What is the story about?
TEAM
TALK
- Evan Lazar’s 2026 free agent forecast: Wide receiver.
- Patriots updated Mock Draft Tracker.
- Patriots Unfiltered: NFL Combine recap/analysis, free agent forecast, team/league updates. (2 hours)
LOCAL LINKS
- Conor Roche suggests 10 combine standouts that could make sense for the Patriots in the draft.
- Aaliyan Mohammed recaps Andrew Callahan’s column [paywall] suggesting that the Patriots could fix the pass rush through free agency.
- Sara Marshall notes the Giants just handed the Patriots their next star linebacker on a silver platter: ILB Bobby Okereke was cut for cap space reasons despite how productive and instrumental he has been.
- Keagan Stiefel writes how, to be contenders, the Pats have to construct another near-flawless offseason — which might include taking a swing on undervalued free agents, like Lions LB Al-Quadin Muhammad.
- Mark Daniels profiles 5 linebacker free agents the Patriots should sign: Although they have numbers at this position, the Pats could search for an upgrade.
- Mike D’Abate says the Pats should look into potential Vikings trade target, LB Jonathan Greenard.
- Conor Ryan thinks the Patriots might have a shot at top free-agent WR Alec Pierce after Colts’ franchise-tag gamble. “He is a much more complete player than people give him credit for.”
- Karen Guregian argues the Patriots can’t afford to pass on WR Alec Pierce.
- Ethan Hurwitz reports top TE prospect, Notre Dame’s Eli Raridon had a great meeting with the Patriots.
- Darren Hartwell relays Ty Law with Tom E. Curran talking about Christian Gonzalez’s contract, negotiating with Belichick and more.
- Ethan Hurwitz mentions Drake Maye hosted a youth football clinic in Hawaii.
- Jerry Thornton notes Dolphins’ Raheem Mostert admits Mike McDaniel failed because he wanted to be everybody’s pal and players want a coach who’s ‘going to lay the hammer down.’ /[cough] Jerod Mayo.
- Pats Procrastination podcast: Clare and Chudders talk Combine, free agency and more. (40 min.)
- Molly Farrar reports Patriots players brought strippers, hookahs to celebrate at a Boston restaurant after the AFC Championship game, its owner says. He’s now facing a license violation.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Eva Geitheim (SI) When does 2026 NFL free agency start?
- Garrett Podell (CBS Sports) 2026 NFL free agency primer: Projected free agents, top needs, cap space for all 32 teams this offseason.
- Jeffri Chadiha (NFL.com) Five teams that must make a major splash in free agency. Patriots included. /click for commentary.
- Tyler Sullivan (CBS Sports) Tua Tagovailoa, Stefon Diggs among 10 veteran cut candidates in free agency.
- Matt Bowen (ESPN) 2026 NFL free agency: Ranking the top 100 players available.
- Conor Orr (SI) The benefits and drawbacks of trading for a ‘Golden Goose’ like Maxx Crosby.
- Eva Geitheim (SI) When is every school’s Pro Day? Full schedule.
- Matt Verderame (SI) 2026 Franchise Tag deadline winners and losers.
- Daniel Flick (SI) Post-Combine NFL mock draft. Pats pick Texas A&M Edge Cashius Howell at 31.
- Charles Davis (NFL.com) 2026 NFL mock draft 2.0. Pats pick Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor at 31.
