New England Patriots links 3/03/17 - Pats still negotiating with Hightower, Branch... and Floyd?

TEAM TALK

• Erik Scalavino passes along a report that the Patriots will be releasing Sebastian Vollmer.
• Paul Perillo Combine Notebook: The NFL Combine has a new look in Indy this year.
• Paul Perillo reviews the offensive line depth in this draft.
• Andy Hart looks at this year's running back class at the Combine.
• Andy Hart finds that both Josh Mcdaniels and Matt Patricia impressed prospective employers, even if they didn’t end up moving on for head coaching jobs.
• Paul Perillo asked Jack Del Rio about his experiences playing in Mexico, and while he said they were positive, he wasn't willing to share them with Bill Belichick.
• John Morgan (PatsFans) 2017 NFL calendar and key dates.
• Angelique Fiske talks about how Trey Flowers got lessons from the Harlem Globetrotters, and even nailed a backwards half court shot.

LOCAL LINKS

• Mike Reiss discusses the Patriots strategy that by allowing the likes of Dont'a Hightower to hit free agency, they let the market set a price and hope that the bond forged helps reel them back.
• Jeff Howe reports the Patriots have been setting priorities in advance of free agency (March 9th), while maintaining a productive dialogue with Dont'a Hightower. Also: "Pats are expected to go hard after edge rushers in the draft."
• Karen Guregian states that the Patriots are going to have to overpay if they want to keep their best free agents.
• Jeff Howe Patriots Notebook: Talent available on running back market may force Bill Belichick to rethink his philosophy on position; More.
• Michael Hurley gives us five things to watch from the Patriots in the Combine/Draft season. 5. O-Line reinforcement.
• Danny Picard expects the Patriots to try to trade Jimmy Garoppolo, despite the report.
• Ron Borges writes that 'There has never been any "decision" to make about Garoppolo beyond whether or not Belichick believes he can win with him."
• Ryan Hannable relays comments from former Buccaneers GM Mark Domiik: Dont'a Hightower could reset market with new contract.
• Nick O'Malley says this years Combine features a deep crop of powerful running backs that the Patriots could target.
• Doug Kyed Patriots Mailbag: Which available veteran running back holds the most value?
• Kevin Duffy believes the Patriots will do their due diligence on several tight ends at this week's Combine.
• D.J.Bean NFL Scouting Combine preview: Wide receivers.
• Matt Dolloff offers a breakdown of Michael Floyd's free-agent situation. Will the Patriots bring him back?
• P.J. Wright (PatriotsWire) Report: Patriots interested in re-signing Michael Floyd.
• Kevin Tame Jr. (PatriotsWire) Patriots should sign Brandon Marshall when Jets release him. /No.
• Chris Warner (BostonSportsMediaWatch) Patriots Super Bowl 51 review with perspective. /Worth the read.
• Karen Guregian notes Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell thinks Josh McDaniels will be a head coach sooner rather than later.
• Jerry Thornton (Barstool Sports) NFL rules committee is considering taking away yet another play the Patriots do well.
• Mike Reiss notes Stephen Gostkowski read to students at the Valley Collaborative Elementary School as part of National Read Across America Day.
• The Herald spotlights why it’s been a good week for Pats’ WAGs Gisele Bundchen and Adriana Lima.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Mary Kay Cabot (Cleveland.com) Patriots will still trade Jimmy Garoppolo if the offer is right, source says.
• Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com) NFL Scouting Combine viewer's guide.
• Robert Klemko (The MMQB) From the Combine: A battle between agents brews. Plus more notes from Indy.
• Rick Maese (AthleticBusiness) Does the NFL Combine violate the law?
• Chris Burke (SI) Live from the NFL combine: Latest updates, rumors and news from Indianapolis.
• Rob Rang (CBS Sports) 2017 NFL combine: QBs measure up, RBs flash strength and more Day 2 takeaways.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Free advice for Combine participants: Opt for briefs, not boxers.
• Jon Benne (SB Nation) NFL free agency: What is it, when is it, and how does it work?
• Jason B. Hirschhorn (Sports on Earth) NFL Free Agency shopping list for '17.
• Kevin Seifert (ESPN) Salary-cap flexibility grades for all 32 NFL teams in 2017.
  
• Gary Myers (NY Daily News) Here’s why a Darrelle Revis-Patriots reunion makes sense. /To a Jets writer, maybe.
• Brian Costello (NY Post) Todd Bowles insists Jets aren’t rebuilding while they do just that.
• Adam H. Beasley (Miami Herald) Significant interest around NFL in free-agent linebacker Barkevious Mingo, source says.
• Greg Bishop (SI) Dan Quinn reflects on a season defined by loss and where he'll take the Falcons from here.
• Michael Tunison (Sports on Earth) Ideas for new NFL celebration rules.
• Joon Lee (Bleacher Report) Could Rob Gronkowski be an action comedy star? His movie director says yes.
• Edward Krupat, PH.D. (SI) Why the Wonderlic test is an outdated method of thinking about NFL intelligence.

DUMPSTER DIVE

• Sheilla Dingus (Advocacy for Fairness in Sports) The Blitz: Concussions, Crime Blotter (including Aaron Hernandez trial updates), Litigation, More.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) NFLPA plans to explore whether marijuana is safer alternative to opiates.
• Sheilla Dingus (Advocacy for Fairness in Sports) The story of an NFL wife: A conversation with Cyndy Feasel.
• Laurel J. Sweet (Boston Herald) Sides offer divergent versions of events in Aaron Hernandez double murder trial. /Day 1.
  
• Bob McGovern (Boston Herald) Strong offense not best defense for Aaron Hernandez. /Day 1.
• Laurel J.Sweet, Bob McGovern (Boston Herald) Aaron Hernandez trial: Day 2 live coverage.