The New England Patriots concluded their offseason program on Thursday with their third day of mandatory minicamp. Players are off away from the facility for the next six weeks, but plenty remains to be talked about.
So, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
Hey Brian. What do you think is more realistic scenario to bolster the edge depth: trading away a player and future asset for a guy like Thibodeaux, or signing a veteran like Joey Bosa to a short term deal? – Pat in Agawam
Mike Vrabel
made it seem as though the team is comfortable with its current edge group — unlike at tight end, where he openly acknowledged the position could be addressed. That stance could change, however, if Harold Landry and Gabe Jacas remain sidelined.
If that happens, I’d make the call on Kayvon Thibodeaux. He is their style of player at that position and has a history with some members of the the staff, including defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr, defensive analyst Shane Bowen, and vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden.
At this point, though, I think signing a veteran is the more likely outcome. I’m not a fan of Bosa at this stage of his career — and he himself seems uncertain about his future — but players such as Jadeveon Clowney and Za’Darius Smith, who previously played under outside linebackers coach Mike Smith, stand out as veteran options with ties to the coaching staff.
“I can go on and on about Z. He was one of my favorite players of all time,” Smith said Thursday.
If you were GM and were going to Ram it (trade all the picks for a player) who do you grab? – XGhost-PepperX
Speaking of pass rushers, it realistically probably would have been Myles Garrett as he’s one of the best players in the league at the Patriots biggest position of need. In a pipe dream: Will Anderson Jr.
At what date in the nfl’s schedule do the Pats and Jacas have to agree on a contract before their relationship terminates? Have the Pats ever drafted a player that didn’t actually join the team?
Jacas has until the Tuesday after Week 10 of the regular season to sign his contract. If he does not do so by that deadline, he forfeits his right to play that year and becomes eligible to re-enter the 2027 NFL Draft. At that point, every team but New England would be eligible to select him.
And yes, the Patriots have drafted players before who did not actually join them. One of the most famous examples is Nebraska defensive tackle Christian Peter, who was selected in the fifth round in 1996. Coming with an extensive legal history and allegations of sexual assault, his selection created an immediate outcry among the public that eventually resulted in the team forfeiting his rights a week after the draft.
What’s the deal with Jack Westover? His performance at FB/potential at TE2 led to the Pats signing Gilliam and Hill, he doesn’t play Special Teams, doesn’t figure into the passing game, at age 27 he isn’t exactly brimming with youthful potential, yet here he is getting the first crack at replacing Hill. So is he like, funny or something? – slunkywontergreen
It’s typical in the spring for more experienced players to rep ahead of rookies. That’s likely why Westover has primarily served as the top option behind Hunter Henry in Julian Hill’s absence, at least until he was unavailable for the final minicamp practice on Thursday. The hope is probably that Eli Raridon grows into that role by training camp, while Vrabel has also acknowledged that tight end is a position the team will likely address at some point this offseason.
I would like the Pats to make a few more FA additions before training camp to add some crucial depth. (1) LB is a definite need. Who would you see as a better fit between Bobby Okereke, Devin White, or Kenneth Murray? (2) Edge depth is also a major need. Why wouldn’t they take a stab at AJ Epenesa? (3) We have a trade! Kayshon Boutte to the Rams for TE Colby Parkinson. Fits a need on both teams. Thoughts? – VinnieBoombatz71
- I’d say Okereke would be a good fit next to Spillane. Also some familiarity in the front office with Ryan Cowden from New York.
- I’ve never been a major fan of Epenesa’s game, so would probably prefer some of the veteran names discussed above.
- After drafting Terrance Ferguson last year and Max Klare this year, the Rams make sense as a team willing to trade one of their veteran tight ends. Not sure if they would want Boutte, but could see the Patriots having interest in Parkinson or Tyler Higbee later this summer if the younger tight ends don’t earn opportunities.
why is the sky blue?– jk– NBC Bos has the team goign 9-8, arrived at via a simualtion– i think they get the 10 wins, but so much is dependent upon health. At one point we had a great team in place to get players ready and avoid too many major injuries, but there has been a lot of turnover in the last few years, how do you view the therapists, strength coach et al and how do you think they stack up compared to other teams? will having two thursday night games lead to more injuries? – Bajer
Health is always a major factor and one the Patriots acknowledged they benefited from last season.
“We were a pretty healthy football team through the 2025 season. You just can’t bank on that happening the same way,” Vice President of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden said.
The one positive is that, even with the staff turnover in recent years, the Patriots have maintained strong continuity on the medical staff. Players’ availability has also generally improved after arriving in New England. Hunter Henry is one example, having played at least 16 games in four of his five seasons with the Patriots after never reaching that mark during his five years with the Chargers.
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.
