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JuJu Smith-Schuster JuJu Smith-Schuster Role with team TBD
Thu, May 2, 2024, 12:11 PM
Smith-Schuster's role with Patriots is unclear after the team selected a pair of wideouts in the 2024 NFL Draft, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports.
Analysis: Over the course of 11 regular-season games in his first year with the Patriots, Smith-Schuster recorded a 29-260-1 line on 47 targets in 2023. The veteran wideout is under contract with the team through 2025, and he's presumably past the ankle issue that landed him on IR in December. Even so, New England's additions of free agent K.J. Osborn and a pair of 2024 draftees (second-rounder Ja'Lynn Polk and fourth-rounder Javon Baker) to a wide receiver mix that also includes returnees Kendrick Bourne (knee) and Demario Douglas clouds Smith-Schuster's depth chart standing ahead of training camp. With that in mind, both Callahan and Chad Graff of The Athletic suggest that the 27-year-old pass catcher could end up moving on as the offseason progresses. |
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Bailey Zappe Bailey Zappe In line to compete for depth slot
Thu, May 2, 2024, 11:07 AM
With veteran newcomer Jacoby Brissett and 2024 first-rounder Drake Maye viewed as roster locks, Zappe figures to compete with rookie sixth-rounder Joe Milton and Nathan Rourke for slotting on the Patriots' QB depth chart, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports.
Analysis: Alternatively, Callahan suggests that with five QBs in the mix the Patriots could look to move Zappe, who drew six regular-season starts for the team in 2023. For now, however, Zappe remains with the organization that selected him 137th overall in the 2022 Draft. In any case, even if the 25-year-old ends up sticking around as a depth option, he won't have a path to a potential starting role as long as Brissett and Maye are healthy. With that in mind, Zappe could find himself on the radar of other teams seeking signal-caller options once injuries hit. |
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Drake Maye Drake Maye Will compete with Brissett
Wed, May 1, 2024, 12:28 PM
Head coach Jerod Mayo said Wednesday that Maye and Jacoby Brissett are slated to compete for the Patriots' starting quarterback job in the coming months, Cameron Wolfe of NFL.com reports.
Analysis: As the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye is no doubt viewed as the team's quarterback of the future, but given his limited experience (just 26 collegiate starts) along with the fact that he doesn't turn 22 years old until August, he could work behind Brissett early on during his professional career. With that in mind, Maye's standing in redraft leagues isn't as high as it is in dynasty formats, but the North Carolina's product's upside is undeniable, given that he has the prototypical size (6-foot-4, 223 pounds), arm talent and mobility of a potential star signal-caller. |
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Rhamondre Stevenson Rhamondre Stevenson Continues to lead backfield
Tue, Apr 30, 2024, 3:33 PM
Following the NFL draft, Stevenson heads a New England running back corps that also includes newcomer Antonio Gibson, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Meanwhile, Ezekiel Elliott who actually led the Patriots with 642 rushing yards (on 184 carries) in 17 regular-season games in 2023 because Stevenson (619 yards on 156 carries) missed five contests, has signed on with the Cowboys, which leaves Kevin Harris, JaMycal Hasty, Ke'Shawn Vaughn and UDFA addition DeShaun Fenwick to compete for depth slotting behind Stevenson and Gibson. Now presumably past the ankle issue that landed him on IR last December, Stevenson is poised to reclaim his role as a pivotal option in a re-tooled New England offense under the guidance of new head coach Jerod Mayo and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. While Stevenson remains entrenched as the team's lead back and thus seems destined to maintain enough volume to remain a fantasy factor, Gibson -- who spent the last four years with Washington -- is capable of contributing both on early downs and pass-catching situations, a scenario that should help ease Stevenson's load as the 2024 campaign progresses. |
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Jacoby Brissett Jacoby Brissett Set to compete with Maye
Fri, Apr 26, 2024, 11:49 AM
Brissett is in line to compete with newcomer Drake Maye for the Patriots' starting QB job ahead of the upcoming NFL season, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Given that New England selected Maye with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it's only a matter of time before the North Carolina product is installed as the team's starter. That said, it's possible that the rookie begins the season as Brissett's understudy, with coach Jerod Mayo noting Thursday of the Patriots' signal-caller situation that "at the end of the day, our philosophy is the best players will play. We will compete and the best player will start." Brissett rejoined the franchise that drafted him in 2016 on a reported one-year, $8 million deal, providing New England with an experienced option who can either helm the offense until Maye is deemed ready to do so, or alternatively serve as quality backup and mentor to Maye, who doesn't turn 22 until Aug. 30. Meanwhile, 2022 fourth-rounder Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke are also on hand to provide the Patriots with QB depth ahead of training camp. |
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Mitchell Wilcox Mitchell Wilcox Inks new deal
Mon, Apr 22, 2024, 3:33 PM
Wilcox signed a contract with the Patriots on Monday, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports.
Analysis: Wilcox now will call New England home after spending the first three campaigns of his career In Cincinnati. The 27-year-old appeared in all 17 regular-season games in 2023, mostly operating as the Bengals' No. 3 option at tight end and recording nine catches (on 12 targets) for 56 yards. If he can make the Patriots' roster this year, he'll likely be a depth option for them, too. |
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K.J. Osborn K.J. Osborn Heading to New England
Sun, Mar 17, 2024, 3:25 PM
Osborn signed a contract with the Patriots on Sunday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Osborn will join up with the Patriots on a one-year, $4 million deal, according to Albert Breer of SI.com. The 2020 fifth-round pick is coming off three solid seasons with Minnesota, producing an average stat line of 52.7-615-5.3 while starting all but one regular-season game over that span. His numbers did take a slight dip despite the absence of star Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson for seven games in 2023, as Osborn logged 48 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns over 16 games. Nevertheless, the 26-year-old slot receiver should see a healthy workload in a New England receiving corps that is in need of help. Osborn will likely compete with Demario Douglas and Tyquan Thornton (ankle) for a starting role alongside Kendrick Bourne (knee) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle). |
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Kendrick Bourne Kendrick Bourne Only gets $5.5 million guaranteed
Wed, Mar 13, 2024, 11:21 AM
The Patriots have minimal commitment to Bourne (knee) beyond 2024 despite re-signing him to a three-year contract worth up to $33 million, Ben Volin of The Boston Globe reports.
Analysis: The deal is loaded with incentives and light on guarantees, with a base value of $19.5 million and only $5.5 million guaranteed at signing. Another $2.5 million becomes guaranteed for 2025 if Bourne reaches 800 yards in 2024, though the Patriots presumably would want to keep him around in that case anyway. The 28-year-old had a career-high 800 receiving yards in 2021, his first season with the Patriots, and he was on pace for 863 yards and eight TDs last season until an ACL tear cost him the final nine games. Bourne said in February that his rehab was ahead of schedule, and in early March he added that he expects to be a "full go" for training camp and Week 1. It's not yet clear who he'll be catching passes from or competing for targets with, apart from the likelihood of second-year WR Demario Douglas and veteran TE Hunter Henry getting significant playing time. |
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Austin Hooper Austin Hooper Headed to New England
Tue, Mar 12, 2024, 9:10 PM
Hooper is expected to sign with the Patriots on a one-year, $4.25 million contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Hooper accumulated 234 yards on 25 receptions across 17 games (nine starts) in Las Vegas last season. New England will mark his fifth team during his nine-year career. The journeyman projects to back up Hunter Henry as the Patriots' No. 2 tight end. |
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Bailey Zappe Bailey Zappe Backing up Brissett
Tue, Mar 12, 2024, 1:20 PM
Zappe appears set to operate as the No. 2 quarterback behind Jacoby Brissett, who is slated to sign a one-year, $8 million contract with the Patriots, John Keim of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Zappe started New England's final six games of the 2023 season after beating out Mac Jones, who the Patriots recently traded to Jacksonville for a 2024 sixth-round draft pick, posting a 6:7 TD:INT in that span. Given that New England holds the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, in what's considered a high-end quarterback class, Zappe could end up further down the depth chart with the potential selection of rookie competition. |
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Jalen Reagor Jalen Reagor Staying with New England
Mon, Mar 11, 2024, 8:40 PM
Reagor is set to re-sign with the Patriots on Wednesday, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports.
Analysis: The wide receiver recorded seven catches for 138 yards and no touchdowns for New England in 11 games last season. Reagor has 15 catches for 242 yards and one touchdown over the last two campaigns. |
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Jacoby Brissett Jacoby Brissett Reunion in New England
Mon, Mar 11, 2024, 7:32 PM
Brissett has agreed to terms on a one-year, $8 million contract with New England, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: It remains to be seen what the Patriots choose to do with their No. 3 selection in this year's draft, but Brissett is now the No. 1 option under center with New England one day removed from dealing Mac Jones to the Jaguars. The journeyman quarterback started his career with the Pats in 2016 and actually started two games in place of a suspended Tom Brady. He then spent his next four seasons with the Colts, both as a backup and starter before subsequently spending one year each with the Dolphins, Browns and Commanders. If the team does decide to draft a quarterback, Brissett still could start while the team develops someone behind him or use him as a top-tier backup option. |
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DeVante Parker DeVante Parker Set to be released
Mon, Mar 11, 2024, 2:52 PM
The Patriots have informed Parker that they will release him Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: The report notes that Parker has been given permission to talk to other teams in the meantime. The veteran wideout is coming off a 2023 campaign in which he caught 33 passes (on 55 targets) for 394 yards in 13 regular-season games. In the wake of Parker's looming departure, JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle), Kendrick Bourne (knee) and Demario Douglas currently head New England's WR corps, with additions to the unit presumably slated to arrive via free agency and/or the draft. |
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Antonio Gibson Antonio Gibson Headed to New England
Mon, Mar 11, 2024, 1:55 PM
The Patriots are slated to sign Gibson, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: With Ezekiel Elliott set to become a free agent, the pending addition of Gibson -- whose deal is for three years -- gives the Patriots a versatile back to pair with lead rusher Rhamondre Stevenson. In 16 regular-season games with Washington in 2023, Gibson recorded 65 carries for 265 yards and a touchdown, while adding 48 catches for 389 yards and two receiving scores on 59 targets. In his first campaign with New England, look for Gibson to spell Stevenson on early downs, with change-of-pace/pass-catching duties also on tap. In that scenario, Gibson should have an opportunity to earn enough touches to merit lineup consideration in PPR formats in 2024. |
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Kendrick Bourne Kendrick Bourne Re-ups with New England
Sun, Mar 10, 2024, 8:10 PM
Bourne (knee) and the Patriots agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth up to $33 million on Sunday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Before suffering a season-ending torn ACL in Week 8 last season, Bourne was easily the Patriots' best receiver. It wasn't a high bar to clear, but it made too much sense to bring Bourne back after he put up a 37-406-4 line on 55 targets across eight appearances. He was on pace for a career year and will head into his age-29 season later this year. Bourne has already stated he expects to be ready for training camp. Look for the Patriots to further address their wideout depth chart in free agency and the draft. |
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Mac Jones Mac Jones Pats open to trade offers
Fri, Mar 8, 2024, 2:32 PM
New England is open to trading Jones and has engaged with discussions in teams around the league, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: The Patriots have been consistently rumored to be open to revamping the quarterback room this offseason, and Mark Daniels of The Providence Journal reports that the team has no intention of picking up Jones' fifth-year option. Jones, a 2021 first-round pick, finished his third NFL season as a healthy scratch after being replaced by Bailey Zappe as New England's starter Week 13, ending the year with a mediocre 2,120 passing yards and 10:12 TD:INT. It's unclear whether Jones will have a significant trade market at this point, but there are enough questions marks at quarterback elsewhere in the league that some teams may be willing to take a chance on the young signal-caller, even if they may not be willing to part with substantial draft capital. |
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Hunter Henry Hunter Henry Re-signing for three more years
Fri, Mar 8, 2024, 10:53 AM
Henry (knee) has agreed to a three-year deal to remain with the Patriots, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Prior to missing the final three contests of the 2023 regular season due to a left knee injury, Henry caught 42 passes (on 61 targets) for 419 yards to go along with a team-high six TD receptions in 14 games. With the 2016 second-rounder set to stay put, the Patriots will enjoy valuable stability at the tight end position in the initial stage of Jerod Mayo's stint as New England's head coach. Regardless of who ends up as the starting QB for the team in 2024, Henry -- who will presumably be past his knee issue by the time on-field activities resume -- is set to reprise his key pass-catching role, a context that should result in the 29-year-old maintaining a degree of weekly fantasy utility this coming season. |
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Hunter Henry Hunter Henry Re-signing with Pats
Fri, Mar 8, 2024, 9:40 AM
Henry (knee) is finalizing a deal to stay with the Patriots, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Henry completed a three-year, $37.5 million contract with New England and would've been eligible for free agency next week. He'll instead stick around under a new coaching staff, after averaging 44.3 catches for 510.3 yards and 5.7 TDs on 65.0 targets in his previous three years with the Patriots. The 29-year-old tight end figures to keep his starting job but doesn't figure to have much fantasy appeal in an offense that's expected to either have a rookie or journeyman veteran under center to start the season. There's been no indication of Henry needing surgery on the knee injury that cost him the final three weeks of 2023 -- his only absences since 2020 when he was still with the Chargers. |
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Kendrick Bourne Kendrick Bourne To be ready for training camp
Thu, Mar 7, 2024, 7:31 PM
Bourne (knee) expects to be able to do some work in the spring and will be a full go for training camp, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Bourne is rehabbing from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 8 of the 2023 season. He was on pace to shatter his personal bests in nearly every statistical category before his campaign was cut short. Bourne is set to become a free agent in the league year, and he has stated that he would like to rejoin the Patriots and reportedly has an offer from the team. |
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Kendrick Bourne Kendrick Bourne Mulling offer from New England
Mon, Mar 4, 2024, 8:35 AM
The Patriots have offered Bourne (knee) a new contract, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports.
Analysis: The Patriots hope to re-sign Bourne before March 11, when the impending free agent can begin negotiating with other teams. The wide receiver suffered an ACL tear in Week 8 of 2023, ending what was on track to be a career year with personal bests of 4.6 catches and 50.8 receiving yards per game. Bourne said at the Super Bowl that he's ahead of schedule in his rehab and would like to re-sign with New England, though he also said part of his motivation for attending the big game in Las Vegas was to "get [his] name out there" for potential suitors in free agency. He mostly served as a No. 3 receiver before 2023 -- in San Francisco and then New England -- and that might be how a lot of teams view him as he rehabs from the severe knee injury in preparation for his age-29 season in 2024. |
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