Indefinite New England Patriots Thread (3 Viewers)

[Anarchy99]

Please dont let Maye get hurt!!!

It would be difficult for him to get hurt. The way they do it now, they have a skills competition where he throws in to people or at targets in shorts. Then they have a flag football game . . . non-contact, no blitzing. I suppose he could still jet injured (non-contact, trip and fall, etc.) . . . but no one tackles anyone.

 

[Mingooch]

i still get Robert Edwards flashbacks.

 

[Bri]

Backs averaged 7.4 ypc when running behind Taylor Lewan for his career. When he got hurt Dennis Kelly subbed and had around 8.
Vrabel called Taylor a cheat code.

Then came a slew of bad tackle play. It definitely upset Vrabel and you could tell his frustration with "being regular" there. RB coach Dews would get after the TE and after the WR and even the G.

Vrabel would sound a bit like Parcells complaining Marshawn isn't blocking well and how that's his first job.
Losing a solid blocking TE and exceptional blocking WR in Davis were also part of the problem, not just the T. They coached that up so so much.

During the good times, Henry could get just a yard or two and everyone talking on the sideline and then again just a yard or two and now talking and waving arms on the sideline. The next time he's off to the races.

Now for a few series everything is going to flow off that. Fake handoff to Henry as he runs towards there, maybe he makes himself available for a screen, maybe he gets the handoff but cuts inside the G/C instead, 8 in the box? They're passing.

Bad games so far? Start with executing one play well. Every aspect of it, do it well. Vrabel said that idk how many times. That's the play. And Parcellian or Gibbs too- he likes that the defense knows it's coming.

Bad bad days, OMG you're running there again? And the most expected do your job, execute, make blocks answers during the follow-up presser.

Vrabel won't call plays. Just this. That's all. And everyone will know he means business get it together etc.

Bad football stinks to watch but at least ya got something here you understand and know what's going on. If he subs a WR or TE, you know they missed their block and when they hit it, you're cheering on the couch. There's something good about it as a fan just so relatable

 

[ffmail4me]

Please dont let Maye get hurt!!!

Amen. But unless he's a punter and Sean Taylor is playing...he should be safe.

 

[kyoun1e]

Lot of mocks coming out these days.

I'm seeing quite a few OTs ranked in the 2nd half of the first round. A couple getting rave reviews at senior bowl practices.

Could envision taking the best player available at #4, maybe trading down a couple spots (with LV?), and then trading back up into the back half of the first to grab an OT.

 

[Boston]

Lot of mocks coming out these days.

I'm seeing quite a few OTs ranked in the 2nd half of the first round. A couple getting rave reviews at senior bowl practices.

Could envision taking the best player available at #4, maybe trading down a couple spots (with LV?), and then trading back up into the back half of the first to grab an OT.

Really like the idea of trading up into the end of the first with that early 2nd to get either an O-lineman or a WR...as for the #1 there are a lot of different ways to go but I still feel it is most important to use the asset to address the offense and aid in Maye's development...if they feel McMillan is a legit #1 he is the guy I want them to draft...that would solve a multitude of problems and give you a potential stud WR under contract for a long time at a reasonable price...if they are not sold on him a trade down and then taking an OT could be the smart move...if one of the QBs or Carter happens to be there at #4 they would most likely be in a position to get a nice return on that pick...now, I do understand those who want to take Carter and I would not be mad if they did but I feel very strongly that this offseason needs to be about Maye...now, if they do enough in free agency with regard to the offense than that changes everything and makes Carter or another defensive player far more appealing.

 

[Boston]

From Bedard tonight:

Is Joe Milton on the block?

I thought the Patriots would hold off on entertaining a trade of Joe Milton, who was drafted in the sixth round (193rd overall) last year, for at least another season, but there’s increasing belief around the NFL that the Patriots are at least contemplating a trade of Milton this offseason. Again, I’m not saying he’s on the block right now, but the Patriots will likely consider it when everything settles with the front office and coaching staff.

Why would they do it?

Mostly because the timing could be right, with this QB class being weak. The Senior Bowl QBs were very underwhelming. And the Patriots could be striking while the iron is hot with Milton’s good film in the season finale.

What could they fetch? Some league executives believe the Patriots could get up to a third-round pick this year. Would you rather draft someone like Riley Leonard (Notre Dame), Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) or Jaxson Dart (Mississippi) – who all lack something — or go with a Milton who has all the measureables, good NFL film and showed he can take coaching and improve?

 

[kyoun1e]

From Bedard tonight:

Is Joe Milton on the block?

I thought the Patriots would hold off on entertaining a trade of Joe Milton, who was drafted in the sixth round (193rd overall) last year, for at least another season, but there’s increasing belief around the NFL that the Patriots are at least contemplating a trade of Milton this offseason. Again, I’m not saying he’s on the block right now, but the Patriots will likely consider it when everything settles with the front office and coaching staff.

Why would they do it?

Mostly because the timing could be right, with this QB class being weak. The Senior Bowl QBs were very underwhelming. And the Patriots could be striking while the iron is hot with Milton’s good film in the season finale.

What could they fetch? Some league executives believe the Patriots could get up to a third-round pick this year. Would you rather draft someone like Riley Leonard (Notre Dame), Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) or Jaxson Dart (Mississippi) – who all lack something — or go with a Milton who has all the measureables, good NFL film and showed he can take coaching and improve?

They should shoot for a late second at minimum then if that's the case.

He could be better than all the QBs in this class and that last game tape showed he's made some serious advances since he left college.

 

[Anarchy99]

They should shoot for a late second at minimum then if that's the case.

Most of the time, trades for backup or inexperienced QBs don't usually amount to what fans think they should go for. I wracked my brain to try to come up with some examples from the past 20 years of guys with minimal experience that got moved. NE actually had a number of trades that would qualify.

- Jarrett Stidham and a 7th for a 6h
- Ryan Mallett for a 7th
- Jacoby Brissett for Philip Dorsett
- Jimmy Garoppolo for a 2nd

Other examples I could think of . . . there are probably others.

- Trey Lance for a 4th
- Joshua Dobbs for a 5th
- Matt Barkley for a 7th
- Charlie Whitehurst and a 2nd for 2nd and a 3rd
- Ryan Fitzpatrick for a 7th
- Luke McKown for a 6th
- Matt Schaub and a 1st for a 1st, a 2nd, and a 2nd.

Jimmy G. was said to be on the trading block with talk of getting a first rounder and more for him. He's the only one I can remember that really merited a lot of buzz or value in a trade. I would guess that Milton could get moved for a 4th with conditions that could turn into a 3rd with playing time. That being said, even at a 3rd, I don't really think that benefits the Pats. They would need to go get someone else, so drafting someone else would require a pick invested. Or they could bring in someone else, and I would guess one of the candidates would be Mariota. I'd still rather have Milton.

 

[Dynasty]

Getting a third round pick for Milton would be a steal. That could yield a starter at nearly any position.

As for a new backup QB, I'd be satisfied with any veteran (even Brissett).

We're not a team that needs a strong backup QB. That's what serious Super Bowl contenders need. Were a team that needs to fill out it's starting lineups.

 

[Bri]

Drake Maye was on Sirius and he surprisingly praised Slater for his help at a moment I was expecting QB coach or someone else.

 

[Boston]

Drake Maye was on Sirius and he surprisingly praised Slater for his help at a moment I was expecting QB coach or someone else.

Slater is pretty much beloved by anyone associated with the Pats...been with them since 2008 and I don't think I have heard one bad word uttered about him since he got here.

 

[Bri]

Welker maybe WR coach

Report: Patriots considering bringing in former star to fill wide receiver’s coach vacancy

Mike Vrabel has been busy filling at his staff as he prepares for his first year as coach of the New England Patriots. But there’s still some holes to fill.

www.masslive.com

 

[Lansdowne]

Todd Downing brought in as WR coach. Really don’t like that hiring at all.

x.com

x.com

 

[kyoun1e]

Todd Downing brought in as WR coach. Really don’t like that hiring at all.

x.com

x.com

Curious why.

Wasn't he previously a OC?

 

[Lansdowne]

Todd Downing brought in as WR coach. Really don’t like that hiring at all.

x.com

x.com

Curious why.

Wasn't he previously a OC?

Bri can talk more about it but basically Downing was OC for the Titans and they went from being a top 10 NFL offense to being one of the worst. That and his DUI and how much Vrabel went to bat for him until he no longer could:

Ex-Titans OC begins sentence from DUI arrest

Todd Downing turned himself in Tuesday to Williamson County Jail, a county official confirmed to ESPN, to begin serving his sentence stemming from his November arrest.

www.espn.com

That said, despite having no experience as a WR position coach, he has enough experience overall on offense that I would hope he can be an asset there. He was the QB coach and passing game coordinator for the Jets last season. I'm underwhelmed by this hire.

 

[Anarchy99]

I'm mostly disinterested in who's on the staff, as the coaching staff is not going to make a ton of impact on a team with very little talent. I care more about who is on the roster. I am pretty much in a holding pattern until they draft / sign players.

 

[nightmare]

I'm mostly disinterested in who's on the staff, as the coaching staff is not going to make a ton of impact on a team with very little talent. I care more about who is on the roster. I am pretty much in a holding pattern until they draft / sign players.

Doug Marrone as the O-line coach gives me some hope.

 

[kyoun1e]

C. Kupp available for trade.

No longer a #1, but could see him being a solid #2 for a couple more years.

Wonder if he can be had for a 3rd or a 4th.

 

[Dynasty]

Kupp will be 32 years old, is frequently injured, and has one truly great season (in 2021). His reputation from that one season has blown up his reputation beyond what he actually produces on the field.

The Patriots shouldn't be trading draft equity for "a solid #2 for a couple more years".

 

[Boston]

C. Kupp available for trade.

No longer a #1, but could see him being a solid #2 for a couple more years.

Wonder if he can be had for a 3rd or a 4th.

He will be 32 in June...can't picture the cost being too high...would be a nice reliable veteran to give to Maye if the price is right but I would definitely not overpay.

 

[fruity pebbles]

C. Kupp available for trade.

No longer a #1, but could see him being a solid #2 for a couple more years.

Wonder if he can be had for a 3rd or a 4th.

Unless he restructures he’s scheduled to make 20 million a year for the next two years. That’s a ton for his production.

 

[Lansdowne]

If you want to improve the WR room right away, you have only three options:

1) overpay a free agent WR by paying the suck tax and Mass tax

2) trade for a WR and be willing to give up draft picks and take on the likely big salary that comes with him

3) draft another rookie WR and pray that they finally find a true WR1

Each one of these come with risks. The Randy Moss for a 4th rounder Jedi mind trick won’t work this time. You overpay for a guy like Tee Higgins to come here. Or you dumpster dive for mediocre options like Darius Slayton or Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and don’t solve anything there. Or you trade for an aging Cooper Kupp and hope he has some magic left in him. Or you draft a rookie in an okay but not as good as 2024 WR draft class and hope he hits immediately. One way or another this team needs to take a chance to get Maye some help or they’ll waste years out of his rookie deal. Fortify that offensive line above all else but please get this man a better WR than what he already has.

 

[kyoun1e]

C. Kupp available for trade.

No longer a #1, but could see him being a solid #2 for a couple more years.

Wonder if he can be had for a 3rd or a 4th.

He will be 32 in June...can't picture the cost being too high...would be a nice be reliable veteran to give to Maye if the price is right but I would definitely not overpay.

Yeah the more I read about this it seems possible he could be had for a fifth.

 

[Birdie048]

If you want to improve the WR room right away, you have only three options:

1) overpay a free agent WR by paying the suck tax and Mass tax

2) trade for a WR and be willing to give up draft picks and take on the likely big salary that comes with him

3) draft another rookie WR and pray that they finally find a true WR1

Each one of these come with risks. The Randy Moss for a 4th rounder Jedi mind trick won’t work this time. You overpay for a guy like Tee Higgins to come here. Or you dumpster dive for mediocre options like Darius Slayton or Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and don’t solve anything there. Or you trade for an aging Cooper Kupp and hope he has some magic left in him. Or you draft a rookie in an okay but not as good as 2024 WR draft class and hope he hits immediately. One way or another this team needs to take a chance to get Maye some help or they’ll waste years out of his rookie deal. Fortify that offensive line above all else but please get this man a better WR than what he already has.

And Option #2 has the longest potential impact in a negative way. The others have "out clauses" to cut bait after a short period (if properly managed contracts).

What is the Vrabel philosophy on "rebuilding"? Thru Draft or Spending? We will see!

 

[Anarchy99]

I'm mostly disinterested in who's on the staff, as the coaching staff is not going to make a ton of impact on a team with very little talent. I care more about who is on the roster. I am pretty much in a holding pattern until they draft / sign players.

Doug Marrone as the O-line coach gives me some hope.

@Lansdowne also liked the Marrone hire, citing a big season from Fournette. Sure, Marrone's got a lot of experience, but I guess I am curious why we should view him as a good hire.

I reviewed how his RBs did in an earlier post. In his 16 seasons in the league, his teams have ranked Bottom 10 in ypc in 8 of them (with an overall average of 19th). As mentioned, he got a big year from Fournette and a banner season from Curtis Martin two decades ago. The Saints struggled to run the ball with Drew Brees. Marrone's teams have averaged 6.5 wins a season. He was attached to 3 teams that won 10 games . . . once each with the Jets, Saints, and Jags. But most other seasons weren't that noteworthy. Clearly not all his fault, but he hasn't really been part of much long-term success anywhere.

Not trying to be argumentative, but what about Marrone do people like and find as clear positives? Sure, he's probably better than the other OL coaches NE rolled out one after the other for years after Dante left . . . but that's a low bar to clear.

 

[Dynasty]

Are there any examples of a free agent being lured to a team by substantially front-loading a contract but not bidding more than other teams?

I'll give an example of what I'm describing.

Let's say Tee Higgins is going to be offered a four-year, $120 million deal by several teams. Typically, a contract would look something like this:
Signing Bonus: $30M, Year 1: $10M, Year 2: $25M, Year 3: $25M, Year 4: 30M

Teams structure contracts like that to minimize the cap hit in the early years with the hope of building a roster to immediately be a contender.

But, the Patriots won't be a serious contender in 2025 (and maybe 2026). So, what if they offered a deal which took the cap hit early and left room to be a contender in 2027 and 2028? A contract like that could look like this:
Signing Bonus: $20M, Year 1: $40M, Year 2: $40M, Year 3: $10M, Year 4: $10M

Both contracts are four years and $120M. But, the front-loaded contract is better for the player (and essentially fully guaranteed). But, it leaves the Patriots cap room when they'll truly need it.

 

[Anarchy99]

Are there any examples of a free agent being lured to a team by substantially front-loading a contract but not bidding more than other teams?

I'll give an example of what I'm describing.

Let's say Tee Higgins is going to be offered a four-year, $120 million deal by several teams. Typically, a contract would look something like this:
Signing Bonus: $30M, Year 1: $10M, Year 2: $25M, Year 3: $25M, Year 4: 30M

Teams structure contracts like that to minimize the cap hit in the early years with the hope of building a roster to immediately be a contender.

But, the Patriots won't be a serious contender in 2025 (and maybe 2026). So, what if they offered a deal which took the cap hit early and left room to be a contender in 2027 and 2028? A contract like that could look like this:
Signing Bonus: $20M, Year 1: $40M, Year 2: $40M, Year 3: $10M, Year 4: $10M

Both contracts are four years and $120M. But, the front-loaded contract is better for the player (and essentially fully guaranteed). But, it leaves the Patriots cap room when they'll truly need it.

Some teams have done that, but from what I remember (especially for WR), the players usually will demand new deals because they want to be paid as a Top 5 guy. Of course, they already got that money earlier, but they can turn full diva saying they won't play on that deal anymore.

As for Higgins, I've already heard talk that if he actually hits the open market, he could demand and probably get closer to what Jefferson / Lamb / Adams got ($135-140M). The cap keeps going up, WRs keep getting more and more money, and there really aren't many top free agent WRs this year. The other FA options are either coming off of injuries or are older (Godwin 29, Cooper 31, Diggs 31, and Hopkins 33 . . . unless some other high priced guys get cut (Adams 32, Kupp 32). All of those guys have limited shelf life remaining. Higgins just turned 26.

 

[Boston]

Are there any examples of a free agent being lured to a team by substantially front-loading a contract but not bidding more than other teams?

I'll give an example of what I'm describing.

Let's say Tee Higgins is going to be offered a four-year, $120 million deal by several teams. Typically, a contract would look something like this:
Signing Bonus: $30M, Year 1: $10M, Year 2: $25M, Year 3: $25M, Year 4: 30M

Teams structure contracts like that to minimize the cap hit in the early years with the hope of building a roster to immediately be a contender.

But, the Patriots won't be a serious contender in 2025 (and maybe 2026). So, what if they offered a deal which took the cap hit early and left room to be a contender in 2027 and 2028? A contract like that could look like this:
Signing Bonus: $20M, Year 1: $40M, Year 2: $40M, Year 3: $10M, Year 4: $10M

Both contracts are four years and $120M. But, the front-loaded contract is better for the player (and essentially fully guaranteed). But, it leaves the Patriots cap room when they'll truly need it.

Some teams have done that, but from what I remember (especially for WR), the players usually will demand new deals because they want to be paid as a Top 5 guy. Of course, they already got that money earlier, but they can turn full diva saying they won't play on that deal anymore.

As for Higgins, I've already heard talk that if he actually hits the open market, he could demand and probably get closer to what Jefferson / Lamb / Adams got ($135-140M). The cap keeps going up, WRs keep getting more and more money, and there really aren't many top free agent WRs this year. The other FA options are either coming off of injuries or are older (Godwin 29, Cooper 31, Diggs 31, and Hopkins 33 . . . unless some other high priced guys get cut (Adams 32, Kupp 32). All of those guys have limited shelf life remaining. Higgins just turned 26.

Wasn’t that type of contract one of the issues with Judon…he became unhappy once the #’s didn’t look good even though he got a lot of $ early…agree about Higgins…he is going to get a monster contract and for a team like the Pats that are not a contender and in a state that loves to tax it won’t make things any easier.

 

[Anarchy99]

There are always click bait trade suggestions out there, such as this one from Bleacher Report . . .

Patriots get: Myles Garrett (heading into his age 30 season and signed for 2 more years for a total of $45M)
Patriots give up: the #4 pick, two 3rd rounders, a 5th rounder, and Joe Milton

That seems like a lot to me, as they could potentially draft Abdul Carter with the 4th pick and end up with a player similar to Garrett or Parsons.

 

[Anarchy99]

Forget to mention that Overthecap has the Patriots biggest cap hits for the upcoming season as Onwenu-Dugger-Henry-Godchaux-Bourne-Andrews. (Barmore is 3rd on the team but I am leaving him out of because he was hurt). Those 6 guys carry a total of $70.3 million in cap charges for 2025. Overthecap has their current market values for this upcoming season at a combined $24.4 million. This pretty much sums up my concerns last offseason when the Pats opted to re-sign a bunch of their own players . . . who I felt weren't worth retaining for the amount it cost to bring them back. I know that they needed to field a team, but they could easily be in a situation where they will want to extricate themselves from some of the deals they signed. Maybe they will turn things around and perform a lot better this upcoming season . . . but for now, their value is about 35 cents on the dollar.

 

[Bri]

Downing is brutal as an OC but maybe he's doing his friend a favor and McDaniels will fix him up? Raiders Titans Jets all those teams fans know him

 

[Lansdowne]

There are always click bait trade suggestions out there, such as this one from Bleacher Report . . .

Patriots get: Myles Garrett (heading into his age 30 seasons and signed for 2 more years for a total of $45M)
Patriots give up: the #4 pick, two 3rd rounders, a 5th rounder, and Joe Milton

That seems like a lot to me, as they could potentially draft Abdul Carter with the 4th pick and end up with a player similar to Garrett or Parsons.

If this was in the Brady era I'd love that trade. But seeing how this team isn't just a Garrett away from Super Bowl contention, I wouldn't. It would be a lateral move career wise for him going from the Browns to the Pats. I'd rather draft Carter or Graham and keep those assets. Make a bold move like this once the core has already been built up. I still remember back to that question of if there was a league-wide draft and you could only protect 5 players who would you pick, and Maye and Gonzalez were the only obvious choices.

 

[Boston]

There are always click bait trade suggestions out there, such as this one from Bleacher Report . . .

Patriots get: Myles Garrett (heading into his age 30 season and signed for 2 more years for a total of $45M)
Patriots give up: the #4 pick, two 3rd rounders, a 5th rounder, and Joe Milton

That seems like a lot to me, as they could potentially draft Abdul Carter with the 4th pick and end up with a player similar to Garrett or Parsons.

100% no…not a deal you make when you are a 4 win team with monster holes.

 

[Boston]

Forget to mention that Overthecap has the Patriots biggest cap hits for the upcoming season as Onwenu-Dugger-Henry-Godchaux-Bourne-Andrews. (Barmore is 3rd on the team but I am leaving him out of because he was hurt). Those 6 guys carry a total of $70.3 million in cap charges for 2025. Overthecap has their current market values for this upcoming season at a combined $24.4 million. This pretty much sums up my concerns last offseason when the Pats opted to re-sign a bunch of their own players . . . who I felt weren't worth retaining for the amount it cost to bring them back. I know that they needed to field a team, but they could easily be in a situation where they will want to extricate themselves from some of the deals they signed. Maybe they will turn things around and perform a lot better this upcoming season . . . but for now, their value is about 35 cents on the dollar.

The good news is none of these contracts are an albatross…they either have an out after next year or they are done by 2026…they will have zero effect on what they can do money-wise going forward…in fairness because BB had run the roster into the ground they really didn’t have many options…there really wasn’t a viable Plan B.

 

[Bri]

I'm sure some of you Pats fans know how wonderful Jim Wyatt is. Here's Curran interviewing him about Vrabel. It's a lengthy one

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

 

[MAC_32]

There are always click bait trade suggestions out there, such as this one from Bleacher Report . . .

Patriots get: Myles Garrett (heading into his age 30 season and signed for 2 more years for a total of $45M)
Patriots give up: the #4 pick, two 3rd rounders, a 5th rounder, and Joe Milton

That seems like a lot to me, as they could potentially draft Abdul Carter with the 4th pick and end up with a player similar to Garrett or Parsons.

I am confident suggesting only if Nico Harrison were the Browns GM would this offer be entertained.

 

[Mingooch]

Pats fan here. I want nothing to do with that trade.

 

[kyoun1e]

Too many holes to give up their #4 pick and others for M. Garrett.

I'd stand pat with either A. Carter or Hunter at #4.

Then I'd probably want to use the extra third to get back into the 20s in the first round and grab OT J. Simmons or J. Conerly.

 

[Boston]

From Bedard:

9. If Joe Thuney wins another Super Bowl, this time at left tackle, then his Hall of Fame resume becomes almost impeccable. It would be his fifth Super Bowl title (and counting), and he has four All-Pro nods (two first team). Letting Thuney walk in the fashion he did (tagged him, got zero compensatory picks) was a huge blunder by Bill Belichick and an example of how personnel as a whole (not just drafting) went down the tubes and led to his demise.

 

[kyoun1e]

Warming up to C. Kupp if it's only for a 4th or 5th.

Deebo apparently on the trade market. Mixed feelings about him, but I wonder if he could be acquired cheaply.

 

[Boston]

Warming up to C. Kupp if it's only for a 4th or 5th.

Deebo apparently on the trade market. Mixed feelings about him, but I wonder if he could be acquired cheaply.

From Greg Bedard's BSJ article today:

3. I was initially a no on the Patriots acquiring Cooper Kupp at some point this offseason. And then I heard former Rams LT Andrew Whitworth on with Zolak & Bertrand.

"Look at the situation that's happened in LA with Cooper Kupp, his impact, how amazing he's been," Whitworth said. "That entire room of wide receivers will be different for the rest of their careers, because they got a chance to spend five minutes with Cooper Kupp, much less all the years he's been there. So Puka (Nacua) has been trained and prepared from all that time that he spent with Cooper to be exactly who they need Puka to be. That's how you have to be to be able to sustain success.

"Cooper Kupp is the equivalent to having Sean McVay on the field. Cooper Kupp could walk in a room right now and run an offense… like he’s that intelligent. He understands the game that much.

"Like, he wants to sit in a room and dissect film and break it down and all those things. He’s teaching the receivers, he’s helping the tight ends and the lineman. ... His mindset and that kind of stuff and just being valuable for that quarterback. I’ve always said this, it’s what happened in Chicago with Caleb Williams. Who was on that roster with a young quarterback that you go… where’s the veteran on the offensive team that’s the stable teacher-type guy who’s in his ear? Every play, every huddle, 'Hey man, don’t forget about this situation. Don’t forget about getting the ball out right here. Hey, this is a play where the balls needs to come out.' Or a play where you go, 'Hey this is your drop. This is where I’m going to be on the field.' Who are those people in his ear? I know for me in my time with Andy Dalton as a rookie, with Jared Goff as a young player, those things were invaluable, and they would need those things, and they’d give me feedback, 'Hey man, I appreciate you reminding me those little things in the huddle.' That stuff is invaluable."

Not only is exactly that Drake Maye needs, but that's what that receivers room needs in an even bigger way. Imagine Ja'Lynn Polk following Kupp around, learning from him.

Yeah, I'm on board and I don't even care how many games he plays.

 

[Lansdowne]

Warming up to C. Kupp if it's only for a 4th or 5th.

Deebo apparently on the trade market. Mixed feelings about him, but I wonder if he could be acquired cheaply.

From Greg Bedard's BSJ article today:

3. I was initially a no on the Patriots acquiring Cooper Kupp at some point this offseason. And then I heard former Rams LT Andrew Whitworth on with Zolak & Bertrand.

"Look at the situation that's happened in LA with Cooper Kupp, his impact, how amazing he's been," Whitworth said. "That entire room of wide receivers will be different for the rest of their careers, because they got a chance to spend five minutes with Cooper Kupp, much less all the years he's been there. So Puka (Nacua) has been trained and prepared from all that time that he spent with Cooper to be exactly who they need Puka to be. That's how you have to be to be able to sustain success.

"Cooper Kupp is the equivalent to having Sean McVay on the field. Cooper Kupp could walk in a room right now and run an offense… like he’s that intelligent. He understands the game that much.

"Like, he wants to sit in a room and dissect film and break it down and all those things. He’s teaching the receivers, he’s helping the tight ends and the lineman. ... His mindset and that kind of stuff and just being valuable for that quarterback. I’ve always said this, it’s what happened in Chicago with Caleb Williams. Who was on that roster with a young quarterback that you go… where’s the veteran on the offensive team that’s the stable teacher-type guy who’s in his ear? Every play, every huddle, 'Hey man, don’t forget about this situation. Don’t forget about getting the ball out right here. Hey, this is a play where the balls needs to come out.' Or a play where you go, 'Hey this is your drop. This is where I’m going to be on the field.' Who are those people in his ear? I know for me in my time with Andy Dalton as a rookie, with Jared Goff as a young player, those things were invaluable, and they would need those things, and they’d give me feedback, 'Hey man, I appreciate you reminding me those little things in the huddle.' That stuff is invaluable."

Not only is exactly that Drake Maye needs, but that's what that receivers room needs in an even bigger way. Imagine Ja'Lynn Polk following Kupp around, learning from him.

Yeah, I'm on board and I don't even care how many games he plays.

The Rams presumably would assume a chunk of Kupp’s money as part of any deal as well. The Pats WR corp is young and lacking experience, and Kupp would be a nice table setter and mentor for the passing game. I do still hope they can find a WR who can take the top off the defense as well.

 

[Boston]

Warming up to C. Kupp if it's only for a 4th or 5th.

Deebo apparently on the trade market. Mixed feelings about him, but I wonder if he could be acquired cheaply.

From Greg Bedard's BSJ article today:

3. I was initially a no on the Patriots acquiring Cooper Kupp at some point this offseason. And then I heard former Rams LT Andrew Whitworth on with Zolak & Bertrand.

"Look at the situation that's happened in LA with Cooper Kupp, his impact, how amazing he's been," Whitworth said. "That entire room of wide receivers will be different for the rest of their careers, because they got a chance to spend five minutes with Cooper Kupp, much less all the years he's been there. So Puka (Nacua) has been trained and prepared from all that time that he spent with Cooper to be exactly who they need Puka to be. That's how you have to be to be able to sustain success.

"Cooper Kupp is the equivalent to having Sean McVay on the field. Cooper Kupp could walk in a room right now and run an offense… like he’s that intelligent. He understands the game that much.

"Like, he wants to sit in a room and dissect film and break it down and all those things. He’s teaching the receivers, he’s helping the tight ends and the lineman. ... His mindset and that kind of stuff and just being valuable for that quarterback. I’ve always said this, it’s what happened in Chicago with Caleb Williams. Who was on that roster with a young quarterback that you go… where’s the veteran on the offensive team that’s the stable teacher-type guy who’s in his ear? Every play, every huddle, 'Hey man, don’t forget about this situation. Don’t forget about getting the ball out right here. Hey, this is a play where the balls needs to come out.' Or a play where you go, 'Hey this is your drop. This is where I’m going to be on the field.' Who are those people in his ear? I know for me in my time with Andy Dalton as a rookie, with Jared Goff as a young player, those things were invaluable, and they would need those things, and they’d give me feedback, 'Hey man, I appreciate you reminding me those little things in the huddle.' That stuff is invaluable."

Not only is exactly that Drake Maye needs, but that's what that receivers room needs in an even bigger way. Imagine Ja'Lynn Polk following Kupp around, learning from him.

Yeah, I'm on board and I don't even care how many games he plays.

The Rams presumably would assume a chunk of Kupp’s money as part of any deal as well. The Pats WR corp is young and lacking experience, and Kupp would be a nice table setter and mentor for the passing game. I do still hope they can find a WR who can take the top off the defense as well.

The word is the Pats WR room was not a good place last year...it needs a culture change and someone like Kupp would be a very big addition in that regard as well.

 

[Dynasty]

Kupp is due about $20M for each of the next two years. So, the Rams taking on part of the contract is absolutely necessary.

Assuming the finances get worked out, then Kupp could be a great veteran presence in the locker room.

 

[Anarchy99]

Kupp is due about $20M for each of the next two years. So, the Rams taking on part of the contract is absolutely necessary.

Assuming the finances get worked out, then Kupp could be a great veteran presence in the locker room.

I have seen NE preemptively linked to just about every player out there. There are 30 other teams that could be in on Kupp. I doubt the Pats will get him at a discount. It’s been speculated Kupp could get moved for a 4th rounder like Keenan Allen was last year. However, I don’t believe the Chargers ponied up any money as part of the trade. There will likely be a competitive team in the mix where Kupp could be the one guy that makes a difference. I’m not sure the Pats would be willing to outbid someone for Kupp.

 

[Boston]

Pharms extended 2 years...obviously not a big splash but he is a guy they should have brought back as he seems to be figuring things out.

Patriots re-sign DL Jeremiah Pharms

The Patriots have taken one of their exclusive rights free agents off the market.

www.nbcsports.com

Here is a list of their in-house free agents...nothing special going on here...Hooper is the only one worth bringing back on offense...not sure what they think of Bell, but I would like to see them add an athletic, young TE to go along with Henry and possibly Hooper...on D Jones would be nice to bring back as they could use him as this roster transitions and he seems to be well-respected in the locker-room...other than that there are some names there but nothing big and my guess is a lot will come down to whether they fit the new scheme...I have no problem bringing Slye back.

Who will Pats re-sign in 2025 free agency? It could be a short list

The Patriots have 16 players set to hit free agency in March, and it sounds like many of those players may not return to New England.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

 

[Bri]

How's your punter?
Stonehouse is a RFA, the Titans have little cap space, and probably can't afford.

He was a record setting rookie and he's always tops in the NFL when I (rarely) look at punter stats or they put a graphic on the screen. He may be the best punter ever when he retires but ...no one notices because he's a punter.

Vrabel is same as BB in holding field position in high regard.

****
As far as actually best punter ever- he's not Roby and can't coffin corner kick like Landeta but he worked on the coffin corner stuff and is getting there. Hang time was too long and too short according to Titans bad ST coach that was fired for having worst ST ever ....anywho, I was impressed he could change from too short to too long. Over my head physics I guess.

 

[Dynasty]

The two positions the Patriots are most secure at are quarterback and punter.

In 2024, Ryan Stonehouse was 3rd in yards/punt (50.6) The Patriots' Bryce Baringer was 4th (49.8).

Baringer's other numbers (net yards, fair catches, punts inside the 20) all look better than Stonehouse's.

 

[Boston]

The two positions the Patriots are most secure at are quarterback and punter.

In 2024, Ryan Stonehouse was 3rd in yards/punt (50.6) The Patriots' Bryce Baringer was 4th (49.8).

Baringer's other numbers (net yards, fair catches, punts inside the 20) all look better than Stonehouse's.

Maye-Gonzalez-Baringer...after that everything else is open for an upgrade.