Patriots/NFL NFL Patriots Off Season

Two issues here.

1. What team is moving up to take him? The Raiders already went out and got a QB that they're trying to sign to an extension. Maybe New Orleans at #9, but I'm skeptical that they'd be looking to move up given their cap issues. Pittsburgh might be interested, but do you really want move all the way back to #21?

2. Even if a team like New Orleans was motivated to move up for Sanders, why would they spend extra draft capital to go to #4 when they know all they have to do is get ahead of the Jets at #7?
I agree with this 100%.

And that doesn't even account for the fact that Jaxson Dart would still be on the board as well. I don't think a lot of NFL teams see enough of a gap in quality between Sanders and Dart. Definitely not enough to trade up to #4 to grab one, while the other is still available. I could definitely see a team trading up into the back half of the first round to grab Dart, though.
 
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I agree with this 100%.

And that doesn't even account for the fact that Jaxson Dart would still be on the board as well. I don't think a lot of NFL teams see enough of a gap in quality between Sanders and Dart. Definitely not enough to trade up to #4 to grab one, while the other is still available.

Yeah, doubt they get much more than 1 extra 1st from someone to move up to 4 for Sanders.
 
Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel Explains Why New England Signed Stefon Diggs — Sports Illustrated

The veteran wideout is returning to the AFC East.

The New England Patriots made an intruiging bet in this year's NFL free agency period, inking veteran wideout Stefon Diggs to a three-year deal worth $69 million that includes $26 million guaranteed. It seems to be an ideal marriage for both sides.

The Pats need talent at wideout in the worst way possible and had oodles of cap space remaining to utilize. Diggs is coming off a torn ACL at age 31 and found the opportunity to get paid while also providing the opportunity for great statistical success and another payday as the far-and-away top option for Drake Maye.

Coach Mike Vrabel appears optimistic that the former Buffalo Bills star will be a value add. Speaking to former NFLer Chris Long on his podcast, Vrabel went into why the Pats signed Diggs.

"Just trying to make sure we're supporting Drake and supporting the football team," Vrabel said. "This is a highly-competitive, confident receiver that's produced throughout his career. In multiple ways. Play style, he's got a play strength to him that you see, that he can play physical. You know, route craft. Good at the catch point, been good in the red zone.

"There's a play style to him that I've always appreciated and that we want to continue to enhance and make sure that he's doing things to help us. His conversation, his demeanor, his attitude, and his presence have been great through our conversations and hopefully we can continue to add good players."

Supporting Maye is priority No. 1 in Foxborough and signing Diggs is a good way to do so. The former 5th-round pick recorded over 1,0000 yards receiving every year from 2018 to '23 and was on his way to another in 2024 before tearing his ACL after eight games; he's also reportedly on track to be fully healthy for Week 1 of the 2025 season.

Vrabel seems optimistic Diggs can become an effective receiver for the Patriots' quarterback, something the franchise hasn't had since the Julian Edelman days. It'll be up to Diggs to clear that low bar.
 
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Happy 3-28 to those who celebrate.

its-that-time-of-year-again-happy-3-28-to-everyone-hope-v0-bskof19gk4rc1.webp
 


Browns franchise player pushing for a QB

If I were the Browns, I would be pissed about this. I mean they gave this is a boatload of money and he can't even pull the company line for even one offseason. Great player and I don't think he's wrong. I just also think it does not help to disagree with your organization so publically.
 
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If Ward goes #1, there is no way I see the Browns taking SS next....hope I am wrong so we can grab Hunter at 4.
There must have been some inside discussion and assurances made to Myles before he signed his new deal.
I'll lay $5 that they end up signing Aaron Rodgers. That would fit their MO (being colossally stupid) perfectly.
 
Sounds like the Patriots and Ja'Whuan Bentley are parting ways.


I liked him, but definitely an antiquated type of player being big, slow, downhill type of linebacker that can't be on the field for 3rd down

Also reported he failed his physical
 
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I bet it's basically the same deal as Davante Adams', just has a "real" 3rd year instead of a void year. $12M signing bonus. Year 1 salary fully guaranteed ($8M), Year 2 salary partially guaranteed (less than 50%), no guaranteed money in Year 3, so he's probably here 2 years.

Actually, even better than I expected.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer has the full details of Diggs' deal with the Patriots:

• $16.6 million fully guaranteed.
• $22.6 million guaranteed for injury.

• $18.5 million in 2025
$12.0 million signing bonus (fully guaranteed).
$2.9 million base (fully guaranteed).
$3.4 million in per-game roster bonuses.
$200K workout bonus.

• $22.5 million in 2026
$20.6 million base ($1.7 million fully guaranteed, $6 million more guaranteed for injury).
$1.7 million in per-game roster bonuses.
$200K workout bonus.
$6 million injury guaranteed becomes fully guaranteed next March.

• $22.5 million in 2027
$20.6 million base.
$1.7 million in per-game roster bonuses.
$200K workout bonus.

• $4 million in 2025 performance incentives
$500K at 70, 80, 90, and 100 receptions.
$500K at 1,000, 1,100, 1,200, and 1,300 yards.

• $500K Pro Bowl incentive in each year

• Total: $63.5 million in base pay, plus $5.5 million in incentives for max of $69 million.

 


…but Diggs made a good first impression.

Diggs was charming. He’s a smart guy with polish and confidence. Not the fake bravado that so many young receivers — including Patriots Kayshon Boutte, Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker — try to display when they arrive in the NFL. Actual confidence.

Diggs had swagger acquired from five 100 catch seasons, six straight 1,000-yard seasons, 70 career touchdowns and two All-Pro selections over 11 years. He’s been a stud, exactly the sort of talent the Patriots have been lacking.

Diggs said he wanted to be a leader, to help Maye thrive and show the younger receivers how to succeed as professionals.

“You can’t lead everyone the same. As fiery and as competitive as I am, the ones around you, some people are motivated different. Some people need positive reinforcement, as I call it, encouragement,” he said. “Quarterbacks, they need that positive reinforcement. Things aren’t always going to go right. Things are never going to be perfect. So, having somebody that always has your back whether it’s good or bad, is something you can appreciate, especially when it’s genuine.”
 
AT&T Stadium is incredible on the outside. These pictures don’t do it justice. Gillette could fit inside of it .
 

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If the Jets gave this exact deal to an older wide receiver every good team happily sends away and coming off this specific injury this place would be on day 9 of the funniest online roast imaginable.
Devil's Advocate... if he hadn't torn his ACL, he probably would have gotten more money from a better team. The torn ACL is the only reason he didn't turn his nose up at the Patriots.

MassLive had an interview with his rehab doctor today who said he's never seen a recovery from a torn ACL like Diggs'. If he can be 90% of what he was this past season in Houston, no one will care about the money.
 
Devil's Advocate... if he hadn't torn his ACL, he probably would have gotten more money from a better team. The torn ACL is the only reason he didn't turn his nose up at the Patriots.

MassLive had an interview with his rehab doctor today who said he's never seen a recovery from a torn ACL like Diggs'. If he can be 90% of what he was this past season in Houston, no one will care about the money.

"If he hadn't torn his ACL"

THAT'S THE WHOLE THING!

And I'm sorry, you know how many doctors have said that exact same shit about other players? It's meaningless. Now maybe Diggs did heal super fast, but you can't put any actual stock in that comment.
 
And I'm sorry, you know how many doctors have said that exact same shit about other players? It's meaningless. Now maybe Diggs did heal super fast, but you can't put any actual stock in that comment.
I mean, the Patriots did get a chance to examine Diggs' knee, and basically signed him 48 hours later, so they must have been at least somewhat happy with what they saw.

It's not like they signed him blind without knowing anything about his recovery.
 

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