New England Patriots links 3/08/21 - Hard push-hard pass: Acquiring Jimmy G, a No. 1 WR, FA spending spree

TEAM TALK

• Patriots 2021 Mock Draft Tracker.
• Mike Dussault examines the free agency landscape from a Patriots perspective, with a look at the linebackers.
• From NFL Total Access - Willie McGinest and Scott Pioli outline the Patriots offseason priorities. (2 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

• Mike Reiss shares some quick-hit weekend thoughts: GM John Lynch says he is committed to his starter, but the QB’s contract and injury history could make the 49ers willing to deal; JMac is in; Belichick and OT; More.
• Steve Balestrieri (PatsFans) Sunday Patriots news, AFC East notes: League year begins in less than 10 days; Cliff Branch HOF? Perhaps Stanley Morgan first; More.
• Ian Logue (PatsFans) Five Patriots/NFL things to know for Monday. 1) While I fall into the category of those who would like to see Jimmy Garoppolo return to New England, I also fall into the camp where I’m just not sure if it happens this year.
• Andrew Callahan lays out why the Patriots’ free-agent wide receiver plans shouldn’t start with a No. 1 option. “Instead, the Patriots should pursue two starting-caliber players for the price of a No. 1. Together, they’re more likely to provide greater on-field production, and therefore better return on investment.”
• Karen Guregian makes a case for Will Fuller above other receiving options for the Pats.
• Jack Long (MusketFire) Should Patriots ‘pass or pursue’ these top free agent wide receivers?
• Ricky Doyle relays NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein setting expectations for New England’s first round pick in the draft, and it doesn’t involve trading up for a QB or WR.
• Karen Guregian’s NFL Notes: Free agency stakes have never been higher for Bill Belichick and the Patriots.
• Clare Cooper (PatsPropaganda) Diagnosis: Free agency fever.
• Matt Dolloff thumbnails 10 intriguing free agents already available around the NFL.
• Christopher Price takes a closer look at the free agency outlook for Cam Newton - James White - Joe Thuney - Lawrence Guy - Nick Folk.
• Tom E. Curran gives us his 2021 Patriots free agency predictions on offense.
• Phil Perry predicts the current Patriots free agency destinations on defense.
• Doug Kyed looks at the likelihood of Damiere Byrd returning after a breakout season in New England with career highs in catches and yards. /I’d sign off on having him back.
• Doug Kyed analyzes how some potential Pats QB options would affect their 2021 salary cap space.
• Andy Hart suggests the Patriots’ best plan at QB might be to forget about the QB for now.
• Jerry Trotta (MusketFire) History shows that Bill Belichick probably shouldn’t draft a quarterback.
• Conor Roche tells us what insiders are saying about a Jimmy Garoppolo reunion for the Patriots. “Jimmy Garoppolo still is far and away their Plan A.” /”Insiders”.
• Jiwon Kim reports sources tell Patriots insider Greg Bedard that Jimmy Garoppolo remains atop the Patriots wish list to be starting quarterback next season. /Is Bedard really a Patriots insider??
• Ryan Hannable says the 49ers fanbase wants Jimmy Garoppolo gone.
• Doug Kyed’s Patriots Mailbag: How 49ers would be willing to trade Jimmy Garoppolo.
• Evan Lazar’s Patriots Mailbag: Does signing veteran cap casualties make sense for rebuilding Pats?
• David Latham (LastWordOnSports) Five Zach Ertz trade team fits. Patriots included.
• Clare Cooper (FullPressCoverage) A Clare Perspective: And the kick is good!!…. or is it? ‘ Let’s give some kicker love for the moment... a lot can ride on that one single guy’s leg.’
• CBS Boston notes that QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is apparently leaning toward retirement.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Albert Breer (SI) Monday Morning QB: How the salary cap squeeze will impact the NFL over the next few weeks; Plus, the Ravens’ new overtime proposal, franchise tag deadline, disgruntled QBs and much more.
• Peter King (ProFootballTalk) FMIA: In this 2021 NFL draft primer, uncertainty is No. 1 overall prospect.
• Warren Sharp (NBC Sports) Offseason research: Super Bowl Champions use free agency correctly.
• Mark Schofield (TouchdownWire) The future of offensive football.
• Gregg Rosenthal (NFL.com) 2021 NFL free agency: Eleven players who could be overpriced. Joe Thuney included.
• Michael Baca (NFL.com) Multiple teams expressing interest in trading for Eagles TE Zach Ertz.
• Mel Kiper Jr. (ESPN) Kiper’s highest-graded quarterbacks ever for the NFL draft: John Elway ranks first since 1979, Trevor Lawrence makes the top 10.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) NFL may move back deadline to use franchise tag.
• Frank Schwab (Yahoo! Sports) Top 7 QBs available in free agency (and 5 others who could be traded).
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Will Jimmy Garoppolo return to the Patriots?
• Cody Benjamin (CBS Sports) 2021 NFL free agency mock draft: Where do they go? Pats get Hunter Henry, Chargers get Joe Thuney.
• Charean Williams (ProFootballTalk) Report: Dolphins hire Steve Gregory as coaching assistant. /He’ll always have the Buttfumble TD.
• Conor Orr (SI) Ben Roethlisberger’s return to the Steelers shows a failure to find his successor.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) If Seahawks trade Russell Wilson, what’s their plan at quarterback? /Exactly.
• Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Bills raising ticket prices for 2021 season. /#winning.
• Jason La Canfora (CBS Sports) Why Tom Brady’s career won’t end at age 45: Contract extension will get done, and could add three more years
• Tom VanHaaren (ESPN) Tom Brady rookie card sells for record $1.32 million.
• Cassandra Negley (Yahoo! Sports) NFLPA president encourages players to focus on mental health by expanding interests