking would be useful as a sub in NE. That's how that guy needs to be used.
Key and Pollard are known good veterans, reasonably vocal in a locker room and rarely talk to press. Fine adds for any team
Bossman
Footballguy
AJ Brown would be fun but I'm fine with the existing WR's on the roster.
The passing game looks excellent when Maye has time to throw it. They haven't even needed to use their shiny new toy in Kyle Williams to this point.
That said, NE really needs another stud on the O-Line. I don't follow the league close enough to know if such a player might be available.
Maybe someone has a guy at the end of his contract that will cost big $ to retain next year ... or an existing fat contract and a team looking to clear cap space.
Mike Onwenu should be thoroughly embarrassed after Sundays game.
He almost cost the team that win singlehandedly and Mayes health is also on the line when Onwenu chooses not to block the defender lined up directly across of him.
They just seem super thin at OL considering how much of a priority they put on it in the offseason.
I'd put pass rush as #2 on the trade-deadline want list. Even the best CB's can't cover WR's forever.
I feel NE has enough depth at LB with Mapu and Tavai available if needed.
... a CB / S for depth wouldn't hurt but I don't think it's the piece that puts them over the top.
The passing game looks excellent when Maye has time to throw it. They haven't even needed to use their shiny new toy in Kyle Williams to this point.
That said, NE really needs another stud on the O-Line. I don't follow the league close enough to know if such a player might be available.
Maybe someone has a guy at the end of his contract that will cost big $ to retain next year ... or an existing fat contract and a team looking to clear cap space.
Mike Onwenu should be thoroughly embarrassed after Sundays game.
He almost cost the team that win singlehandedly and Mayes health is also on the line when Onwenu chooses not to block the defender lined up directly across of him.
They just seem super thin at OL considering how much of a priority they put on it in the offseason.
I'd put pass rush as #2 on the trade-deadline want list. Even the best CB's can't cover WR's forever.
I feel NE has enough depth at LB with Mapu and Tavai available if needed.
... a CB / S for depth wouldn't hurt but I don't think it's the piece that puts them over the top.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Curious to hear what people think if we keep the current set of circumstances involving NE as constituted and swap out Vrabel as head coach for BB. IMO, there wouldn't be any difference in their record, would there?
People will say thumbs down on Bill here. But this 2025 team has way better health than in recent seasons, they opened up the check book and signed guys that they didn't always do, the OL has been able to play the same 5 guys (which they could never do), and even Bill would have had drafted Maye and brought back McDaniels. The cupcake schedule wouldn't change with Bill at the helm.
If Bill was still around, what would their record be right now (given that they are 9-2 so far)?
People will say thumbs down on Bill here. But this 2025 team has way better health than in recent seasons, they opened up the check book and signed guys that they didn't always do, the OL has been able to play the same 5 guys (which they could never do), and even Bill would have had drafted Maye and brought back McDaniels. The cupcake schedule wouldn't change with Bill at the helm.
If Bill was still around, what would their record be right now (given that they are 9-2 so far)?
Lansdowne
Footballguy
Vehemently disagree. I think you're heavily discounting the difference Vrabel has made as far as how the team has been rebuilt ever since he came in. The Patriots had a last place schedule in 2023 too and they still stunk up the joint. We don't know for sure that Belichick would've drafted Maye, considering he wasn't a big fan of him in the draft process and seemed to prefer McCarthy. I think trading out of the 3 and taking McCarthy later is more likely what would've went down. If Belichick was around, we wouldn't have had the Draft we had earlier this year, and the team would look different than it is now.
Boston
Footballguy
100%…first of all and it should be painfully obvious but the BB of the last few years (i.e. the Jor-Don years) is absolutely not the same Coach and person as the old BB…if you want to ask if BB of 10 years ago would be doing the same thing (and the answer is yes) that is legit but the BB of today would not be doing anything close to what Vrabel has done…after watching him destroy Mac why would we think he would develop Maye and my guess is he would not even have drafted him due to his arrogance thinking he no longer needed a franchise QB to be good…I could go on and on but there is no need to travel this path…BB is the greatest HC ever but that was a different era and the fans who embraced Vrabel were correct and are now reaping the benefits of this hire…and yes, it is easy to say no one saw it happening this fast but that’s what happens when you have a franchise QB, a new culture and can actually draft and make smart free agent signings…time to turn the page…this team is due to the Mike Vrabel hire and it was obvious from day one of the hire he has a plan and the team has bought into it and it is working.
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Kuz
Footballguy
I thought you were the PATS fan that thought they would be .500. I guess you changed your mind
Boston
Footballguy
A Salary Cap Expert Explains How the Patriots are 'a Well-Oiled Machine' With Everything They Need to Get Even Better in 2026
When your football team has gone from "BAD?" and third from the bottom on Dan's Power Rankings after Week 1 to "Super Bowl Contenders" on the second tier from the top in the span of just 10 weeks, you...
I love this Vrabel. He's even better than with the Titans. It's cool there's so much extra stuff to love too like taking pics and doing stuff for fans and players.
I dislike arrogant OMG arrogant Vrabel. It really hurt. We were onto something. We were building and maintaining. I don't think I've ever been so upset about an ego.
I see his buddy Tim Kelly is probably a free agent coach. His BFF DC Shane Bowen- who allowed a hundred point come back- is too.
Oh I so hope y'all don't experience this madness and frustration next year
I dislike arrogant OMG arrogant Vrabel. It really hurt. We were onto something. We were building and maintaining. I don't think I've ever been so upset about an ego.
I see his buddy Tim Kelly is probably a free agent coach. His BFF DC Shane Bowen- who allowed a hundred point come back- is too.
Oh I so hope y'all don't experience this madness and frustration next year
Lansdowne
Footballguy
Imposter syndrome. It's been 7 years since the last time we had a team that looked like it could make noise in the playoffs, and this was one of the very worst teams in the league just 10 months ago. I'm thrilled at the improvement, it's everything I hoped for. But I still don't see this team as a wagon, so I'm taking the victories as they come. And yes, I fully expect the Chiefs to find their way into the playoffs and to be a problem.
Boston
Footballguy
It is all gravy now...Vrabel has righted the ship (a sinking ship at that), changed the culture, is building a foundation (love this draft and free agency) for the long-term and Drake Maye is not only developing but is way ahead of schedule and looks like he may be elite...right now there is zero stress...this is all bonus time and has far exceeded even the most optimistic fan's expectations for this year...doesn't mean I am not fired-up for the rest of the year because there is a clear path to some very good things for the rest of the year and the playoffs but right now I feel like we are playing with house money.
Lansdowne
Footballguy
Yeah it’s a different feel. During the Brady/BB years it felt like every year they didn’t win it all was a squandered year because they were a historically great, historically rare QB/HC combo. Rack up as many accolades as possible because it’s never happening again for this franchise, that sort of thing. Now, it’s about enjoying the progress that’s been made with the current team. The expectation isn’t there to be the gold standard (Kansas City has that distinction going by the past 7 years). Having more wins this season than the previous two combined already makes it a success. I just want to see how far they can go with it, and then keep building on it going forward. We have never had a QB with the arm talent and running combo that Maye has and it’s been refreshing to see.
Boston
Footballguy
Exactly...if they can have another offseason like they did this past year their roster could really be formidable next season and that's when the real pressure will kick in...right now it's all about enjoying the ride.
SeniorVBDStudent
Footballguy
I'm not mad with the irrational exuberance manifesting here...but I have grown tired of listening to NEP podcasts who constantly gravitate to best case scenarios. I'll join the rabid optimists if we beat one of Baltimore and Buffalo rematch and keep the other one close. If we win both I'll be driving the bus. At the moment however I'm trying to keep expectations low and planning on 3.5 more losses.
It will not surprise me if we lose both of those games. It will also not surprise me if we win both. Both of those teams have flaws.
It's too bad Maye and Co. don't run into a SEA or LAR D...now that would be an excellent test prior to the playoffs.
I mean really...who in the AFC scares you to death?
Jewell
Footballguy
The Pats’ remaining schedule is:
@ CIN
vs NYG
BYE
vs BUF
@ BAL
@ NYJ
vs MIA
Even if the Pats lose to the Bills and Ravens where do you see the other one or two losses?
Also, the Pats lost two of their first three games before they found their identity and rounded into shape as a team. They’ve played like a well-oiled machine since. Why would the Pats lose three or four of their final six games against a relatively easy schedule if they only lost two of their first eleven games and have won eight straight?
I don’t think it’s irrational to believe the Pats finish out those final six games at 4-2 and finish 13-4 overall.
Buffalo loses.
Man, the stars really are aligning here. This is getting somewhat ridiculous I must say.
They are going to be a somewhat fraudulent "insert end of season record" team come playoff time, but hell, if they somehow stumble into the #1 seed, Vrabel better start hammering the drum on "Why not us?"
They really do have a great chance to be last year's Commanders.
Unfortunately, next year's schedule will not be so friendly.
Worry about that next year.
Man, the stars really are aligning here. This is getting somewhat ridiculous I must say.
They are going to be a somewhat fraudulent "insert end of season record" team come playoff time, but hell, if they somehow stumble into the #1 seed, Vrabel better start hammering the drum on "Why not us?"
They really do have a great chance to be last year's Commanders.
Unfortunately, next year's schedule will not be so friendly.
Worry about that next year.
OnTheReg
Footballguy
Expecting 3.5 more losses with that schedule is absolutely crazy. I get being glass half empty but come on.
Lansdowne
Footballguy
Just have to hope this isn’t like the last winning season Vrabel had as a coach. The 2021 Titans finished the regular season as the 1 seed despite playing the latter half of their season without Derrick Henry. It got Vrabel NFL coach of the year honors. The Titans were one and done in the playoffs against the Bengals (who in fairness also beat the Chiefs in the AFCCG and came one penalty flag away from winning the SB against the Rams).
Boston
Footballguy
If that happened the season is still beyond successful...two years from now it would be a different story and it would be devastating...I am not trying to set low expectations, but I am also not going to get greedy knowing this team probably had the worst roster in the NFL 12 months ago.
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SeniorVBDStudent
Footballguy
It's interesting to note that thinking its possible that NE goes 0-2 vs Buffalo and Baltimore and loses 1 or 2 of the 4 games below is "absolutely crazy".
CIN, NYG, NYJ, MIA
It's almost like people think sweeping division opponents is a given and that NE's rankings in opening drive defense, red zone offense, red zone defense, and rushing offense don't mean anything.
Take a look at Vegas odds on NE winning the division and tell me all about how my take is "absolutely crazy".
Overly pessimistic? Maybe. Let's see what happens.
OnTheReg
Footballguy
Pats are -450 right now, seems like a very heavy favorite? And yes, I think based on how much the Pats will be favored in those four games it would be crazy for them to lose any of them at this point.
Boston
Footballguy
Looks like Campbell and Wilson avoided a worst-case scenario...info is still dripping out but it looks like Wilson has a high ankle sprain and will miss multiple games and Campbell seems to have a MCL sprain and is a potential candidate to miss 4 games on IR but hopefully be ready for the playoffs...it would have been a huge blow if he had an ACL and had to deal with that recovery so I think we will all take this news if it is confirmed...Pats were lucky the first half of the year with injuries but the injury bug has definitely reared its ugly head...depth was probably the biggest concern with this team going into the year and it will most certainly be tested...if they can survive this week at home against the Giants they would be 11-2 going into a bye week they will certainly need with Buffalo and Baltimore up next...yesterday was a big one...wasn't pretty but they figured it out which seems to be kind of a trademark for this team.
Yeah hoping that Maye can run out of trouble next week with these injuries. I'm sure McDaniel's will put together a solid game plan.
NYGs are spunky that's for sure. And NE is sooooo overdue for a bad loss.