Elusive Harmony?
Spring practices concluded on June 12 for the New England Patriots, marking the end of a significant phase in their offseason preparations. The rookie class completed an additional 10 days of strength and conditioning work, with the first practice of training camp set for July 24.
Meanwhile, starting defensive tackle Davon Godchaux is seeking to renegotiate his contract. Godchaux is in the final season of a two-year, $20.8 million extension. Additionally, linebacker Joshua Uche was seen working alone during 11-on-11 drills, while defensive powerhouse Matthew Judon participated fully in the mandatory minicamp. Judon is set to earn $7.5 million this season.
Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo have their work cut out regarding the ongoing contract situations. Negotiating deals that benefit both the players and the organization will be crucial as they head into the 2023 season.
Maye's Plan
Quarterback prospect Drake Maye plans to spend the next few weeks back in North Carolina, balancing family time with preparations for training camp. Maye intends to work with coach Clyde Christensen at UNC, ensuring he stays in peak physical and mental condition ahead of the upcoming challenges.
Stevenson's Growth
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson has been offered a four-year extension worth $36 million, with $17 million guaranteed. Stevenson has proven his worth on the field, with his 107 receptions ranking sixth among NFL running backs. This extension reflects his growth and importance to the Patriots' offensive strategies.
'Buy-In' at Newsome Forum
Brandon Brown has emphasized the need for tangible evidence of "buy-in" from players at the Newsome Forum. Despite being relatively unproven as a head coach, Jerod Mayo has connected well with the team, fostering a strong sense of commitment.
Pioli's Presence
Scott Pioli's attendance at the GM Forum and QB Coaching Summit stood out this year. The events aim to elevate and develop experienced coaches of color, an initiative that Pioli has passionately supported. His presence demonstrates the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion within the NFL's coaching ranks.
Another Brady Ring
In a momentous occasion, Robert Kraft presented Tom Brady with a special ring commemorating his 20 years with the franchise. The event was part of Brady's Patriots Hall of Fame induction, with Mike Tirico calling it the "greatest retirement event of an athlete." This celebration highlighted Brady's incredible contributions to the Patriots and the sport as a whole.
Fantasy Rankings
In fantasy football circles, Stevenson is the Patriots' highest-rated skill position player, ranked as the No. 18 running back in PPR leagues. Hunter Henry follows as the No. 21 tight end, with Drake Maye ranked as the No. 23 quarterback and DeMario Douglas as the No. 60 receiver. Despite their perceived lack of firepower in the fantasy world, the Patriots hope to translate their collective potential into real-world success.
Ace of Clubs
Bryce Baringer has qualified for the 2024 Massachusetts Amateur Championship, making a 25-foot birdie putt on the final hole to secure his spot. Baringer will participate in the championship on July 8, adding another achievement to his sporting portfolio.
Did You Know? Part I
Christian Elliss has two brothers on NFL rosters, making the Elliss family one of two families with three siblings currently active in the NFL. The other family is the Sewell family, highlighting the unique and impressive athletic prowess within these households.
Did You Know? Part II
The Patriots rank seventh in the NFL in total guaranteed money for running backs, standing at $22.6 million. This statistic underscores the team's financial commitment to securing top talent in the backfield.
Quotes
"You're going to start setting your precedent organizationally of who you are and what you're going to be," said a source. "If you extend a player that just finished up Year 3, every agent in the country is going to call and say, 'I saw you just did a guy after three years, my guy is available too.'" They continued, "Or, 'My guy is going to be available next year.' You just have to make a decision [on] what's going to be your consistency."
"Obviously, quarterback blurs that line a little bit because of that position, but everything else, everyone is watching how you handle certain things and how you negotiate certain ways. What kind of contracts do you do? They're all putting together their book to come into your organization and say, 'Look, I've seen you do this, this, and this, that's why I want this, this, and that.'" The source added, "The hardest part is making sure you're making the right choices for your club. It's stressful. It's your first time, and you know how important it is to the head coach and your longevity."