TEAM TALK
- Patriots re-sign DL Danny Shelton.
- Andy Hart writes how ‘complete wackjob’ Chase Winovich is a fit for New England.
- Angelique Fiske talks about how Chris Long announced his retirement this weekend, and says he will be remembered for far more than his moments on the field.
- Highlights: First look at Patriots OTA practice (30 second video)
- McCourty twins give commencement speech, receive honorary degrees. (25.17 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Ryan Hannable tells us what was learned from Monday’s sneak peek of the first Patriots OTA session: Rookies do not have normal numbers for the second straight spring; Patrick Chung was present following breaking his arm in the Super Bowl and reportedly having offseason shoulder surgery; More.
- Doug Kyed thumbnails eight young Patriots players to watch in the first open OTAs spring practice.
- Ryan Hannable explains why OTAs are more important for coaches than usual: “It’s the closest thing to training camp that there is, just without pads and contact, but... this is where the foundation of the season is built.”
- Mike Dussault (PatsPropaganda) Shelton and Collins re-signings take Pats defense over the top.
- Andrew Callahan mentions the Patriots re-signed Danny Shelton, who appeared in 15 games last season for New England.
- Kevin Duffy writes that overall, Danny Shelton’s 2018 season was a bumpy ride. “He was inactive for four of the team’s final eight games, including the playoffs. He turned in perhaps his best performance of the season in Super Bowl LIII, blowing up Rams running back C.J. Anderson in the backfield to force a third-and-10 in the second quarter. It was one of the tone-setting defensive plays of the game.”
- Matt Dolloff considers the Danny Shelton signing as the Patriots maintaining the depth and continuity on the defensive interior.
- Doug Kyed updates the Patriots depth chart after a flurry of post-draft activity.
- Kevin Duffy believes Patriots RB Damien Harris has the skill set to flourish in the NFL.
- Jordy McElroy (PatriotsWire) Can Patriots CB Joejuan Williams become the next Richard Sherman?
- Adam London brings up what one NFL writer believes are two question marks the Patriots need to address. 1. Extend Tom Brady, and 2. Keep an eye out for receivers.
- Henry McKenna (PatriotsWire) 4 burning questions for the Patriots amid the offseason programs. 1. How will the Patriots compensate for Rob Gronkowski’s retirement?
- Zack Cox notes that according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Patriots have considered adding six-time Pro Bowl DT Gerald McCoy to their defensive line.
- CBS Boston wonders if the Patriots will try to sign Gerald McCoy after his release from the Buccaneers.
- Henry McKenna (PatriotsWire) Report: Patriots engaged in trade talks for TE Kyle Rudolph.
- Zack Cox NFL Rumors: Austin Seferian-Jenkins to miss first week of Patriots OTAs.
- Henry McKenna (PatriotsWire) Analyzing the terms for WR Dontrelle Inman’s contract with Patriots.
- Megan O’Brien reports ‘Tom vs. Time’ is now an Emmy Award-winning show: Would you expect anything less from the GOAT?
- Michael McMahon relays Tom Brady’s social media reaction to ‘Tom Vs. Time’ winning a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Serialized Sports Documentary.
- CBS Boston passes along an Albert Breer report that Rob Gronkowski played with a bulging disc in his back last year - the injury eventually healed but could prevent a potential return.
- Scott J. Croteau reports Rob Gronkowski was spotted at MGM Springfield for a birthday celebration.
- Michael Deprisco notes Todd Gurley is still salty over the Rams loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl 53. /Boo. Hoo.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Albert Breer (SI) Monday Afternoon QB: What to expect at league meeting, NFL-NFLPA committees addressing player pain management.
- Chase Stuart (Football Perspective) Implied SRS Ratings (and Strength of Schedule Ratings) for the NFL in 2019. Patriots at the top.
- Will Brinson (CBS Sports) NFL Fatal Flaws 2019: Tom Brady and Drew Brees’ age, Carson Wentz’s health and every team’s possible pitfall.
- Jason La Canfora (CBS Sports) 2019 NFL predictions: A way-too-early look at who’ll be division winners and playoff teams.
- Jason La Canfora (CBS Sports) Five division winners from 2018 that are poised to take a step back: Texans, Bears, Cowboys, Rams, Chiefs.
- Bill Barnwell (ESPN) NFL offseason agendas: Barnwell’s to-do lists for all 16 AFC teams.
- Rick Stroud (Tampa Bay Times) Bucs release defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. “McCoy knew when he watched the New England Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta that he had to experience that feeling of winning a championship before his career ends.”
- Danny Abriano (SNY.TV) With whispers of Jets pursuing Peyton Manning, NFL GM ‘not a job he seems to want’.
- Charlotte Wilder (SI) After the NFL, Ty Law saw a business opportunity in trampoline parks.
- Tadd Haislop (Sporting News) New NFL overtime rules: Explaining the OT format change proposal.
- Kirstie Chiappelli (Sporting News) New NFL-NFLPA committees to study pain management, including marijuana.
EXTRACURRICULAR
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Judge blocks surveillance video from trial of women in Robert Kraft’s case.