Quick-Hit Thoughts and Notes Surrounding the New England Patriots
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- As the New England Patriots and the NFL take a brief hiatus following the end of spring practices, there are still plenty of developments to keep an eye on. Here are some quick-hit thoughts and notes:
1. Elusive Harmony?
Spring practices concluded on June 12, and the Patriots' rookie class has just finished an additional 10 days of strength and conditioning work at Gillette Stadium. With the first practice of training camp set for July 24, we're entering the quietest stretch of the year for the team. However, that doesn't mean there's no work to be done.
Starting defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, who was mostly sidelined, is among a group of players looking to renegotiate their contracts. Godchaux is in the final season of a two-year, $20.8 million extension he signed in 2022 and has no guaranteed money left.
Meanwhile, fifth-year pass rusher Joshua Uche was seen working alone during 11-on-11 drills, raising questions about his contract status despite re-signing with the team in March. Veteran outside linebacker Matthew Judon participated fully in mandatory minicamp but declined to discuss his contract, though he is set to earn $7.5 million, below market value for his caliber.
First-year executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and head coach Jerod Mayo have their work cut out for them as they navigate these delicate contract situations, ensuring harmony and positive vibes as they head into training camp.
2. Maye's Plan
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye plans to spend the next few weeks back in North Carolina following his attendance at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics' NBA Finals clinching win. He intends to balance family time with getting ready for training camp, working with longtime NFL coach Clyde Christensen at UNC, where Christensen serves as an advisor to head coach Mack Brown.
3. Stevenson's Growth
Rhamondre Stevenson's development as a pass-catcher has clearly influenced the Patriots' decision to offer him a four-year extension worth $36 million, including $17 million guaranteed. Over the past two seasons, Stevenson's 107 receptions ranked sixth among NFL running backs.
4. 'Buy-In' at Newsome Forum
At the NFL's Ozzie Newsome General Manager Forum, Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown emphasized the need to find avenues to "give tangible evidence of buy-in" to players. In New England, Jerod Mayo has made strides in this area with his approach, connecting well with players despite being unproven as a head coach.
5. Pioli's Presence
Former New England VP of player personnel Scott Pioli's attendance at both the GM Forum and the accompanying QB Coaching Summit stood out. The events are part of the league's efforts to elevate and develop experienced coaches of color, something Pioli has passionately supported.
6. Another Brady Ring
Robert Kraft presented Tom Brady with a special Super Bowl-type ring to commemorate his 20 years with the franchise. This was a highlight of Brady's Patriots Hall of Fame induction event, which Emcee Mike Tirico called the "greatest retirement event of an athlete."
7. Fantasy Rankings
In 2024 Fantasy football rankings, Stevenson is the Patriots' highest-rated skill position player as the No. 18 running back in points-per-reception leagues. Other top-rated Patriots players include Hunter Henry (No. 21 tight end), Drake Maye (No. 23 quarterback), and DeMario Douglas (No. 60 receiver). The Patriots hope their perceived lack of firepower in the fantasy world won't translate to the real one.
8. Ace of Clubs
What does a punter do during the NFL off-season? For the Patriots' Bryce Baringer, it's competing in golf. He qualified for the 2024 Massachusetts Amateur Championship, making a 25-foot birdie putt on the final hole. Next up for Baringer is participating in the championship on July 8.
9. Did You Know? Part I
Patriots linebacker and core special teamer Christian Elliss has two brothers on NFL rosters: Jonah (Broncos) and Kaden (Falcons). The Elliss brothers are one of two families with three siblings currently active in the NFL, joining the Sewell family — Penei (Lions), Nephi (Saints), and Noah (Bears).
10. Did You Know? Part II
After extending Stevenson, the Patriots now rank seventh in the NFL in total guaranteed money for running backs at $22.6 million.
Quotes
"You're going to start setting your precedent organizationally of who you are and what you're going to be."
"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.'
"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 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."