Daily news and links for Thursday
TEAM TALK
- Patriots 2025 Free Agent Tracker.
- Transactions: Patriots signed free agents C Garrett Bradbury and LB Jack Gibbens.
- Evan Lazar analyzes the addition of center Garrett Bradley and resets the offensive line roster to see where the Patriots go from here on the O-line.
- Patriots Catch-22 podcast: Evan Lazar and Alex Barth discuss the Pats’ latest moves, resetting the O-line, Draft talk; More. (2 hours)
LOCAL LINKS
- Chris Mason analyzes how Drake Maye’s deep-rooted leadership can continue to evolve; Mike Vrabel lays out the next step for the Patriots quarterback.
- Sara Marshall mentions how an AFC East scout is already fearing the Patriots’ new duo of Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye well ahead of 2025 season
- Matt Dolloff sees the options continue to dwindle for the Patriots tackle situation, leaving the team with a risky reality ahead of the 2025 draft.
- Alex Barth notes Las Vegas signed restricted free agent LB Christian Elliss to an offer sheet, and New England has until Monday to decide whether or not to match the offer.
- Doug Kyed discusses the report that the Patriots are hosting free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs on a visit. Diggs, 31, is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in October, and had posted six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons before last year’s season-ending injury.
- Karen Guregian weighs the pros and cons of signing Stefon Diggs.
- Karen Guregian reports the Patriots signed free agent linebacker Jack Gibbens to one-year deal after his visit to Foxborough on Wednesday.
- Mark Daniels looks at what’s next for the Patriots now that veteran OT Cam Robinson just signed with the Texans.
- Jerry Thornton explains how Mike Vrabel has the perfect template for turning Milton Williams into the Pro Bowler the Patriots need him to be.
- Alex Barth updates his Patriots 2025 pre-draft meeting tracker.
- Alex Barth’s Patriots Draft Preview 2025: Running backs.
- Matt Dolloff profiles five centers to know for the Patriots in this year’s draft.
- Sara Marshall makes the case that Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan needs to be in the conversation for the Patriots at receiver, especially after striking out in free agency.
- Mark Daniels hears from ex-Patriots center David Andrews who expressed disappointment at his exit from the Pats. Andrews thought he’d enter this offseason with a chance to work his way back to play again in New England.
- Phil Perry’s mock draft 5.0: Patriots trade back into first round for LT. Pats pick Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter at No. 4, Trade up to pick Oregon OT Josh Conerly at No. 24.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Jared Dubin (CBS Sports) Most intriguing defensive free-agent signings. Patriots: “Do you know how much fun it’s going to be to have Carlton Davis and Christian Gonzalez playing across from each other at cornerback?”
- Gilberto Manzano (SI) Top five most improved NFL teams after free agency. No. 1 Patriots. ‘The Patriots’ defense received a drastic—and expensive—makeover to possibly give Vrabel a formidable unit during his first season as the head coach in New England. …’
- Dan Parr (NFL.com) Top five needs for all 32 teams following free agency frenzy. Patriots biggest needs: OL, WR, DL, RB, CB. ‘… New England should be all about building a supporting cast for Maye, who would also benefit from better weaponry at receiver and running back.’
- MMQB Staff (SI) Debates: One big move NFL GMs should have made in free agency; Plus, an aging wide receiver dominates our discussion, too.
- Sheil Kapadia (The Ringer) NFL free agency under review: The Vikings are smart to pass on Aaron Rodgers; Let’s break down the biggest stories and most questionable moves.
- Albert Breer (SI) NFL Mailbag: Signs point to Titans likely keeping NFL Draft’s No. 1 pick; Plus, the best roster after free agency, where Jaxson Dart lands and more
- Joel Corry (CBS Sports) Agent’s Take: The exploding edge rusher market and who is in line for the next big payday.
- Jordan Dajani (CBS Sports) NFL rule changes 2025: Packers move to outlaw ‘Tush Push,’ while Lions suggest major playoff seeding change.
- Nate Tice and Charles McDonald (Yahoo! Sports) 2025 NFL mock draft 7.0. Pats pick Missouri OT Armand Membou at No. 4. He has a legitimate case to be the first offensive tackle off the board. The Patriots need an OT still and Membou has the skills and talent to play either on the right or left side of the line.
- SI Contributors (SI) NFL Mock Draft 2.0: First-round predictions for every team. Pats pick Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty at No. 4. /A RB at No. 4? Wut?
- Nora Princiotti (The Ringer) A dozen questions about Bill Belichick’s relationship with Jordon Hudson. Yes, we saw those beach photos. We have some questions.