Elusive Harmony?
Spring practices for the New England Patriots concluded on June 12, with the rookie class wrapping up an additional 10 days of strength and conditioning work. As the team prepares for the start of training camp set for July 24, several storylines are emerging, both on and off the field.
One of the pressing off-field issues involves starting defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, who is seeking to renegotiate his contract. Godchaux is currently in the final season of a two-year, $20.8 million extension. This contract situation, along with linebacker Joshua Uche being seen working alone during 11-on-11 drills, raises questions about the team’s cohesion.
On a positive note, linebacker Matthew Judon participated fully in the mandatory minicamp and is set to earn $7.5 million for the season. However, the team's management, including Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo, have significant work ahead regarding these contract negotiations.
Maye's Plan
Drake Maye, planning to spend the next few weeks back in North Carolina, aims to balance family time while preparing for training camp. He will be working with Clyde Christensen at the University of North Carolina (UNC) to ensure he’s in prime condition for the upcoming season.
Stevenson's Growth
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson has shown notable growth, recently being offered a four-year extension worth $36 million, $17 million of which is guaranteed. Stevenson’s performance has been impressive, with his 107 receptions ranking sixth among NFL running backs. This extension reflects the trust the Patriots are placing in him to continue being a key contributor to their offense.
'Buy-In' at Newsome Forum
At the Newsome Forum, Brandon Brown emphasized the need for tangible evidence of ‘buy-in’ from players. Despite being unproven as a head coach, Jerod Mayo has managed to connect well with the players, fostering a sense of trust and unity within the team.
Pioli's Presence
Scott Pioli’s attendance at the GM Forum and QB Coaching Summit has not gone unnoticed. These events aim to elevate and develop experienced coaches of color, an initiative Pioli has passionately supported. His involvement underscores his commitment to diversifying the coaching ranks in the NFL.
Another Brady Ring
In a special ceremony, Robert Kraft presented Tom Brady with a unique ring commemorating his 20 years with the franchise. This event, part of Brady's Patriots Hall of Fame induction, was hailed by Mike Tirico as the “greatest retirement event of an athlete.” The celebration encapsulated the profound impact Brady had on the Patriots and the NFL at large.
Fantasy Rankings
Looking at the fantasy football landscape, Rhamondre Stevenson stands out as the Patriots' highest-rated skill position player, ranked as the No. 18 running back in PPR leagues. Tight end Hunter Henry is slotted at No. 21 in his position, while quarterback Drake Maye is at No. 23 among signal callers. Rookie receiver DeMario Douglas comes in at No. 60. Despite these rankings, the Patriots hope their perceived lack of fantasy firepower won’t translate into real-world struggles on the field.
Ace of Clubs
In other sports news involving the Patriots, punter Bryce Baringer qualified for the 2024 Massachusetts Amateur Championship by making a clutch 25-foot birdie putt on the final hole. Baringer’s participation in the championship on July 8 is a testament to his versatility and athletic prowess.
Did You Know? Part I
Christian Elliss, a key player for the Patriots, has two brothers also on NFL rosters. The Elliss brothers are one of two families in the league with three siblings currently active, the other being the Sewell family. This familial presence in the NFL highlights the unique dynamics and support systems within these football families.
Did You Know? Part II
The Patriots rank seventh in the NFL in total guaranteed money for running backs, at $22.6 million. This financial commitment underscores the team’s strategy to invest heavily in their backfield, aiming to bolster their offense through strong and reliable running back play.
Quotes
Several quotes from within the organization provide insight into the current mindset and strategic direction:
"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 everything else, 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."