Elusive Harmony?
Following the conclusion of spring practices on June 12, the New England Patriots are gearing up for the upcoming training camp, set to begin on July 24. With the rookie class completing an additional 10 days of strength and conditioning work, the team is working to find its rhythm for the season ahead.
Starting defensive tackle Davon Godchaux is eyeing a contract renegotiation. Currently, Godchaux is in the final season of a two-year, $20.8 million extension. His request puts additional pressure on Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo to finalize contract situations, including those of other key players. Joshua Uche was notably working alone during 11-on-11 drills, while Matthew Judon participated fully in the mandatory minicamp, set to earn $7.5 million this season.
Maye's Plan
Drake Maye intends to spend the next few weeks back in North Carolina. Balancing family time with preparation for training camp, he plans to work closely with Clyde Christensen at UNC to ensure he is in peak condition when the season kicks off.
Stevenson's Growth
Rhamondre Stevenson has recently been offered a four-year extension worth $36 million, with $17 million guaranteed. Last season, Stevenson's 107 receptions ranked sixth among NFL running backs. His performance has set high expectations for the upcoming season, and the Patriots are banking on Stevenson's continued growth.
'Buy-In' at Newsome Forum
Brandon Brown emphasized the need for tangible buy-in from the players during the Newsome Forum. Jerod Mayo, although unproven as a head coach, has made significant strides in connecting with the players, creating a sense of unity and commitment within the team.
Pioli's Presence
Another noteworthy figure at recent team events has been Scott Pioli. His attendance at the GM Forum and QB Coaching Summit highlights his dedication to elevating and developing experienced coaches of color. Pioli’s passionate support for the initiative is greatly valued by the organization and the broader football community.
Another Brady Ring
In an emotional ceremony, Robert Kraft presented Tom Brady with a special ring commemorating his 20 years with the franchise. The presentation was part of Brady's induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Commentator Mike Tirico called it the "greatest retirement event of an athlete," and it was a fitting tribute to the legendary quarterback’s storied career with the Patriots.
Fantasy Rankings
In the realm of fantasy football, Stevenson is currently the Patriots' highest-rated skill position player, ranked as the No. 18 running back in PPR leagues. Hunter Henry ranks as the No. 21 tight end, Drake Maye as the No. 23 quarterback, and DeMario Douglas as the No. 60 receiver. Despite these moderate fantasy rankings, the Patriots hope that their underdog status in the fantasy world won't translate to their real-world performance.
Ace of Clubs
Off the field, Bryce Baringer has qualified for the 2024 Massachusetts Amateur Championship, making a 25-foot birdie putt on the final hole to secure his spot. Baringer will compete in the championship on July 8, showcasing his versatility and skill not just on the gridiron, but also on the golf course.
Did You Know?
Christian Elliss is part of an elite group, with two brothers also on NFL rosters. The Elliss brothers are one of two families with three siblings currently active in the NFL, the other being the Sewell family. Additionally, the Patriots rank seventh in the NFL for total guaranteed money allocated to running backs, standing at $22.6 million.
Quotes
As the team gears up for the new season, several poignant quotes reflect the mindset within the organization:
"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."