The New England Patriots have ended their offseason program and now break until training camp in late July. While players are out of the facility, plenty remains to break down.
So, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
Where are we going at TE position. Henry is in his last year and carries a high cap value with basically no dead money. Raridon has just been drafted and is an unknown, Hill is out for season and Westover showed very few last year to even pretend to play TE3… – 7i175
Mike Vrabel
acknowledged the tight end position is one the team will address following the loss of Julian Hill. Based on Hill projecting to play a meaningful role in the offense this season, I believe the Patriots need to add another veteran behind Hunter Henry. Doing so would allow Eli Raridon to be eased into action while the team doesn’t need to be forced to rely on other younger players such as C.J. Dippre and Tanner Arkin.
On the free-agent market, former Patriot Pharaoh Brown makes sense due to his blocking ability and familiarity with the offense. Will Dissly could also fit that role if healthy. The Patriots could then explore the trade market later in the offseason, with the Los Angeles Rams’ Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee standing out as potential options.
I’m rooting for some underdogs to step up and win roster spots.
Between Jacob Rizy, Kyle Dixon, Peter Manuma, and Your Choice Here, who has the best chance to make the cut? – WannaBe Pats GM
When looking at the underdogs, it’s often the players who simply have a path towards getting opportunities that end up winning roster spots. So, speaking of Arkin, the UDFA tight end would be my pick at this point due to the team losing Julian Hill for the season.
Out of the options you provided, I’d lean Manuma based off this spring. He appears capable of contributing immediately by filling roles on multiple special teams units, which is often the quickest path to a roster spot for a back-end player.
At what point might we expect the Patriots to make a move to obtain a veteran edge or tight end? – coolbeanz
Around the start of training camp, or shortly thereafter. Unlike at tight end, Vrabel did not sound as wlling to add to the edge group, so perhaps the Patriots will take a longer look at the players currently on the roster before reassessing the position later in camp.
I understand if Jacas is not signed by week 10 of the season he will go back into next years draft and the Pats will be screwed out of a lot of draft capital (the 2nd and 4th they traded to move up for him). Are the 2 sides that dug in and is there any chance that could happen? – Depotfox
I would be very surprised if it got to that point, especially as the frustration is with the agent and not the player. I currently expect Jacas to be with the team in training camp.
Who is our third string ILB/MLB behind Spillane and Elliss? – mathblaster97
Based on the spring, free-agent addition K.J. Britt and Chad Muma appear to be the frontrunners for that role. Britt was impressive early before getting banged up. With both Britt and Spillane limited late in minicamp, it was Muma who wore the green dot in the middle of the defense.
The 26-year-old Muma, who has a strong athletic profile, still intrigues me as a player who may have more to offer in a new situation. We’ll also see if sixth-round pick Namdi Obiazor makes more of a push this summer.
I hope they keep him, but many believe Boutte will be traded. If they do, is it more likely they get a player or a draft pick? If a pick, what round can they expect to get? — hdpaulie
I still believe Boutte will be traded, and I’d expect the Patriots to receive a fifth- or sixth-round pick in return. I wouldn’t be opposed to them targeting a higher pick in 2028, either, after parting with a pair of future selections in the A.J. Brown deal.
It’s a loooong time until camp. Any chatter about “unofficial” workouts planned? Drake and the WRs perhaps? As best I can tell, according to NFL rules, players can use the facilities as long as everything is voluntary and hands-on coaching and contact are prohibited. Not sure if they can work out together informally or if it needs to be at some remote location. — spyponder90
A.J. Brown said he and Drake Maye plan to get together and throw during the break. After Maye organized workouts with a group of teammates in North Carolina last offseason, I’d assume that could be apart of something similar again this summer.
That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.
