All articles tagged with #patriots
Patriots owner Robert Kraft told NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell he wants a regular-season game in Scotland, signaling the NFL’s push for a broader international footprint sparked by World Cup buzz and discussions of foreign franchises — including a speculative 40-team, two-conference layout with four-team divisions."
Patriots players publicly urge bringing real grass back to Gillette Stadium, arguing turf increases injury risk; owner Robert Kraft could set a league-wide precedent by replacing turf, a move amplified by World Cup field changes at the venue.
Patriots players are pressuring owner Robert Kraft to switch Gillette Stadium from artificial turf to natural grass, arguing that grass reduces knee/ankle injuries. Led by Rhamondre Stevenson and Brenden Schooler and echoed by Kevin Byard III and Milton Williams, the players want the change ahead of the World Cup’s use of the venue. With practice delayed until after the World Cup, Kraft faces a timely decision on field conditions that could impact the team’s health and competitiveness.
Following Stefon Diggs’ criminal acquittal, the NFL has closed its Personal Conduct Policy investigation, concluding there was insufficient evidence to find a violation. Diggs, who posted over 1,000 receiving yards in 2025 with the Patriots after a torn ACL, remains a free agent. It’s unclear if the alleged victim was interviewed, and the NFL cannot compel cooperation from non-employees.
After minicamp, the Patriots head into summer break optimistic: Drake Maye appears in command of the offense and is building chemistry with a bigger, more versatile receiving group; backup QB roles look set between DeVito and Morton. The WR corps features size and playmaking with Brown, Doubs, and Douglas, while Julian Hill’s injury creates a TE need. TrevYon Henderson showed speed as the RB3. The line depth improves and the defense aims to tighten red-zone play, but edge-rusher depth remains a concern with Landry and Jacas rehabbing; Dre'Mont Jones and Elijah Ponder provide optimism. Corner and safety depth is competitive as training camp approaches on July 24-25.
The New England Patriots closed their 2026 offseason with the final day of mandatory minicamp, finishing a hot, high-intensity practice in Foxboro. Several players were limited or sidelined (Gabe Jacas, Harold Landry III, Jack Westover out; Morgan Moses limited; Christian Gonzalez and Kayshon Boutte limited; Robert Spillane managed workload; Dial Jr. rehabbing ACL). Drake Maye led a competitive red-zone session, connecting with A.J. Brown on a back-shoulder end-zone grab and throwing TDs to Hunter Henry, Eli Raridon, and TreVeyon Henderson, plus a wheel-route score to Henderson. The defense generated multiple stops and breakups from Byard, Davis, Woods, Crossley, and Muma, while Caleb Lomu showed versatility at right tackle and left guard behind starter Alijah Vera-Tucker. DeVito and Morton had rough moments as backups, and with Westover sidelined the day wrapped up about 20 minutes early after Maye tumbled, prompting Vrabel to halt practice and close spring.
In only nine days with the Patriots, Drake Maye has earned high praise from A.J. Brown, who says Maye’s talent is evident and his understanding of defenses and checks is advanced for his age, calling him a true leader and signaling a strong fit after Maye’s early career success including Pro Bowls and a 2025 Super Bowl run.
New England wrapped up its mandatory minicamp with Drake Maye showing efficiency and a standout connection with A.J. Brown, who had two touchdowns. Backup QBs Tommy DeVito and Behren Morton struggled late in the session. Second-year WRs and tight end Eli Raridon also saw action, while Chad Muma took on a prominent defensive role as the team heads into a summer break before training camp.
Day 2 of the Patriots' mandatory minicamp was a walkthrough with no standout performances; Caleb Lomu continued as the first-team right tackle, Christian Gonzalez appeared fully again, and A.J. Brown and Drake Maye built chemistry, setting up for Thursday's finale.
Patriots wrapped day two of mandatory minicamp with a light, walkthrough-style session and a heavy emphasis on red-zone work. There was no contact, passes contested, or rush, with Christian Gonzalez limited in participation, Kayshon Boutte largely not aligning with the top receivers, and Pop Douglas earning more reps with the top group as Kyle Williams rotated. Rumors of a Stefon Diggs reunion surfaced, but coach Mike Vrabel wouldn’t commit, saying the team is happy with its current receiver numbers and personnel.
Patriots opened mandatory minicamp with a 90-minute session as Christian Gonzalez and Kayshon Boutte attended after sitting OTAs, with Gonzalez limited in team drills while observing. Gabe Jacas was absent due to an offseason procedure and contract status. The practice highlighted depth at edge rusher, with Dre'Mont Jones and Elijah Ponder taking reps, and Drake Maye showing command in red-zone install, connecting with Hunter Henry as New England emphasizes improving in the scoring area.
A.J. Brown completed his trade from the Philadelphia Eagles to the New England Patriots and left a farewell message on the Eagles’ wall reading “The best to ever play here. Always open,” a note that stirred fan reaction amid rumors of a rift with Jalen Hurts that Eagles security officer Big Dom says are bogus. Brown had a powerful four-year run with Philly, including multiple 1,000-yard seasons and two Super Bowl appearances, but the Eagles are moving forward with DeVonta Smith and new receivers while Brown starts anew in New England.
Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez says he wants to stay in New England and be rewarded with a contract extension, skipping the voluntary offseason program but attending the mandatory minicamp. The 2023 first-round pick has earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, with 145 tackles, two interceptions, 24 pass breakups and a sack across three seasons. His current base salary for 2026 is $2.259 million, and agent Reggie Johnson is seeking a new deal as talks continue.
Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown is continuing to settle in with his new team, with coach Mike Vrabel saying he’s excited to learn the system and eventually move around into different roles as mandatory minicamp takes place ahead of the July 24 training camp start.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni lauded A.J. Brown’s time in Philadelphia as Brown moves on to the New England Patriots in an offseason trade, noting Brown’s two Super Bowl appearances and multiple Pro Bowls while shifting focus to DeVonta Smith and the current receiver room as the team moves forward.