Elusive Harmony?
Spring practices concluded on June 12, marking the end of an intense period of preparation for the New England Patriots. The rookie class has now completed an additional 10 days of strength and conditioning work, and the first practice of training camp is set for July 24.
However, not all is harmonious within the team. 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, and his situation is one of several that Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo must address. Meanwhile, Joshua Uche was seen working alone during 11-on-11 drills, sparking speculation about his readiness for the upcoming season. On a brighter note, linebacker Matthew Judon participated fully in the mandatory minicamp and is set to earn $7.5 million this season.
Maye's Plan
All eyes are also on rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who plans to spend the next few weeks back in North Carolina. Maye aims to balance family time with training under the guidance of Clyde Christensen at UNC. His time off will be crucial in preparing him both mentally and physically for the rigors of training camp.
Stevenson's Growth
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson has been offered a four-year extension worth $36 million, with $17 million guaranteed. Stevenson had a standout season with 107 receptions, ranking sixth among NFL running backs. His performance has clearly earned him recognition and a substantial extension that reflects his value to the team.
'Buy-In' at Newsome Forum
Assistant coach Brandon Brown emphasized the importance of tangible evidence of 'buy-in' from the players at the recent Newsome Forum. Jerod Mayo, despite being unproven as a head coach, has managed to connect well with the players. His ability to foster a strong team culture will be crucial as the Patriots navigate the complexities of contract situations and build towards the new season.
Pioli's Presence
Former Patriots executive Scott Pioli made his presence felt at the GM Forum and QB Coaching Summit. These events aim to elevate and develop experienced coaches of color, an initiative Pioli has passionately supported. His attendance underscores the importance of diversity and mentorship within the league.
Another Brady Ring
In a momentous celebration, Robert Kraft presented Tom Brady with a special ring to commemorate his 20 years with the franchise. The event was part of Brady's induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Renowned broadcaster Mike Tirico called it the "greatest retirement event of an athlete," highlighting the enduring impact of Brady's career on the franchise and the sport.
Fantasy Rankings
As the fantasy football draft season approaches, several Patriots players have earned notable rankings. Rhamondre Stevenson is the Patriots' highest-rated skill position player, ranked as the No. 18 running back in PPR leagues. Tight end Hunter Henry is ranked as the No. 21 tight end, while quarterback Drake Maye is at No. 23. Wide receiver DeMario Douglas rounds out the list, ranked as the No. 60 receiver. The Patriots hope that any perceived lack of firepower in the fantasy world won't translate to their performance on the field.
Ace of Clubs
In a noteworthy achievement outside of football, Patriots player Bryce Baringer qualified for the 2024 Massachusetts Amateur Championship. Baringer clinched his spot by making a 25-foot birdie putt on the final hole, and he will participate in the championship on July 8. His success in golf showcases the diverse talents of NFL athletes.
Did You Know? Part I
Christian Elliss has two brothers on NFL rosters, making the Elliss family one of only two families with three siblings currently active in the NFL. The other is the Sewell family. This unique sibling presence highlights the Elliss family's exceptional football pedigree.
Did You Know? Part II
The Patriots rank seventh in the NFL in total guaranteed money for running backs, totaling $22.6 million. This statistic underscores the team's commitment to investing in their backfield talent.
Quotes
Reflecting on the complexities of contract negotiations, a team insider shared, "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 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."