Actions could speak louder than words in the case of free agent running back Dalvin Cook dropping a potential hint to the New England Patriots.

The four-time Pro Bowl running back remains unsigned after his release from the Minnesota Vikings on June 9. Former Patriots assistant Michael Lombardi described Cook as a good fit for New England during the “Pat McAfee Show“, and Cook retweeted the segment on Friday, June 23.

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“I actually believe Dalvin Cook would be a better fit than [DeAndre] Hopkins for them,” Lombardi said.

Hopkins, a star free agent wide receiver, visited the Patriots on June 15 and received a contract offer according to ESPN’s Dianna Russini. Cook notably told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he would like to pair up with Hopkins but didn’t specify a team.

Dalvin Cook Could Add Needed Depth to Patriots Backfield

With the Patriots, Cook could fit in as Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has employed multiple running backs on offense before. That could still be the case with a Patriots squad that has little after Rhamondre Stevenson, who went over 1,000 yards last season.

“Stevenson’s a great player. There’s no question,” Lombardi said. “But without Stevenson and if he goes down, it’s Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris. They need another back — back there.”

“And I think Cook is a good change of pace — catch a screen [pass] and go a long way,” Lombardi added. “I think he’ll make a huge difference for the Patriots with Stevenson.”

Cook has four-consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and 43 touchdowns in that span with no less than six in a year. The Vikings released him to save $9 million in salary cap space amid his five-year, $63 million deal.

His asking price could still come quite high at $8.7 million annually or a two-year, $17.5 million deal as projected by Spotrac. The Patriots have $13.2 million in salary cap space.

That could be sufficient space for the Patriots to also sign Hopkins, who also received an offer from the Tennessee Titans. Hopkins was released by the Arizona Cardinals on May 26 amid his two-year, $54.5 million deal.

New England would just need Cook and/or Hopkins to take less money up front on their potential deals. Hopkins could command up to $23.2 million annually or a three-year, $69.6 million deal per Spotrac.

Star skill players aside, the Patriots can’t ignore concerning needs at tackle. Trent Brown showed up late and out of shape for mandatory minicamp this month. Riley Reiff, 34, has missed five games in the past two seasons, and Calvin Anderson and Conor McDermott have limited experience as starters if called upon.

Whole AFC East in Contention for Dalvin Cook

With that said, the Patriots could face Cook twice — or more — per season if he doesn’t sign in Foxborough. Cook has shown interest in everyone else in the AFC East.

The New York Jets joined that party this week when Cook retweeted an ESPN clip where the “Get Up” hosts discussed Cook as a fit for the Jets. Cook would add a force to the backfield to complement Breece Hall in New York if that happened.

Previously, Cook showed interest in the Buffalo Bills and his hometown Miami Dolphins.

DeAndre Hopkins remains a viable target for the New England Patriots, and somebody who would make quarterback Mac Jones better. Yet, not everybody believes the three-time first-team All-Pro wide receiver is the big name the Patriots should sign during the remainder of free agency.

In fact, one former NFL executive with close ties to the Pats thinks Bill Belichick should focus his attention on signing four-time Pro-Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. Speaking on an edition of the Pat McAfee Show, Michael Lombardi explained why Cook would “make a huge difference for the Patriots’ offense.”

Lombardi views Cook, who was released by the Minnesota Vikings on Friday, June 9, as “one of those really good change of pace, catch a screen go a long way.”

Those qualities can offer terrific support to lead Patriots’ workhorse Rhamondre Stevenson, dubbed by Lombardi “a great player, there’s no question, but without Stevenson, if he goes down, it’s Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris.”

Belichick’s running back depth chart does look thin following the decision to waive veteran James Robinson. Signing a rushing threat with Cook’s ample pedigree would make the Pats loaded and potentially dominant on the ground.

The Patriots need to act fast to reap those rewards because Cook has already talked up a pair of New England’s AFC East rivals.

DeAndre Hopkins Alternative Can Give Patriots Edge in AFC East

Belichick has traditionally held sway in the division, as well as the NFL overall, because of his willingness to go against the grain. When most of the league was running a 3-4 defense at the ends of the 2000s and start of the 2010s, Belichick was one of the first to switch back to a 4-3, presenting a different challenge to offenses used to preparing for three-man fronts.

In recent years, when football has become more and more tethered to the pass, Belichick has still used fullbacks, deployed six offensive linemen and played power football in the running game.

Sticking to the latter approach would make the Patriots different in the AFC East, where the rest are reliant on wide-open passing games. Like the New York Jets with Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson, the Buffalo Bills with Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs and the Miami Dolphins having Tua Tagovailoa throw to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

A Stevenson and Cook double act would let the Patriots beat up on defenses more geared to stopping the pass. Cook would be an asset thanks to four-straight 1,000-yard seasons, including 1,173 and eight rushing touchdowns a year ago.

The 27-year-old proved his flair for the big play is still intact by producing five runs of 20-plus yards and three of 40-plus. His biggest play was this 81-yard touchdown scamper against the Bills.

Cook is a home-run threat teams would’t be able to ignore, even with a fellow 1,000-yard runner like Stevenson in the same backfield. Both run with power between the tackles, boast potentially game-breaking speed and are excellent receivers, with Cook catching 221 passes during his career.

Cook’s versatility makes him a worthy option for a number of teams, despite what Heavy’s Senior NFL Reporter Matt Lombardo rightly referred to as the “grim reality” facing running backs in today’s game.

Cook should have his pick of suitors, but his pick could be bad news for the Patriots. Especially after the six-year pro mentioned the Dolphins and Jets while speaking on SiriusXM NFL Radio.

Name-dropping division rivals doesn’t necessarily spell doom for the Patriots. Not after Cook previously called the idea of joining up with Hopkins “something epic.”

The Pats haven’t signed Hopkins yet, but they have reason to think twice about any deal involving the wideout.

Time to Rethink DeAndre Hopkins Necessity

Hopkins would immediately became the go-to receiver in New England if he signs, and he still might, at least based on reports about a contract offer. The 31-year-old would also make Mac Jones a better quarterback, but it’s not as if Jones isn’t already set to get more help this season.

Acquiring said help is why the Patriots signed wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and tight end Mike Gesicki in free agency. They’ve joined DeVante Parker, a capable veteran with a 1,202-yard campaign on his CV.

Parker, Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton and potential draft steal Demario Douglas form a much-improved cadre of receivers. They’ll be helped by Gesicki and red-zone specialist Hunter Henry, as well as Stevenson’s ability to snag passes out of the backfield.

Stevenson averaged 6.9 yards after the catch and broke 11 tackles across 69 receptions last season, per Pro Football Reference. No. 38 is a nifty weapon in the passing game, proved by his nuanced route running and sure hands for this scoring grab against the Indianapolis Colts.

Adding Cook, a back possessing similar receiving skills, would give Jones another useful target. Rolling into another season without a legitimate No. 1 receiver would be a gamble for Jones and Belichick, but unleashing arguably the best one-two backfield combination in football would more than mitigate the risk.

The New England Patriots offered a contract to star free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins according to ESPN’s Dianna Russini.

Hopkins, who also received an offer from the Tennessee Titans, has yet to sign a new deal  since his May 26 release from the Arizona Cardinals. Russini reported that Hopkins will take his time.

“His sales job continues trying to get more teams interested at this point, because right now, we know that there are only two teams that have had DeAndre Hopkins come to their facility,” Russini said on “NFL Live” on Thursday, June 22.

“I was told by sources close to the situation that Hopkins is going over some of the offers from both of those teams, the Titans and the Patriots,” Russini added. “He’s mulling over and trying to come up with a decision with what he wants to do.”

Hopkins visited the Patriots and Titans last week, but he hasn’t visited another team since. The three-time All-Pro remains unsigned with almost five weeks left before training camps open in late July.

“I was told to be very patient here,” Russini continued regarding Hopkins’ timeframe. “This isn’t something that’s going to go down in the next 24 or 48 hours. It’s going to take some time for DeAndre Hopkins to come up with his final decision of where he wants to play.”

DeAndre Hopkins Has Vested Interest in Waiting

Hopkins waiting doesn’t come as a total surprise. ESPN’s Adam Schefter previously explained that there’s truly no rush for a free agent such as Hopkins to sign during the quietest period of the offseason.

“It’s been a flat market. It doesn’t sound like he’s in any rush to [sign] a deal,” Schefter said. “You don’t have to sign in the middle of June when you can wait until right before training camp.

“For all we know, some team suffers an injury, some team loses a receiver, the dynamics change and shift, and there could be more leverage at some point in time for DeAndre Hopkins,” Schefter added.

“So he can listen to Tennessee, he can listen to New England, he can see what they’re offering, but there’s no rush,” Schefter continued. “He can wait until a firmer offer from another team materializes. Doesn’t sound like he’s in a rush to do anything right now.”

For now, the Patriots at least have the benefit of a positive visit with Hopkins. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Hopkins “gave the impression he’s certainly intrigued, interested in playing with New England.”

Bill Belichick, DeAndre Hopkins Visited at Length

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer noted that Hopkins visited with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick for a while during the visit. Hopkins and Belichick had a notable chat at a December 2022 game between the Patriots and Cardinals.

“But I think one thing that came across is this is going to have to be on Bill’s terms,” Breer said on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Toucher & Rich Podcast” last week. “And I think the fact that Bill and Hopkins spent one-on-one time at the end of the visit, tells me that those terms have been discussed.”

“And are Bill’s terms now getting closer to what Hopkins’ terms for going to a team would be? That to me is the question,” Breer added. “Because I still think money is a factor. If money was less of a factor, I think he’d be a Buffalo Bill or a Kansas City Chief now.”

The New England Patriots could plug a significant hole on defense by signing free agent cornerback Marcus Peters.

That’s the suggestion of NBC Sports’ Nick Goss in the wake of Patriots cornerback Jack Jones’ arrest. Jones hasn’t been cut yet, but he has an August 18 court date ahead — well into training camp.

If Jones can’t play, the Patriots lose a quality corner who had two interceptions, six pass deflections, a forced fumble, and 30 tackles last season. The Patriots could use a strong veteran in Peters, who made First-Team All-Pro twice in his career.

“Peters spent the last two seasons with the [Baltimore] Ravens and played pretty well,” Goss wrote about Peters. “The main concern with the four-time All-Pro is injuries. He missed four games last season, he didn’t play at all in 2021 [torn ACL] and he played in just six games in 2019. When healthy, though, Peters remains a starting-caliber cornerback.”

“There might be competition for his services, however,” Goss added.

New England Could Out-Bid Raiders for Marcus Peters

As Goss mentioned, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reported that Peters “seems likely to join” the Las Vegas Raiders, but that hasn’t happened since the June 14 report. The Patriots could pursue Peters amid vastly more salary cap space than the Raiders.

Las Vegas has just $2.68 million in cap space while the Patriots have $14.95 million. Peters commands a market value of $9.8 million or a two-year, $19.77 million deal per Spotrac.

Peters has been a steady performer throughout his seven-year career with 32 interceptions, 11 forced fumbles, and 346 tackles. The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Peters at No. 18 in the 2015 NFL Draft, and he made the Pro Bowl his first two seasons.

Kansas City traded Peters to the Los Angeles Rams in 2018, and Peters helped the team reach the Super Bowl before a loss to the Patriots. The Rams traded Peters to the Ravens in 2019 where he continued his solid play.

Peters tallied 11 tackles and two pass deflections in that playoff run, and he has 45 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and three interceptions in 11 career postseason games.

Patriots Look ‘Bleak’ at Corner Without Jack Jones

Injury concerns aside, the Patriots need someone such as Peters for depth and experience. Patriots insider Chad Graff of The Athletic sees glaring issues with the cornerback situation minus Jones.

“If Jones isn’t on the team in 2023, the Patriots’ depth at outside cornerback looks bleak — even after drafting [Christian] Gonzalez in the first round,” Graff wrote. “Jonathan Jones, who is 5-foot-10, probably would have to play on the outside opposite Gonzalez. Marcus Jones likely would have to start in the slot, potentially limiting his usage on special teams and offense.”

“After that, the team’s depth falls off pretty drastically and could cause the defense to play with three or four safeties on the field at the same time,” Graff added.

New England has experience at safety in starters Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers. Adrian Phillips and Jalen Mills likewise have experience, but the position group gets young after that.

Only Joshuah Bledsoe has NFL game experience with three career games. The Patriots otherwise have rookies Marte Mapu, Brenden Schooler, and Brad Hawkins.

New England Patriots first round draft pick and rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez became all the more necessary amid the arrest of cornerback Jack Jones.

However, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick told The 33rd Team‘s Mike Tannenbaum that it’s business as usual for Gonzalez as it is for any rookie. The Patriots drafted Gonzalez out of Oregon  with the No. 17 pick in April.

“Bring them in and let them learn how to be a professional football player and a New England Patriot,” Belichick told Tannenbaum on Wednesday, June 21. “That encompasses a lot of things, how to study, how to train, how to prepare, how to learn the terminology and communicate with your teammates and so forth.”

ESPN lists Gonzalez as a starter at right corner on the Patriots depth chart. Belichick sees versatility in how his defense can utilize Gonzalez.

“We’ll work him into a number of positions like we do almost all players at this point in time in the spring, and then narrow it down a little bit when we get to training camp,” Belichick said. “Ultimately, he’s most likely going to be a perimeter corner, but I think there are other situations where he could play inside or in a deeper part of the field, depending on what the call is or how things present themselves from a game-plan structure from time-to-time.”

Gonzalez made an impact in his lone season with the Ducks in 2022 with four interceptions, seven pass deflections, and 35 tackles. He previously played two seasons at Colorado where he had tallied 78 tackles and 10 pass deflections in 18 games.

Bill Belichick Explains Trade Down for Christian Gonzalez

New England notably traded down in the draft before landing Gonzalez. The Patriots originally had the No. 14 pick before a swap with the Pittsburgh Steelers, which gave the Patriots a fourth round pick.

“When we go into the draft, we don’t really target one guy especially when you’re drafting at whatever point and need isn’t as big of a criteria as good football players,” Belichick told The 33rd Team. “If you’ve got a good football player, nobody’s ever going to regret that.”

“I’m glad Gonzo was there and but I think when you just go and look for one guy and then he’s not there, there’s other players in the draft that can help us as well, but he’s been great to work with and look forward to getting him ready to go for training camp,” Belichick added.

Bill Belichick Backs Christian Gonzalez Pick With History Lesson

Belichick can back his draft decision with history as he cited an example from his days as an assistant with the New York Giants in the 1980s.

“I learned that at the Giants in [1984] when we took Carl Banks,” Belichick told Tannenbaum. “We had [Lawrence] Taylor obviously, and it was kind of like, ‘Why are we taking another outside linebacker?’ As it turned out, that was probably one of the better picks that we had at the Giants.”

Banks became an All-Pro and a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Giants.

Former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star tight end Rob Gronkowski still sees potential in his former teammate, running back Leonard Fournette.

Gronkowski and Fournette played together for two seasons in Tampa where they won a Super Bowl and an NFC South division title. Fournette emerged as a postseason hero in 2020, but the Bucs released him in March amid his subpar play and $21 million contract. The Score’s Jordan Schultz, who recently interviewed Gronkowski, suggested the Patriots as a landing spot for Fournette.

“Lenny is an absolute tank who’s versatile to be a three-down back and make a big play when you need it the most,” Gronkowski told Schultz. “His unique skill set in the pass game at the size he is makes him a mismatch at all times.

New England could use an additional running back to complement Rhamondre Stevenson. The Patriots lost Damien Harris in free agency, and James Robinson didn’t  pan out as a free agent acquisition.

Fournette didn’t have the greatest season running the ball in 2022 with 668 yards and three touchdowns, but he made an impact int he passing game. He tallied 73 receptions for 523 yards and three touchdowns.

“Gronk specifically mentioned that Fournette provides a certain comfort and reliability in the game’s biggest moments,” Schultz wrote. “Not only is that hard to find, but it has a domino effect on the entire offense, regardless of who’s under center.”

“Considering his elite pass-protection ability and soft hands out of the backfield, Fournette — only 28 — still brings a lot to the table at this stage in his career,” Schultz added.

Patriots Could Easily Afford Fournette

New England wouldn’t have to shell out much for Fournette amid $13.2 million in salary cap space. Spotrac only projects him for $2.3 million annually or a two-year, $4.68 million deal.

Fournette remaining unsigned isn’t a red flag as multiple high-profile running backs remain unsigned. That list includes Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook, and Kareem Hunt — all of whom had contracts north of $20 million.

“The NFL’s running back market has never experienced such an immense dead zone financially,” Schultz wrote. “Ironically, running the football hasn’t been this in vogue in more than a decade, with rushing attempts across the NFL hitting an 11-year high in 2022.”

Leonard Fournette Has One Bad Memory of Patriots

If Fournette joined the Patriots, he would have to put the 2017 AFC Championship Game defeat in the review mirror. Fournette, who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars that year, recalled the loss recently on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football“.

Fournette and the Jaguars looked poised for a Super Bowl birth with a 20-10 fourth quarter lead. Then-Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack caused a fumble, which could have sealed the game, but the play got blown dead before the fumble.

“Myles Jack was not down,” Fournette told the GMFB hosts. “That’s the famous quote we always say. He was not down.”

Then-Patriots quarterback Tom Brady led a scoring drive instead to aid a fourth-quarter rally and a 24-20 victory. Fournette notably teamed up with Brady in Tampa in 2020 along with Gronkowski two years later.

The New England Patriots could have a super team look at skill positions if an ‘epic’ dream comes true.

Prized free agent running back Dalvin Cook wants to team up with a star free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who visited the Patriots last week. Cook as much during “The Adam Schefter Podcast” on Monday, June 19.

“If we end up on the same roster, that would be something epic for the NFL,” Cook told Schefter.

New England quickly surfaced as a potential destination for both stars, which could put the Patriots in a drastically better spot for 2023. The Patriots notably have $14.95 million in salary cap space to work with, and it remains possible that neither star will find their ideal asking prices for contracts anywhere.

With that said, Cook told Schefter he wants a Super Bowl ring. Hopkins previously said as much during the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast.

“I want to go win. Like I said, the money gonna come and that’s going to happen,” Cook told Schefter. “But like as far as going to lift that [Vince Lombardi] Trophy up, he got the same mindset as me.”

“I know his mindset, and I done play against D-Hop a numerous amount of times,” Cook said about Hopkins. “When I been with D-Hop, we done chill together, we done been around each other like, and it’s like I kind of see the person that he is like, he want to win and that’s what my mind at to.”

Whether or not the Patriots could provide the setting for Cook and Hopkins to win it all remains to be seen. New England hasn’t won a playoff game since the departure of quarterback Tom Brady in 2020.

However, the Patriots still have head coach Bill Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl champion, at the helm. Hopkins notably spent significant time talking with Belichick during the free agent visit last week.

Both DeAndre Hopkins and Dalvin Cook Still Have It

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones could get a huge boost in the passing game with Hopkins despite relatively down seasons in recent years. Hopkins only caught 64 passes for 717 yards and three touchdowns in nine games last year before the Arizona Cardinals released him amid his $54.5 million contract.

“Everybody knows who D-Hop is,” Cook told Schefter. “You know what you’re getting out of D-Hop, and you know what he going to bring to your roster. It’s the same for me. Like you know — the film speaks for itself — I don’t really got to do too much like, you know, talking about who Dalvin Cook and DeAndre Hopkins is.”

Cook still has it, too, despite the Minnesota Vikings‘ release to save salary cap space amid his $63 million deal. Last season, Cook rushed for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns plus 39 receptions for 295 yards and two scores.

Waiting Games Continue for Dalvin Cook, DeAndre Hopkins

While Cook and Hopkins could create a force on offense anywhere, plans to join forces haven’t crystalized — albeit publicly. Both remain unsigned, and they both could keep waiting for the right deals after training camp starts and teams’ needs shift.

“But we haven’t talked,” Cook told Schefter. “And he was one of those guys that I was going to reach out to, because, like, I know he got the same mindset as me, like we trying to go win. We’re trying to go on the roster and trying to go contend.”

Former New England Patriots Super Bowl champion running back Sony Michel returned to familiar digs recently.

Michel signed with the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday, June 20, after a year away from the team. He helped the Patriots win a Super Bowl in the 2018 season, ironically against the Rams, before he helped bring Los Angeles its first Lombardi Trophy ever in the 2021 campaign.

The Rams gave him a one-year contract according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The  Athletic. Michel previously had a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins in 2022 before the team released him, and he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers signed him for the year.

Michel ran for 106 yards on 36 carries, and he caught nine passes for 53 yards amid sparse play, 125 snaps, in 10 games last season. He has 3,243 rushing yards for 18 touchdowns plus 56 receptions for 439 yards and two scores in his career.

Sony Michel Burst on the Scene With the Patriots

A Florida native, Michel emerged as a college star at Georgia with 3,638 yards and 33 touchdowns in his Bulldogs career. The Patriots drafted Michel in 2018 in the first round at No. 31, and he made his mark in 13 games played as a rookie.

Michel rushed for 931 yards and six touchdowns, and he caught seven passes for 50 yards. In the playoffs, Michel tallied another 336 yards rushing and six touchdowns.

That included his 94 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries in the Super Bowl against the Rams. Michel scored the touchdown with seven minutes left in the game as the Patriots won 13-3.

New England enjoyed another strong season from Michel in 2019 as he rushed for 912 yards and seven touchdowns. He also improved a little as a pass catcher for 12 receptions and 94 yards.

His play declined in 2020 with just 449 yards rushing and a touchdown in nine games played. The Patriots traded Michel to the Rams in 2021 for fifth and sixth-round draft picks.

Michel bounced back from a subpar 2020 season as he became a key part of the Rams offense. He tallied 845 yards and four touchdowns plus 21 receptions for 128 yards and touchdown.

His playoff performance with the Rams didn’t match his big postseason run with the Patriots amid just 80 yards rushing. Nonetheless, he won a second career Super Bowl ring with the Rams.

Patriots Yet to Reap from Sony Michel Trade

After the season, New England drafted guard Chasen Hines from LSU with the sixth-round pick from the Rams. The Patriots traded the fifth-round pick plus a second-round pick for the Kansas City Chiefs‘ No. 50 pick to select Tyquan Thornton from Baylor.

Thornton only caught 22 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games as a rookie, which didn’t match the high expectations from his Baylor days. He could take a step forward in this year’s offense under offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, and quarterback Mac Jones believes Thornton will take the next step.

“I think Tyquan, he’s done a really good job just trying to be consistent,” Jones told reporters on May 31. “I got a chance to work with him in the offseason like a lot of the guys. For me and him, it’s all about communication.”

“He has to grow and learn with me, and all the other guys, too. We’re all in the same boat together, but what you see is exactly what you’re going to get,” Jones added.

As for Hines, he has yet to play a down for the Patriots amid injury.

Bill Belichick’s policies have served the New England Patriots well for nearly a quarter of a century, but one of the head coach’s tendencies could cost a “respected” veteran his roster spot.

Lawrence Guy held out of mandatory minicamp to enforce his desire for a new contract, but Chad Graff of The Athletic doesn’t rate the 33-year-old defensive tackle’s chances of getting paid by the Pats.

Graff made his predictions for what New England’s final 53-man roster will look like. While he included Guy on the finished depth chart, Graff did caution the 12-year pro “could be a surprise cut considering the Pats can save $3.3 million against the cap while only incurring $250,000 in dead money.”

As Graff pointed out, “Belichick previously hasn’t been keen on handing out new deals to players entering their mid-30s,” so those numbers might appeal to the man most responsible for the makeup of the Patriots’ roster.

History is not on Guy’s side, especially since numbers aren’t the only thing working against him.

Veteran Faces Uphill Task Getting Paid

Belichick’s typically terse response to a question about Guy’s status from Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston (h/t ABC6 News reporter Ian Steele) doesn’t bode well for the defensive lineman:

Guy has been hoping to alter a four-year deal worth $24 million he signed in 2021, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss: “Guy, who has since changed agents, is believed to be looking for an adjustment to the contract after what sources had previously described as a challenging negotiation.”

A negotiation now is likely to be even more “challenging,” especially since the Pats have refreshed their options in the trenches. The most notable new arrival is 2023 NFL draft second-round pick Keion White.

Multiple enough to line up on the edge or slide inside, White should play a key role next to fellow budding young star Christian Barmore. The latter is entering his third season in the pros and has been tabbed for a breakout season by several observers, including Tanner James of AtoZ Sports.

A White and Barmore double act will be crucial for the Patriots’ ability to generate pressure inside this season, but neither may be able to do the vital but unfashionable job Guy performs each week.

33-Year-Old Still Does the Dirty Work for Pats’ Defense

What Guy does best is occupy blockers and help others make plays. One of the best examples is this sack No. 93 helped create against Josh Allen and AFC East rivals the Buffalo Bills in 2019, highlighted by former NFL Network reporter Mike Giardi.

Guy has been just as effective against the run, a talent he also unleashed upon the Bills two years later, per Evan Lazar of Patriots.com.

Belichick loves to keep at least one big-bodied run-stuffer like 6-foot-4, 315-pound Guy on the roster. The role requires an unselfish lineman willing to forego splash plays like sacks to play head-up over blockers and control two gaps.

Guy, who has just 17 career sacks to his credit, has filled this workmanlike role admirably. The problem is there are others built to do the same.

While White is unlikely to put offensive linemen on skates and occupy double teams the same way, Barmore and nose tackle Davon Godchaux both fit the bill. There’s also the chance the Pats keep rotational defensive tackle Carl Davis Jr., who Graff noted can still make it “onto the roster.”

Davis was resigned on a one-year deal earlier this offseason and his contract will cost the Pats just $1,317,500, according to Spotrac.com. Cold, financial reality could make Guy expendable in favor of a more cost-effective run defender.

That would be a tough break for an experienced and dependable lineman whose two-gap skills aren’t valued nearly as highly elsewhere around the league as they are in New England.

The New England Patriots would be a fit for not one, but two big-name playmakers this offseason.

New England would make sense as a destination for former Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott amid the Patriots’ pursuit of DeAndre Hopkins, according to CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin. The Patriots notably released running back James Robinson on June 12 because of his injury issues.

“New England has young Rhamondre Stevenson as a potential offensive focal point, but after cutting the injury-riddled James Robinson before he could even make his Patriots debut, they could use proven insurance,” Benjamin wrote on June 19. “Elliott may be past his full-time days, but as a pass blocker and short-term rotational piece, he’d fit right into a typically crowded Bill Belichick backfield.”

Elliott, who got released by the Dallas Cowboys in March, hasn’t found a team yet despite his prior success in the league. The two-time NFL rushing champion and 2016 MVP candidate has 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns in seven seasons. He was a Pro Bowler in 2016, 2018 and 2019.

Despite a career low of 3.8 yards per carry last season, Elliott still produced 876 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. He would add depth to the Patriots backfield and help alleviate the loss of Damien Harris to the Buffalo Bills.

However, the Patriots have a crowd in the backfield, Benjamin wrote. Ty Montgomery will play running back again, and younger backs Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris could take a step forward.

In addition, Elliott wouldn’t come cheap to New England. He had a six-year, $90 million deal with the Cowboys before his release. While Elliott will likely have to acquiesce to a significantly smaller contract to play in 2023, the Patriots have only $14.95 million of salary cap space.

Elliott might have to play for the league minimum if he doesn’t re-sign with Dallas, according to The Athletic’s Bob Sturm in February.

“I believe he has one option for employment above the league minimum and it is … in Dallas,” Sturm wrote. “I could be wrong, but if I am, it is a very low number. Maybe one year for $2 million or $2.5 million which is a far cry from what he is used to.”

DeAndre Hopkins a Possible Obstacle to Signing Ezekiel Elliott

Some of the Patriots’ remaining cap space could go toward Hopkins if he signs with the team. The Patriots are “hopeful” of a Hopkins signing, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

“The Patriots feel that they’re in a pretty good spot; that they had a really productive visit with Hopkins on Thursday,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said on the June 18 episode of “SportsCenter,” according to Bleacher Report’s transcription. “He showed up early in the morning and was there late into the afternoon, spent part of the night in New England there. Spent significant time in the building with Bill Belichick.”

“I’m told there is significant mutual respect between Hopkins, the player, and the Hall of Fame coach in Belichick,” Fowler added. “So, they’re hopeful, certainly. He knows the interest is high and Hopkins gave the impression he’s certainly intrigued, interested in playing with New England. But he also does with the Titans and is not in a major rush to sign anywhere, could wait until closer to training camp, if need be, depending on the right deal.”

Offensive Tackle Remains Patriots’ Biggest Concern

Even if the Patriots land Hopkins and could offer the right amount for Elliott, neither resolve the most glaring hole on the roster. That’s offensive tackle.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer discussed that issue with NBC Sports Boston recently amid tackle Trent Brown‘s lack of readiness at minicamp last week. In addition, the Patriots’ depth at tackle looks questionable as Breer noted.

“This position. The tackle position has taken down good teams over the last few years,” Breer said.

While Tom Brady remains retired, his pending ownership role with the Las Vegas Raiders could lead to the field according to Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby.

The Raiders’ two-time Pro Bowl defensive end talked Buffalo Bills star linebacker Von Miller during “The Voncast” podcast when the subject came up. Brady retired on February 1 from his 23-year playing career as quarterback of the New England Patriots followed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“Yeah, the possibility [of Brady’s return], obviously we got Jimmy G,” Crosby told Miller. “He’s coming back. He’s gonna be healthy. But you know, you never know what’s going to happen. Tom Brady’s a competitor. The greatest of all time. At the absolute worst, if everything doesn’t go the way it’s supposed to and we need him, I would not be surprised if Tom Brady shows up in a Raiders jersey.”

Brady doubled down on staying retired during a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, but the question hasn’t gone away. The seven-time Super Bowl champion previously retired for 41 days in 2022 and returned to play one more year for the Bucs.

Brady’s part ownership of the Raiders is pending approval via a vote by the NFL’s other 31 owners.

Tom Brady Explains Why He Chose the Raiders

While the “Tuck Rule” in a 2002 playoff win over the Raiders arguably launched Brady’s career, his connection to the team goes back further. He explained his decision to take on part ownership in the Raiders during a recent interview with The Associated Press.

“I grew up in the Bay Area. My favorite team was the 49ers. The team across the bay was the Raiders. And, you know, they’re an iconic NFL franchise,” Brady  told The Associated Press. “When I look at a lot of the people that have impacted the NFL over a long period of time in the most positive way, Al Davis is one of them. And he’s not with us anymore but I’ve heard incredible stories. And then the opportunity came about to become a minority owner in the Raiders, it was a dream come true for me.”

Brady won’t be calling any shots from a football standpoint though. He notably has an NFL broadcasting gig with FOX around the corner in 2024.

“I’ll be playing a very passive role,” Brady said. “This is something that I’m interested in doing for the rest of my life. This is not something that I’m into it for a year or two years.”

“You know, I’ve got a lot of responsibility with my Fox job, which I take very seriously,” Brady added. “But if I’m looking over the course of my life, to have the opportunity to be involved in the NFL is a dream come true. And if I could help the NFL and continue to contribute in a positive way, then you know, that’s been a very enjoyable part of my life.”

Tom Brady Reveals His Approach to Fatherhood

Brady might appear at Disney World with his children now that he’s retired, but he doesn’t believe in being a “Disney Dad”. He described his approach to parenting in the summer month during his interview with The Associated Press.

“It’s not the thing you want to hear when you get out of school after a long year, is to think about summer reading, but it’s our reality,” Brady said. “So, let’s think about where we’ve got to be when school starts and let’s work our way back and make sure that we’re not cramming here with the last week to go.”

“We’ll set aside some time,” Brady added. “But the kids have plenty of fun things ahead and we’ll make sure they cover their school bases and get away from it a little bit and allow them to be kids, too, because, you know, you only get to be a kid once.”

Whether or not the New England Patriots sign star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will “come down to” one thing.

“What I’ve continued to hear from different people down there is that this is really gonna come down to Bill [Belichick],” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said on the “Toucher & Rich” podcast on Friday, June 16. “And it’s sort of self-explanatory with everything here for the last 23 years.”

Hopkins visited the Patriots on Wednesday and Thursday but left without a signed contract. It marked his second free agency visit after a prior visit with the Tennessee Titans, which all came two weeks after his May 26 release from the Arizona Cardinals.

Belichick, the Patriots’ longtime head coach and general manager has been long-known to not spend big — even on Pro Bowl-caliber talent. Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss only made north of $10 million once in his three full seasons with the Patriots in the 2000s.

Hopkins isn’t Moss, but Hopkins can produce at a high level amid 11,298 receiving yards and 76 touchdowns in his career. Whether or not Hopkins can land his Spotrac projected value of $23.2 million remains the question for the Patriots or any team.

“But I think one thing that came across is this is going to have to be on Bill’s terms,” Breer said. “And I think the fact that Bill and Hopkins spent one-on-one time [Thursday] at the end of the visit, tells me that those terms have been discussed.”

“And are Bill’s terms now getting closer to what Hopkins’ terms for going to a team would be? That to me is the question,” Breer added. “Because I still think money is a factor. If money was less of a factor, I think he’d be a Buffalo Bill or a Kansas City Chief now.”

The Chiefs won the Super Bowl in two of the past four seasons, and the Bills have been contenders in recent years.

Money vs. a Super Bowl Ring Question Lingers for DeAndre Hopkins

Hopkins notably teased interest in both the Chiefs and Bills over the Patriots in a video earlier this offseason.

Instead, Hopkins visited the Titans and Patriots — both teams that missed the playoffs in the 2022 season. However, Breer noted that Hopkins could choose the Chiefs closer to the season.

In addition, Hopkins was in contact with the Titans amid the Patriots visit according to Breer. The Titans notably offered Hopkins a contract before leaving Nashville, but he continued his search instead.

DeAndre Hopkins Still Not Part of the Patriots ‘Familia’

Hopkins teased his interest in the Patriots during the visit with an Instagram photo that featured himself and New England linebacker Matthew Judon. While five-time Pro Bowler used the phrase “La familia” on the photo, Judon indicated that Hopkins hasn’t joined the family yet.

“He still has that decision to make to where he wants to play,” Judon told J.P.  Smollins of WPRI on Thursday. “But he’s a very talented football player. Everything that he’s done in his career can’t be taken away from him. So, if he wants to join the team, we’ll love to have him. But if not, we’ve played him before — so we know how to guard him as well.”

DeAndre Hopkins could not keep off of social media during his free agency visit with the New England Patriots on Thursday, June 15.

The star free wide receiver posted an Instagram story that showed him standing with Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon in the team locker room. Hopkins wrote ‘La familia’ for the post.

Judon notably tried to recruit Hopkins before, and the two bantered once on social media before the visit. Despite the online exchanges, Judon downplayed it all in person at minicamp this week.

“You’ve seen all you gonna get,” Judon told reporters on Tuesday, June 13. “I don’t run my Twitter, so I don’t know who be tweeting most of the time. So, that’s what I got for y’all.”

Hopkins made the Patriots his second free agency visit since the Arizona Cardinals released the five-time Pro Bowler on May 26. He first visited the Tennessee Titans earlier this week.

DeAndre Hopkins, Patriots Have ‘Productive Visit’

The Athletic’s Jeff Howe described Hopkins’ visit as “productive” though it did not result in a deal. Tennessee notably offered Hopkins a contract according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, but Hopkins continued his search.

“WR DeAndre Hopkins and the Patriots have had a productive visit, according to a source,” Howe wrote via Twitter. “No deal at the moment, but there’s still a level of optimism the two sides could reach an agreement.”

The Patriots are making a push for Hopkins, per source. He has departed Gillette Stadium but is still local,” Howe added.

Howe isn’t alone on the positivity between Hopkins and the Patriots. MassLive’s Mark Daniels reported that “that visit between the two parties has been positive on both sides” via a league source.

Patriots’ Waiting Game With DeAndre Hopkins Kicks Off

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport called it “interesting” how long Hopkins’ visit with the Patriots lasted. However, Rapoport noted that “it makes sense to wait” for the right deal on Hopkins’ end.

In addition, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Hopkins is in no hurry, which ESPN Patriots insider Mike Reiss wrote about. Reiss also confirmed, via a source, that “both sides are now expected to take some time to assess their next steps” going forward.

Hopkins also “has considered waiting until closer to training camp in late July to make a move”, Reiss wrote, based on Fowler’s report. Rapoport previously noted that “even early into training camp” makes sense because of teams’ changing needs.

“It makes sense if you’re a veteran player who maybe doesn’t necessarily need to go to training camp like the rest of us do,” Rapoport added. “Waiting makes sense. So, I think for DeAndre Hopkins, get all the information you possibly can today and tomorrow, and maybe sit back a little bit and consider your options.”

Hopkins’ visit with the Patriots began “early in the morning and well into the afternoon”, Reiss wrote based on Fowler’s report. Hopkins notably “appeared intrigued” about playing for the Patriots and six-time Super Bowl winning head coach Bill Belichick, Reiss also wrote regarding Fowler’s report.

If the New England Patriots miss on DeAndre Hopkins, the team could roll with a mile-high “Plan B” with a trade.

Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton proposed that the Patriots trade for Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton in exchange for a second-round draft pick. Sutton, a 2019 Pro Bowler, has been a consistent performer throughout his career.

“If the Patriots strike out with Hopkins, who’s a big-bodied 6-foot-1, 211-pounder, they can turn their focus to Sutton, who’s also a big pass-catching target at 6-foot-4, 216 pounds,” Moton wrote.

“New England may be aggressive in search of a veteran wideout,” Moton added. “In the AFC East, the Patriots need to keep pace with two rivals that made the playoffs last season and the Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets.”

Hopkins began his visit with the Patriots on Thursday, June 15, amid his free agency tour. While The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported “optimism” surrounding a potential deal between Hopkins and the Patriots, Moton noted that Hopkins has time on his side to make a decision.

In addition, the Patriots don’t have time on their side amid JuJu Smith-Schuster‘s knee injury as Moton also noted. Smith-Schuster has been dealing with the injury from last season, and he could be behind the eight ball on learning the offense, according to NFL Network’s Mike Giardi.

Denver’s Plans Doesn’t Negate a Patriots Trade

Sutton could step in if the Patriots can lure him away from Denver, which “set a steep price for their two top receivers” as Moton put it. Jerry Jeudy has a four-year, $15 million deal and Sutton has a four-year, $60.8 million deal — both of which sparked speculation of possible moves this offseason.

Mike Klis of 9News reported in March that the Broncos wanted a second-round pick for Sutton or a first-round pick for Jeudy. Moton noted that report “seems to match” ESPN reporter Dan Graziano’s report in April about “high prices” for the receivers.

“Teams are watching to see whether Denver drops its demands for those guys, but as of now neither seems likely to get moved,” Graziano wrote.

With that said, Broncos head coach Sean Payton previously claimed on NFL Network that “we’re not trading those two players“. However, The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider reported in May that the Broncos haven’t “completely” closed the door on a trade, and he noted that Payton normally doesn’t “have one of the highest-paid groups of receivers” in the league.

“Assuming the Broncos stand pat on the compensation for Jeudy and Sutton but remain open to offers, the latter seems like a more realistic trade option because a second-round pick isn’t much for a receiver-needy team in win-now mode,” Moton wrote.

Patriots Really in ‘Win-Now Mode’

New England in ‘win-now mode’ might not mean a seventh Lombardi Trophy, but the Patriots can ill afford a third losing season in four years.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has plenty riding on this season amid no playoff wins since 2019 when the team won its last of six Super Bowls. Owner Robert Kraft has expressed his disappointment this offseason with how the team has performed in recent years, which stoked speculation of Belichick’s future.

It’s also a make-or-break year for third-year Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. His rookie season looked impressive, but his second year didn’t.

How Belichick and Jones do in 2023 could chart the course for the Patriots in the coming years or set back the storied franchise.

As the New England Patriots host prized free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins on Thursday, June 15, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport does not see the same “optimism” for a deal as mentioned in a prior report.

The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported on June 14 that “there’s optimism the two sides can find a way to reach an agreement, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.” Rapoport sees the waiting game taking effect instead as he noted that a deal didn’t get done to no surprise amid Hopkins’ previous visit with the Tennessee Titans.

“It did sound like the Titans visit was really positive for DeAndre Hopkins. I did not expect a deal to get done around the time of his visit,” Rapoport said. “I would even be a little surprised if a deal gets done with the Patriots, whose visit is today and tomorrow, because if you’re DeAndre Hopkins, similar to what we’ve talked about with [free agent running back] Dalvin Cook, waiting makes sense.”

Hopkins got released by the Arizona Cardinals on May 26 amid his $54.5 million contract with the team. He can still play at a high level despite just 64 catches for 717 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games last season, but teams might not want to pay his asking price at the moment — a projected $23.2 million annually by Spotrac.

“You have no idea what is going to happen over the next month. Or maybe even early into training camp,” Rapoport said. “There are always, unfortunately, injuries. There are needs created. There are teams who take a look at the rookies and go, ‘OK, this guy, I thought he was going to contribute, [but] maybe he’s not ready to contribute just yet.’ Maybe a need arises.”

“It makes sense if you’re a veteran player who maybe doesn’t necessarily need to go to training camp like the rest of us do,” Rapoport added. “Waiting makes sense. So, I think for DeAndre Hopkins, get all the information you possibly can today and tomorrow, and maybe sit back a little bit and consider your options.”

DeAndre Hopkins Linked to Patriots Throughout Offseason

Hopkins had been linked to the Patriots and trade rumors throughout the offseason. He acknowledged the rumors during the “I AM Athlete” podcast, where he also listed traits of a potential team — some of which matched New England.

In addition, Hopkins teased the Patriots with an Instagram video that he took down shortly after. He also joked around on Instagram with linebacker Matthew Judon regarding another nod to the Patriots in another post by the star receiver.

Bill Belichick Mum on DeAndre Hopkins Visit

Previously, Hopkins and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick had a friendly exchange caught on camera amid a December 2022 game. Belichick said little about the Hopkins visit this week, however.

“We’re working through it, so I don’t really have anything to add to that,” Belichick told reporters on Monday, June 12. “I think it relates more to logistics and things like that. So, I’m not really a travel agent here. I’m not going to say it’s going to happen here, or not going to happen or whatever.”

“There’s a lot of other stuff going on that I’m not directly involved in, and so I’m not going to say anything and then you turn around and say I misled you in some way because that’s not what I’m going to do,” Belichick added.

The coach concluded with “I’m not going to talk about players that aren’t on the team”.

The New England Patriots might not see the last of running back James Robinson following his release on Monday, June 12.

CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani projects Robinson to join the New York Giants as one of several “potential landing spots” for the former Illinois State star. The Patriots face the Giants in November for the third time since their second of two Super Bowl clashes earlier in the millennia.

Dajani sees Robinson as a potential solution to the Giants’ pensive running back situation. Robinson previously played with the New York Jets in 2022 before his brief stint with the Patriots this year.

“The Giants have a star running back in Saquon Barkley, but he has not signed his franchise tag, which has many wondering if this situation could get a little messy,” Dajani wrote. “Behind Barkley on the depth chart, New York has rookie Eric Gray, Jashaun Corbin, Gary Brightwell and Matt Breida. If the Giants wanted to add another player with experience that wouldn’t cost much, Robinson would be a candidate.”

Dajani also suggested the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers, and Los Angeles Rams as possibilities. The Patriots could also see Robinson again if he landed with the Chargers as the two will meet in December.

“The Chargers have witnessed first-hand what Robinson is capable of,” Dajani wrote. “He rushed for 119 yards and scored two touchdowns against Los Angeles in his rookie season, and 100 yards plus another touchdown against the Chargers this past season.”

Robinson has 2,262 rushing yards for 18 touchdowns plus 91 receptions for 617 yards and five touchdowns in his career. He caught on with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2020 where he tallied 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie.

Injuries Hinder James Robinson’s Career

Things went south for Robinson with an Achilles tear late in 2021, and the Jaguars traded him after seven games in 2022. He did little with the Jets in four game appearances last season before he signed with New England in March.

New England’s decision to release Robinson came down to his proneness to injury according to a source via The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. Robinson also sustained knee and heel injuries.

The Patriots previously gave Robinson a two-year deal of $4 million, which had incentives. His departure leaves New England with Rhamondre Stevenson, Pierre Strong Jr., Ty Montgomery, and Kevin Harris at running back.

Stevenson led the way for the Patriots last season with 1,040 yards and five touchdowns last season. Strong could emerge as the team’s second back as Montgomery primarily played receiver last year.

Montgomery, however, has proven success at running back in the NFL. He has a career average of 4.5 yards per carry and a career-high yardage total of 457 yards from 2016.

Harris could also compete for carries in 2023 after just 18 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown as a rookie.

Veteran Free Agent RB Options Remain for Patriots

If the Patriots choose to add another running back before training camp in July, several veterans remain on the free agent market.

That includes Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, Kareem Hunt, and Leonard Fournette. None of the aforementioned running backs will come cheap in free agency, and the Patriots only have $14.79 million to work with.

DeAndre Hopkins joining the New England Patriots this offseason has appeared far-fetched because of the presence of Bill O’Brien. The latter traded Hopkins from the Houston Texans to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, but a positive report indicates there’s “no animosity at all” between O’Brien and the player set to visit the Patriots.

Hopkins’ serene relationship with his former head coach was reported by ESPN’s Dianna Russini, who also provided details about the wide receiver’s upcoming schedule in New England.

It’s a positive update for the Patriots, who need Hopkins to add an infusion of elite talent to a suspect receiver corps. Head coach Bill Belichick added Juju Smith-Schuster in free agency, but five-time Pro-Bowler Hopkins would immediately become the de factor No. 1 target for under-pressure quarterback Mac Jones in returning offensive coordinator O’Brien’s schemes.

Bill O’Brien’s Presence Could Help Patriots Win DeAndre Hopkins Race

Hopkins was officially released by the Cardinals on Friday, May 26, immediately sparking a race to secure his signature in free agency. The 31-year-old’s tour of the veteran market has already taken in a visit with the Tennessee Titans, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

If the Patriots are going to outdo the Titans, O’Brien will be key to upsetting his former AFC South rivals. Their past dealings weren’t always amicable, but a former Texans’ assistant thinks a Hopkins and O’Brien reunion would work.

John Perry spent three seasons as Hopkins’ position coach from 2017-19, and he told MassLive.com’s Mark Daniels how “adult relationships are always complicated no matter what you do. But the thing is when you look at DeAndre Hopkins and his relationship with Coach O’Brien, both of them brought out the best in each other.”

O’Brien and Hopkins bringing out the best in one another is the key point. D-Hop logged five of his six 1,000-yard seasons on O’Brien’s watch in Houston.

Those seasons included three campaigns when Hopkins topped the 100-catch mark. He was the alpha weapon for O’Brien, who moved the dynamic pass-catcher all over the field to create favorable matchups in coverage.

A great example came against the Buffalo Bills during the Wild Card Playoffs following the 2019 season. Moving Hopkins into the slot helped him avoid All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White and created mismatches for the Texans’ best receiver to exploit, per Next Gen Stats.

Varying Hopkins’ alignment wasn’t something the Cardinals did often enough, with Week 7’s game against the New Orleans Saints last season a rare exception.

Keeping Hopkins on the move helps him be more effective, and O’Brien knows how to make it happen. The 53-year-old’s creativity has already impressed several incumbent members of the Patriots’ offense.

Jones has applauded O’Brien giving him more responsibility to direct a flexible system, per Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston: “It’s all about your toolbox. That’s what’s so great about the system. You use it as a quarterback. The most is put on you, but that’s a good thing because you have tools to fix it.”

Hopkins knows all about how the O’Brien system can boost a player’s numbers. If time has healed some old wounds, O’Brien can help the Patriots win a race Jones and Belichick absolutely need them to win.

Stakes High for Patriots in DeAndre Hopkins Sweepstakes

Entering the season with the current contingent of wide receivers would increase the pressure on Jones and Belichick. Both need to prove they can breathe new life into an offense that’s become stale in recent seasons.

Jones needs better weapons to help him improve 2022’s modest 65.2 completion percentage and 84.8 rating, per Pro Football Reference. Unfortunately for Jones, holes are already appearing in his revamped supporting cast.

Smith-Schuster has missed valuable offseason practices with injury, while second-year man Tyquan Thornton is dealing with a “soft-tissue” problem, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

Jones needs all of his key targets on the field and getting up to speed with the O’Brien playbook. Hopkins wouldn’t have to travel so steep a learning curve, but he’d need to quickly forge a rapport with a signal-caller struggling to prove he’s starter material.

Belichick has bet on Jones, and it’s quite the risk for a coach who has struggled to win since Tom Brady left town in 2020. The Pats have missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons, with lacklustre offense to blame.

Those struggles must disappear if Belichick’s team is going to be a factor in an ultra-competitive AFC East, where Aaron Rodgers makes the New York Jets contenders, while the high-powered Miami Dolphins remain a major threat.

Signing Hopkins and having him renew what was once a prolific partnership with O’Brien would instantly make the Patriots viable in the division again.

Julian Edelman retired in 2021, but the New England Patriots hope Malik Cunningham can follow a similar career path to the one traveled by the three-time Super Bowl-winning wide receiver.

Edelman was a seventh-round draft pick in 2009 who had played quarterback at Kent State but transitioned full-time to wideout in the pros and never looked back. It’s the same transition undrafted free agent Cunningham is making this year.

The former Louisville signal-caller is officially switching positions, and the Patriots are using Edelman as Cunningham’s template, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com. He reported the Patriots were the only team to work Cunningham out as a receiver during the pre-draft process.

Pats’ offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien explained the plan, and “the reason he (Cunningham) opted to sign with the Patriots and play a new position was due to Edelman.”

As Cunningham explained, “just the culture and the Julian Edelman stories – the guys that played quarterback in college and moved over to receiver. Seeing those guys do it and I know – not that I’m more athletic than those guys but we’re all on the same level, so I feel like I can do it.”

Matching even a fraction of what Edelman achieved catching passes won’t be easy for Cunningham, who is a complete novice at his new position. So far, progress has been in short supply.

Malik Cunningham Making Slow Start at New Position

Cunningham admitted “I’ve never ran a route ever in my life,” per Daniels, and his inexperience has shown more than once this offseason. The 24-year-old “has dropped multiple passes in OTAs and on Monday, he had a pass nearly in his hands broken up by Isaiah Bolden.”

Part of the problem concerns the concentration required to learn the intricacies of lining up and knowing routes and adjustments. Wide receiver is traditionally considered one of the hardest positions for rookies to learn upon entering the NFL.

That hasn’t stopped Cunningham from refining the basics, like for this route and catch captured by ABC6 reporter Ian Steele.

Gaining separation and making adjustments out of his breaks will be essential for Cunningham to master the many option routes within the Belichick playbook. He showed off some of those qualities on this rep highlighted by Patriots on CLNS.

What’s obvious is how Cunningham has the raw physical tools to be a playmaker no matter how he gets the ball in his hands. It’s how he shattered some of the school records set by Baltimore Ravens’ QB1 Lamar Jackson at Louisville.

The challenge for O’Brien and Pats’ head coach Bill Belichick is to find the best ways to unleash Cunningham’s athleticism. There are a few reasons why Edelman’s career trajectory is a good starting point.

Julian Edelman Role Still Key in Patriots’ Offense

Edelman became a clutch target first because of his expertise from the slot. Thriving from the inside remained a hallmark of his game even during the veteran’s penultimate season, per Next Gen Stats.

Yet, Edelman also gashed defenses when he was sent on the move to keep coverage guessing. Using Edelman in motion created easy reads and quick throws, things highlighted by Taylor Kyles of Patriots on CLNS.

This is the type of role the Pats likely envisaged for Kendrick Bourne, but the ex-San Francisco 49ers receiver hasn’t delivered. Bourne would be most in danger of losing his roster spot if Cunningham makes the grade out wide.

The danger to Bourne’s status is amplified by Cunningham also being an able runner, evidenced by his 50 rushing touchdowns for the Cardinals. Many of those scores came from inside the red zone last season, per PFF College.

Bourne played some running back for the 49ers, but the Patriots haven’t fully tapped into those skills. Not when Bourne’s had just 18 carries in two years with the team.

At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Cunningham has the same physical profile as 5-foot-10, 198-pounder Edelman, so the rookie could emerge as the roving weapon the Patriots have missed the last two seasons. Cunningham’s transition is worth a modest gamble to ease the pressure on a receiver corps lacking star power, despite the presence of JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker.

New England Patriots defensive lineman Lawrence Guy did not show up for mandatory minicamp this week, and head coach Bill Belichick said little about it.

“You’d have to talk to him about that,” Belichick told reporters on Tuesday, June 13. “Whatever the issue is, you can talk to him about that. I’m not gonna talk about contracts, personal situations or injuries.”

Guy has a four-year, $11.5 million deal with the Patriots, and two years remains on that contract. He will make $2 million this season plus bonuses and incentives.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that Guy “is believed to be looking for an adjustment to the contract” amid a change in agents. Reiss added that sources called it “a challenging negotiation”.

Belichick also remained mum regarding offensive lineman Trent Brown, who missed the first day of mandatory minicamp but returned on Tuesday. Brown’s absence stemmed from his flight from Texas getting canceled because of a hail storm according to MassLive’s Nick O’Malley.

“I mean I don’t have a monitor,” Belichick said about Brown’s return. “I would assume so.”

Belichick said he “wouldn’t be able to comment on” Brown’s absence. Brown started 16 games for the Patriots last season.

DeAndre Hopkins Visit Meets Witty Response from Bill Belichick

With prized free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins set to visit this week, Belichick faced questions on the visit when minicamp opened on Monday.

“We’re working through it, so I don’t really have anything to add to that,” Belichick told reporters. “I think it relates more to logistics and things like that. So, I’m not really a travel agent here. I’m not going to say it’s going to happen here, or not going to happen or whatever.”

“There’s a lot of other stuff going on that I’m not directly involved in, and so I’m not going to say anything and then you turn around and say I misled you in some way because that’s not what I’m going to do,” Belichick added.

The coach concluded with “I’m not going to talk about players that aren’t on the team”.

Hopkins recently visited the Tennessee Titans. The Arizona Cardinals released Hopkins on May 26 amid his massive contract of two years, $54.5 million with the team.

Bill Belichick Effusive About Jabrill Peppers

While Patriots defensive back Jabrill Peppers didn’t impress in 2022 amid his comeback from an ACL tear, Belichick sees better things coming.

“He is a much different player now than he was last year at this time or even in training camp,” Belichick told reporters on Tuesday.

Peppers only tallied 60 tackles and a fumble recovery in 17 games played amid five starts. The Patriots re-signed him in March despite the down year.

“Full year after the injury, a lot of confidence in the communication and the system, his assignments,” Belichick added. “He’s playing fast, aggressive, helping out teammates more. Last year he was trying to learn things. Now, he’s helping out his teammates. Anticipation, making calls or adjustments that will maybe help him or possibly help his teammate be in a better position to defend a certain play or type of play. He’s been great. Way, way ahead of where he was last year.”

Bill Belichick knows a thing or two about how to get the most out of hybrid pass-rushers, so the New England Patriots’ head coach might be the right person to help Chase Young finally live up to his draft status.

The defensive end drafted second overall in 2020 could be on the trading block after the Washington Commanders declined his fifth-year option. Belichick’s Pats are one of seven “logical suitors” for the former Ohio State star, according to Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports.

Benjamin believes Young would be another “big-name reclamation attempt” for Belichick, who could use the 24-year-old in a “hybrid scheme alongside younger guys like Josh Uche.” As Benjamin also pointed out, the Patriots could also use an infusion of youth at the edges of the front seven, “with Matt Judon going on 31 and more expendable after 2023.”

Matthew Judon has led the Patriots in sacks in each of the last two seasons, but Young could still grow into a role as the game-breaker in Belichick’s pass rush. That’s despite three seasons blighted by inconsistent performances, modest production and injury.

No. 2 Pick Yet to Live Up to Billing

Young was supposed to be a “gold jacket” player in waiting from the moment he was drafted, but things have worked out differently. He logged 7.5 sacks in 15 starts as a rookie, but Young’s debut season was also marred by mistakes like this needless roughing the passer penalty that allowed the Detroit Lions to kick a field goal as time expired to seal a 30-27 win.

Aside from individual errors, Young’s technique has come in for criticism from Commanders’ head coach Ron Rivera. In 2021, Rivera pointed out how Young needs to play more “vertical,” per NBC Washington’s Ethan Cadeaux: “When he’s playing vertical and getting through to his third step before he decides what he wants to do, I think he’s a very disruptive football player. Sometimes, he has a little stutter in one of his moves. And that, to me, is not what he does best. With the stutter, he has to stop, start, then go again. I’d much rather just see him go vertical because when he’s moving he’s a force and he is difficult to stop.”

Rivera doubled down on those comments later in the same season, telling Michael Silver of Commanders.com how Young needed to show better recognition of play designs and mobile quarterbacks: “Sometimes Chase starts outside and plants his leg and cuts inside — because he’s trying to make a play — and the quarterback gets flushed to the outside. If Chase stays outside, he has an easy sack, but instead he dives underneath.”

Injuries hardly helped Young refine the rough edges to his game. He lost eight games to a torn ACL, the same injury that kept No. 99 out of 14 games in 2022.

Not surprisingly, Young’s pressure numbers have fallen sharply every season, from 24 in 2020, to 13 the next year and 1 in ’22, per Pro Football Reference. It’s little wonder Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported the Commanders would “be open to listening” to trade offers for Young.

The numbers aren’t awe-inspiring, but the Patriots should at least consider a proposal to land a pass-rusher with enough natural physical talent to dominate in the right scheme.

Patriots an Ideal Fit for Borderline Draft Bust

Young is hovering close to draft bust status, but he’d surely quickly get his career back on track in New England. The Patriots would offer a more flexible scheme than the rigid four-man front preferred by Rivera and Commanders’ defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio.

Belichick, by contrast, mixes three- and four-man lines, granting his edge-rushers greater freedom to freelance to create pressure. It’s how Judon and Josh Uche combined for 27 sacks last season.

Both were acting as standup rushers for this sack of Kirk Cousins against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12.

Young is a fit for this scheme because he can align in a two-point stance or put his hand on the ground and rush as a traditional defensive end. He’s also comfortable lining up on either side of the line.

Many of Young’s best plays have come over right tackle, like when he dominated Ryan Ramczyk against the New Orleans Saints in 2021, a performance highlighted by Nick Akridge of Pro Football Focus.

Belichick’s front sevens have been defined by taking ‘tweener edge-rushes like Young and lining them up in multiple positions to generate pressure. Young could be the next in a line that’s featured Mike Vrabel, Rob Ninkovich, Chandler Jones and Trey Flowers.

Adding Young to Uche and Judon would give the Patriots formidable options on the edges to go with interior disruptors Christian Barmore, Deatrich Wise Jr. and rookie Keion White. Packaging a second-round pick with a late-round selection for 2024 should get a deal done.

If the Patriots helped Young become the player the Commanders thought they drafted, New England would boast an array of pass-rushers deep and talented enough to combat star AFC East quarterbacks Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa and Aaron Rodgers.

Former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady could not help himself before a challenging throw.

“If I hit the drone on the first try, maybe I should come out of retirement,” Brady said in a viral video, posted on Sunday, June 11.

Brady nailed the drone on his first throw from his $300 million Yacht in a video appearance with famed YouTuber Mr. Beast. After the ball knocked the drone from the air, a swimmer caught the drone.

Brady’s next throw didn’t go as well when a jet skier failed to catch the ball. It became the “second-most viewed video in YouTube history in 24 hours” according to Mr. Beast’s Twitter.

While Brady put his joke about a comeback in front of 47.5 million people online via that video, he remains retired since his February 1 announcement via Instagram. Brady later clarified that he’s staying retired in an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Robin Lundberg.

The Patriots’ sixth-round draft pick in 2000, Brady emerged as the game’s greatest quarterback with six Super Bowl wins in 20 years. He played another three seasons for the Bucs and led the team to a Super Bowl win in the 2020 season.

Brady free agency rumors swirled for chunks of the offseason, and that ramped up again when he agreed to part ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders. It all stewed because Brady retired in 2022 and came back to play for the Bucs after a 41-day retirement.

This time, Brady has kept the cleats hung up much further into the offseason with six weeks left before training camps begin. Brady also had another notable outing recently as NFL teams geared up for minicamps this week.

He attended the French Open in support of champion Novak Djokovic. The tennis superstar thanked Brady publicly for his attendance after the Grand Slam title win over Casper Ruud on Sunday, June 11.

Tom Brady Pokes Fun as His Speed Again

While Brady became known for his arm in his 23-year career, his mobility lacked throughout. He poked fun about during the The 24 Hours of Le Mans motorsport race on June 10-11 in France.

“Look I was never known for my speed, couldn’t outrun nose tackles, so I came out to Le Mans to try another sport and see what it feels like to pass someone,” Brady wrote on Instagram.

“I’m still hiding in the back of the garage, gonna try to slip into the car at the next stop,” Brady continued. “If you see this beauty upside down you know who’s fault it was.”

Brady, who has been endorsing Hertz, made the appearance in support of the Hertz Racing Gold team. He first endorsed Hertz in 2021.

Proposed Tom Brady Apparel Would Fly Off the Shelf

While Brady will likely never wear the Bucs creamsicle throwback uniforms on the field, a creamsicle Brady jersey could sell like hotcakes as FOX Sports’ Greg Auman acknowledged.

Auman responded to Bucs fan Joe Deehr’s take on Twitter that Brady creamsicle jerseys “would sell out fast”. The Bucs haven’t released creamsicle jerseys for purchase yet, Auman noted. The team recently announced that the throwbacks will debut on October 15 against the Detroit Lions.

Brady notably wore throwback uniforms with the Patriots during his career. New England brought back the Pat Patriot throwback in 2022, which Brady reacted to when announced.

With so much riding on a retooled offense, the New England Patriots face a major setback as minicamp begins this week.

Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will miss practice because of an injury according to a source via The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. New England signed Smith-Schuster this offseason to fill the void left by former No. 1 receiver Jakobi Meyers, who joined the Las Vegas Raiders.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that the Patriots are being “cautious” due to Smith-Schuster’s injury from the AFC Championship Game last season. Smith-Schuster played for the Kansas City Chiefs when the injury occurred, and he notably came back to play for the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

With the Chiefs, Smith-Schuster  amassed 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns in 2022. He previously had a solid career with the Pittsburgh Steelers where he tallied 323 receptions for 3,855 yards and 26 touchdowns in five seasons.

New England notably didn’t have Smith-Schuster participating in organized team activities in May and early June. The Patriots need his services to right the ship with an offense that only put up 21.4 points per game last year.

After Smith-Schuster, the Patriots don’t have another receiver who has made a Pro Bowl or hauled in 1,000 yards in a season.

Another Patriots WR Nursing an Injury: Report

Injury concerns don’t end with Smith-Schuster when it comes to the Patriots’ receiver room.

Tyquan Thornton “is managing a soft-tissue-related injury after he was active early in OTAs” according to a source, Reiss wrote. Thornton missed time at OTAs last week, too.

The second-year receiver looks to take a step forward after only catching 22 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns in 2022. Thornton impressed during late May OTA session when he caught a deep ball from Patriots quarterback Mac Jones.

New England selected Thornton in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Thornton had a standout senior season at Baylor in 2021 where he caught 62 passes for 948 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Smith-Schuster and Thornton possibly won’t take the field at all for minicamp, which runs through Wednesday, June 14. If so, both receivers could get about six weeks to heal in time for training camp in late July.

Kendrick Bourne: ‘It’s Different This Year’

Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne didn’t produce what he wanted in 2022, but he sees better things coming this year.

“I feel like last year was tough for all of us,” Bourne told reporters on June 9 via Patriots.com’s Mike Dussault. “It’s all about us growing. I see the growth, I see the focus from everybody, it’s different this year. Ready to make it count this year.”

For Bourne, he caught 35 passes for 434 yards and a touchdown in 16 games played in 2022. Those numbers marked his lowest totals since 2020.

Just because the New England Patriots return a 1,000-yard rusher does not mean Dalvin Cook is out of the question.

The Minnesota Vikings released Cook, a four-time Pro Bowl running back, on Friday, June 9. NESN’s Dakota Randall sees where the Patriots could make a move to Cook for “a late-offseason roster splash” despite running back Rhamondre Stevenson on the roster.

Randall noted a report from The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, who indicated the Patriots’ interest in drafting a high-caliber running back. In addition, “the Detroit Lions reportedly selected Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall because they feared New England planned a similar move”, Randall wrote.

“So, all evidence points toward the Patriots wanting to add elite high-end talent to their backfield,” Randall continued. “And that might not be a bad idea, considering Stevenson will be a free agent in 21 months and he noticeably broke down late last season. Given New England’s lack of an elite passing game, making the running game one of the NFL’s best could be a decent alternative.”

New England landing Cook would also keep him away from AFC East division rivals Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins. Cook expressed interest in both teams, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicated the Dolphins and Denver Broncos as possible destinations.

The Patriots face a stacked AFC East and need a big-time playmaker.

Dalvin Cook Still a Force But With a Risk

Cook can still make big plays amid his track record of 1,100 yards or more annually and 43 touchdowns in the past four years. He can make plays out of the backfield, too, amid 34 or more receptions or 224 or more yards annually for the last three seasons.

“For all the talk of regression, Cook finished last season with 1,173 rushing yards and eight touchdowns to go along with 39 catches for 295 yards,” Randall wrote. “He’s also just 27 years old [28 in August].”

“But the advanced analytics paint a far different picture, with Cook being one of the game’s worst backs in terms of the rushing-yards-over-expected metric,” Randall continued. “His injury history, along with the undeniable history of workhorse running backs aging poorly into their late-20s, can’t be ignored.”

Cook played a full season in 2022 for the first time in his six-year career. He missed most of the 2017 season due to an ACL tear followed by hamstring injuries in 2018 as he missed five games.

Shoulder and ankle injuries amounted to more missed games between 2019 and 2021. He never played more than 14 games in a season during that span.

Patriots Could Afford Dalvin Cook

How much Cook would cost the Patriots remains the biggest question. The Vikings cut Cook because of his previous five-year, $63 million deal with the team.

“Nevertheless, Cook now should be available at a discounted rate, which could be music to Bill Belichick’s ears,” Randall wrote. “We wouldn’t put money on Cook landing in New England, but it also wouldn’t be a shocking outcome.”

Belichick went after a regular 1,000-yard rusher before when he picked up Corey Dillon from the Cincinnati Bengals in 2004. That paid off as Dillion rushed for 3,180 yards in three seasons and helped the Patriots win one Super Bowl.

Free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins talked up his game following reports of his upcoming visit with the New England Patriots.

While not in direct relation to New England specifically, Hopkins wanted everyone to know that he can still play at a high level. Hopkins, 31, hasn’t made a Pro Bowl since 2020, and he hasn’t reached 100 receptions or 1,000 yards since that year.

“Shhhh. I’m old and can’t get open,” Hopkins wrote in a retweet of points made by fantasy football expert Sal Vetri.

Last season Hopkins “ranked second at beating man coverage”, and he “earned 10.7 targets per game”, Vetri wrote. He also “was eighth best at earning targets per route run”, Vetri added.

“This shows he had no drop off in his ability to get open,” Vetri concluded.

The Arizona Cardinals released Hopkins last week amid his two-year, $54.5 million contract. Hopkins first has a free agent visit with the Tennessee Titans this weekend, but he will visit the Patriots next week according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

New England could use a big playmaker in Hopkins after a disappointing offensive performance in 2022. The Patriots averaged 21.4 points per game with quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe splitting time.

Top target Jakobi Meyers left the Patriots after the season for the Las Vegas Raiders. JuJu Smith-Schuster signed with the Patriots, but the receiver talent drops after the one-time Pro Bowler.

Hopkins still produced Pro Bowl-caliber play on the field in the past two seasons. He caught 106 passes for 1,289 yards and 11 touchdowns in 19 games over the last two years.

DeAndre Hopkins’ Asking Price in Question

Whether or not the Patriots can afford Hopkins remains the biggest question. Hopkins wants to make similar money to Odell Beckham Jr. according to a pair of anonymous NFL executives via The Athletic’s Tim Graham.

Beckham landed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens. Hopkins projects at $23.2 million annually, based on Spotrac’s numbers. However, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer noted that Hopkins likely won’t even find a deal that equals Beckham’s.

New England at least won’t need to worry about any past history between Hopkins and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien as an obstacle. O’Brien coached Hopkins with the Houston Texans from 2014 to 2019 before a trade that sent Hopkins to Arizona.

O’Brien “would be pretty on board” with Hopkins coming to New England, according to Breer. While Hopkins hasn’t commented recently on the 2020 trade, Hopkins at least teased interest in the Patriots multiple times since O’Brien’s return.

Patriots-DeAndre Hopkins Interest Simmering

Hopkins acknowledged the persistent Patriots trade rumors during the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast recently. He also shared an Instagram video that showed Patriots highlights before he took it down.

Then, he played around with Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon‘s comments on another Instagram video. Judon pointed about the Patriots logo “in the background” on the video, and Hopkins reacted with laughing emojis.

While Judon played around with Hopkins’ interest on social media, Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne took a more conservative approach on Friday. Bourne fielded a question about Hopkins’ visit after organized team activities.

“I’m a fan of D-Hop. It would be cool,” Bourne told reporters via Patriots.com. “I don’t know the gist of what’s going on, but he is a great player. Anything that would help us win, I’m with.”

DeAndre Hopkins has not decided on his next destination, but another team instead of the New England Patriots will see him this weekend.

Hopkins will visit the Tennessee Titans on June 11 according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The Arizona Cardinals released Hopkins in May despite a stellar career, and he will make his first free agent visit in Nashville.

“There’s some familiarity here,” Pelissero said.

Former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel, the Titans head coach, worked with Hopkins when they were with the Houston Texans. Hopkins played for the Texans from 2013 to 2019, and Vrabel served as an assistant coach there from 2014 to 2017. Vrabel confirmed the news on  Wednesday.

“They are not the only team,” Pelissero said about Hopkins’ interests.

Pelissero didn’t name any teams “in talks” with Hopkins but noted this first visit “shows there is some mutual interest” with the Titans. The Patriots are looking at Hopkins according to a league source via MassLive, and rumors of Hopkins joining the Patriots have persisted throughout the offseason.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Hopkins notably showed mutual interest or respect amid an exchange at a December 2022 regular season game. Hopkins also acknowledged rumors of the Patriots’ interest during the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast.

In addition, Hopkins teased the Patriots with an Instagram video this month but took down right away. Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon teased Hopkins amid another IG video by the star receiver.

“Y’all seen the Pats logo in the background,” Judon wrote in reaction.

Hopkins actually reacted to Judon’s comment with two laughing emojis. Not all banter has worked in the Patriots favor because Hopkins appeared in a video where he showed more enthusiasm over other teams instead.

DeAndre Hopkins Has a Big Asking Price

New England, as for any team, would likely have to pay Hopkins significantly. The Athletic’s Tim Graham reported, via two unnamed NFL executives, that Hopkins wants a deal comparable to Odell Beckham Jr.

Beckham, a star receiver with the Baltimore Ravens, signed a one-year deal for $15 million with $3 million in incentives. That’s after Beckham missed a season due to an ACL tear.

Spotrac notably projects Hopkins at $23.2 million annually or with a three-year, $69.6 million deal. That might not come true for Hopkins though despite greater availability but only slightly better numbers than Beckham in recent years.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer noted that he would be “pretty stunned” for Hopkins to land a deal that matches Beckham. Breer added that Beckham’s deal “has had an adverse effect on the Hopkins market”.

For the Patriots, Hopkins could come with a steep price for a player who may not fit in with the team culture. NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry reported that “several league sources” don’t see Hopkins as a fit with the Patriots, particularly in the area of practice habits.

One Patriots Hurdle for DeAndre Hopkins Looks Clear

The most public in-house hurdle looks clear for the Patriots — past work experiences with offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. Hopkins played for O’Brien with the Texans before getting traded.

Breer reported that O’Brien “would be plenty on board” with Hopkins joining the Patriots. That would give Patriots quarterback Mac Jones a valuable target to help turn around the offense in 2023.

Tom Brady will not be the only former New England Patriots quarterback in broadcasting on a national level.

Add Matt Cassel to that list as the former Patriots backup will join NBC Sports, which Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reported on Monday, June 5. Cassel will serve as an analyst for NBC’s Big Ten Conference primetime football coverage.

With the Patriots, Cassel backed up Brady for three seasons from 2005 to 2007. Then, Cassel got thrust into the starting role in 2008 when Brady went down with an ACL tear.

Cassel led the Patriots to an 11-5 record that season, but the team missed the playoffs. He threw for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns versus 11 interceptions.

His career meandered around the league after that year with stops in Kansas City, Minnesota, Buffalo, Dallas, Tennessee, and Detroit. Cassel finished his career after the 2018 season with 17,508 yards for 104 touchdowns versus 82 interceptions.

Before the NFL, Cassel played at USC from 2001 to 2004 as a backup to eventual NFL quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. USC and rival UCLA notably will be joining the Big Ten.

Cassel’s Big Ten broadcast gig with NBC Sports isn’t his first. He previously worked with NBC Sports Boston and The 33rd Team.

As for Brady, his famed broadcast job with FOX will wait until 2024. Brady agreed to a 10-year, $375 million deal with FOX in 2022 for after his playing career ended.

He spent 20 seasons with the Patriots and led the team for six Super Bowl wins. Brady closed out his playing career with three seasons in Tampa Bay, which included a seventh Super Bowl win.

Matt Cassel Gave Mac Jones a Low Ranking

Cassel turned heads earlier in the offseason when he ranked Patriots quarterback Mac Jones as the No. 25-ranked signal caller in the league for The 33rd Team.

“There were a lot of ups and downs for Mac Jones this past season,” Cassel wrote. “I’m still unsure of what type of quarterback he can be. But we will certainly find out with new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien returning to the New England Patriots this season.”

Jones didn’t impress in 2022 amid 2,997 yards passing for 14 touchdowns versus 11 interceptions. He had a much more promising rookie season in 2021 where he took the team to the playoffs.

How Jones will progress or regress in 2023 remains to be seen. Cassel notably has some idea of O’Brien’s coaching style from their time in New England together from 2007 to 2008.

Tom Brady Believes in Bill O’Brien

Brady also worked with O’Brien from 2007 to 2011, and Brady showed confidence in how O’Brien can make an impact.

“It’s hard to find good coaches in the NFL [and] Billy’s certainly one of them,” Brady told Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein. “He’s very talented, very smart.”

“Was a great addition to our team when he came in ’07,” Brady added.

O’Brien served as an offensive assistant that first year when Brady threw for 4,806 yards and 50 touchdowns. The Patriots went 16-0 that year with the second-highest scoring offense in NFL history.

Brady didn’t say specifically how he thinks Jones will do with O’Brien, Epstein noted.

“A lot of what’s going to happen in the NFL is going to be determined by what these guys do under pressure when it matters most and how they can continue to evolve and grow from this point on,” Brady told Epstein. “Everything evolves and changes so you’ve got to be adept with the circumstances that come with the NFL season.”

Amartian could figure out who will start at quarterback for the New England Patriots as Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated sees it.

“Mac Jones sure looks like he’s the Patriots’ starter,” Breer wrote. “I was out at New England’s OTAs last week, and if you dropped in there from Mars and I asked you who the first quarterback was, I don’t think you’d have much problem figuring it out.”

“Jones was taking snaps from starting center David Andrews during early walkthrough periods,” Breer added. “He was with the first group in just about every drill. He was with the monied skill-players during seven-on-seven work. I’m told, additionally, that’s really the way it’s been throughout the offseason program.”

Doubts surrounded Jones after a subpar 2022 season and the emergence of Bailey Zappe. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick even “shopped” Jones according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio before Jones trade rumors flamed out.

“I don’t think Jones is entrenched the way, say, Patrick Mahomes is in Kansas City or Josh Allen is in Buffalo, or even his draft classmate Trevor Lawrence is in Jacksonville,” Breer wrote.

“That said, where Bill Belichick has left the door open for a competition with his words, the coaching staff’s actions will tell you that the path to Bailey Zappe winning the job is very, very narrow — mostly in that it looks like he’ll have fewer opportunities than Jones, which means Zappe will have to absolutely crush it with those opportunities to create a real summer QB derby,” Breer added.

Zappe has a much smaller sample size of work compared to Jones with just two career starts. Jones has 31 career starts and one playoff game under his belt.

“Both players, for what it’s worth, have been in the building daily, starting in the 6 a.m. hour and regularly staying through dinner time. But this is very clearly Jones’s job to lose,” Breer wrote.

Patriots Make Strides With OC Bill O’Brien

Breer also noted that new Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien has made a significant difference already. O’Brien looks to turn around a Patriots offense that sputtered with 21.4 points per game in 2022.

“The Patriots practice I saw [which again, I’ve heard mirrors the ones closed to the media], moved efficiently, with the offense looking crisp and put together and Jones clearly looking like the team’s best quarterback,” Breer wrote.

“I’d say that clarity and consistency give everyone a chance to bounce back, and the team to get a cleaner assessment on its 2021 first-rounder at the game’s most important position,” Breer added.

Mac Jones’ Rookie Seasons Leaves Questions Unanswered

Jones’ 2021 season begs the question of which Jones the Patriots will get in 2023. He shined as a rookie in 2021 before his play regressed in 2022.

Under former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Jones threw for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns versus 13 interceptions in 17 games for 2021. Jones nearly won Offensive Rookie of the Year along the way.

New England’s experiment of Matt Patricia and Joe Judge coaching the offense in 2022 didn’t pan out after McDaniels took the Las Vegas Raiders head coaching job. Jones stumbled with 2,997 yards for 14 touchdowns versus 11 interceptions in 14 games.

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Ed Lee saw a dream come true recently.

The former Rhode Island standout recently “agreed to terms with the Patriots” according to source via ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Lee grew up as a Patriots fan from 8 years of age, Reiss wrote.

At Rhode Island, Lee tallied 58 catches for 908 yards and five touchdowns in 2022. He finished his collegiate career with 86 catches for 1,262 yards and eight touchdowns in 37 career games.

Lee also returned punts for the Rams — primarily in 2022 — where he averaged 11.3 yards per return. He earned All-Colonial Athletic Association honors for punt returning and second team honors for receiving.

During the pre-draft process, Lee “worked out at the Patriots’ local pro day” according to NESN’s Zack Cox. Lee’s performance at the Bryant pro day in March notably impressed scouts.

“He ran a 4.53 forty and he looked smooth getting in and out of cuts in the field work. Lee felt he could have done better but he definitely helped himself,” New England Football Journal’s John Sarianides wrote.

At the NFL Combine Lee ran a 4.45 time in the 40, but his cone drill time impressed even more. He clocked 6.84, which made him second to Seattle Seahawks first-round pick receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Lee also received a minicamp invite after the NFL Draft in April. A 5-foot-10, 185-pound wideout, Lee gives the Patriots additional depth at receiver and competition for minicamp this month and possibly training camp next month.

Mac Jones Shows Confidence in WR Tyquan Thornton

While Lee looks to crack the 53-man roster, Patriots receiver Tyquan Thornton looks to take a big step forward in proving himself this year.

A second-round pick in 2022, Thornton turned in a meager rookie year performance with 22 catches for 247 yards and two touchdowns amid injury. Patriots quarterback Mac Jones sees better things coming based on what he’s seen of Thornton this offseason.

“I think Tyquan, he’s done a really good job just trying to be consistent,” Jones told reporters on May 31. “I got a chance to work with him in the offseason like a lot of the guys. For me and him, it’s all about communication. He has to grow and learn with me, and all the other guys, too. We’re all in the same boat together, but what you see is exactly what you’re going to get.

“He’s fast, he’s a smart football player, he’s got strong hands,” Jones added. “I really think it’s just him continuing to grow that confidence just like we’re all working for, and he’s going to be a great player for a long time.”

New Patriots WR Impresses Mac Jones

Jones also likes what he sees in the Patriots’ biggest receiver addition this offseason — free agent JuJu Smith-Schuster. The former Kansas City Chiefs wideout joined the Patriots amid expectations for him to fill the top receiver role.

“I think JuJu’s done a great job, also from a leadership standpoint. Coming in, that’s someone who adds veteran leadership from different places,” Jones told reporters. “He just came off of a Super Bowl team, so what a great value to our offense. Obviously, when he gets on the field, that’s going to be great because he has the experience and he loves talking about football.”

“He’s just a football nerd, I guess, kind of like me,” Jones added. “We kind of hit it off in that regard. He’s an awesome guy, and I’m looking forward to working with all those guys in that room. I think there’s a lot of potential there.”

The New England Patriots are set at the guard positions, but things are less certain at offensive tackle. That uncertainty is good news for Sidy Sow, the team’s fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, who has been identified as a Day 3 sleeper capable of making an immediate impact as a rookie.

Sow made a list put together by Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic, who named the former Eastern Michigan guard as having “what it takes to play early.” Seeing the field early could depend on Sow successfully switching to tackle, because “the Patriots don’t need help at guard right now — Mike Onwenu and Cole Strange are rock-solid players who fit everything New England does.”

Fortunately, “Sow has the type of play strength and mindset necessary to kick out and make it work.” Either way, Baumgardner believes the Pats and head coach Bill Belichick “may have found a terrific value by adding a possible starting tackle or guard in Round 4.”

Adding a versatile powerhouse to the starting five up front would boost an offensive line under pressure to enjoy a big year. Quarterback Mac Jones is at a crossroads, and if he and his new receivers are going to click, the big guys ahead of him must dominate the trenches.

Day 3 Pick Has True Sleeper Potential

Baumgardner’s belief in Sow’s potential to play on the edge stems from the player’s worthy physical attributes. In particular, Baumgardner detailed how Sow “measured in with nearly 34-inch arms” at the annual NFL Scouting Combine.

Length is a key attribute to help offensive tackles deal with speedy edge-rushers. Tackles often need to hold pass-rushers at bay with a long reach to protect the pocket, something Sow is built to manage, but his versatility goes beyond arm length.

Sow used the Combine to showcase range and flexibility to go with his 6-foot-5 and 334-pound frame. Those attributes were obvious during some impressive athleticism testing detailed by Next Gen Stats.

Scores likes those reveal a player’s move skills. While those skills are an obvious asset on the outside, they’re also needed inside at guard.

Sow knew how how to shift away from the interior and into space during his days at Eastern Michigan, a talent showcased by this crushing block highlighted by Evan Lazar of Patriots.com.

Guards moving to flatten linebackers and safeties are a feature of the Pats’ power-based running schemes that rely on a lot of pin-and-pull concepts. Sow is a perfect fit for these gap schemes, but he could be more valuable providing sturdier pass protection on the right.

Patriots Need Help at Right Tackle

To put the Patriots problems at tackle into perspective, it’s important to acknowledge the uncertain state of things on the right. It’s where 34-year-old Riley Reiff has a chance to plug in, but Calvin Anderson and Conor McDermott are also in the mix.

The lack of elite options at a key position is far from ideal for Belichick. He knows Jones took too many hits in 2022, when the under-fire passer was sacked 34 times. Jones also suffered 27 hits and felt pressure on 95 occasions, according to Pro Football Reference.

It didn’t help that left tackle Trent Brown, normally a rock, struggled. The 30-year-old allowed eight sacks and was guilty of a league-high 13 penalties, per Pro Football Focus.

Brown will be under pressure from Sow if he falters again, but the veteran is more likely to return to his best if there’s more continuity and security on the right side. Reiff may struggle to provide it after disappointing stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears in the last two seasons.

This many question marks means giving Sow some reps at right tackle during the offseason program is definitely an experiment worth trying for Belichick and his staff.

Flashy New England Patriots rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham likely will not see snaps under center this year, but his role could morph before September.

The undrafted rookie from Louisville came to the NFL with openness to playing a different position. New England coaches look willing to take Cunningham up on that as he participated in receiver drills at practice this week.

That’s a departure from rookie minicamp in May when he played quarterback. Cunningham has a successful collegiate career at Louisville as a dual-threat quarterback, following in the footsteps of former Cardinals great Lamar Jackson.

“Since then, he’s bounced around the field, according to a source,” AtoZ Sports’ Doug Kyed reported. “It seems the Patriots are still trying to figure out what to do with the undrafted rookie who commanded a Patriots-record $200,000 guarantee and $30,000 signing bonus.”

Kyed noted that Cunningham ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds for the NFL Combine. Cunningham “didn’t look out of place among wide receivers”, Kyed added.

“New England had success moving Julian Edelman from college quarterback to NFL wide receiver,” Kyed continued. “Former Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers started out his college career as a quarterback. So, there’s a path for Cunningham to find success in New England if they do move him to a new position.”

Cunningham will have competition to get targets at receiver, though. The Patriots have JuJu Smith-Schuster as the top receiver followed by DeVante Parker and Tyquan Thornton as projected starters.

After that, the Patriots have Kendrick Bourne, who is looking to regain his 2021 form followed by rookies Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas. Cunningham would also have to compete against projected third-stringers Matthew Slater, Tre Nixon, and Raleigh Webb.

Patriots Could Use Malik Cunningham in Elsewhere

Receiver isn’t the only place Cunningham could fit. The Athletic’s Chad Graff speculates Patriots head coach Bill Belichick could use quarterback run “packages and formations” for Cunningham’s skill set.

“Last season, the Patriots ranked 27th in third-and-short situations, picking up a first down just 55 percent of the time,” Graff wrote. “And they ranked last in the league in the percentage of red zone trips that led to a touchdown, finding paydirt just 42 percent of the time.”

“That could lead the New England coaches to spend at least some time this summer working with Cunningham on zone-read-focused packages that could help the team in those situations,” Graff added.

Malik Cunningham Could Be the Third QB With One Catch

Cunningham could also become the team’s third quarterback if he beats out Trace McSorley for the job. The NFL recently instituted a third quarterback rule on game days without it counting against the roster limit.

With that said, Cunningham could only play if Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe got injured, per the NFL rule. Cunningham would also have to stay off the field if Jones or Zappe came back during that game — further negating Cunningham’s potential elsewhere on the field.

Whether Cunningham will beat McSorley for the third quarterback job or if the Patriots would spend a roster spot on Cunningham elsewhere remains to be seen.