Rhamondre

[Huckleberry1]

Best value?
He will make what, $18M, that's a **** ton for an OC.
Good player for sure, best value is highly debatable.

Calvin Ridley makes more than that. A great receiver may touch the ball 6-8 times a game, the Center is in on every offensive play. Garrett Bradbury was signed as band aid, filler to get them to where they could replace him with a great player, if Lindebaum is available he should be their priority.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Calvin Ridley makes more than that. A great receiver may touch the ball 6-8 times a game, the Center is in on every offensive play. Garrett Bradbury was signed as band aid, filler to get them to where they could replace him with a great player, if Lindebaum is available he should be their priority.

I don't disagree about the player, we differ on value is all.
$18M is a lot for a OC. I would rather move Wilson to OC and draft an early guard than allot that much cap space to an OC.
That's not to say I wouldn't be happy if we signed him, he would make us better, it's just a lot of money.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Unfortunately Martin racked up most of his HOF yardage on the Jets. Breaks my heart to this day.

Martin is still my favorite Pats RB of all time. I hated when he left, but or else the butterfly effect probably takes place had he stayed. Pats would've done just enough for Carroll (who I liked) to stay with the team which means BB and Brady are elsewhere.

Best value?
He will make what, $18M, that's a **** ton for an OC.
Good player for sure, best value is highly debatable.

FA is weak and Pats have a chance to have two young studs along the O-line. Linderbaum is among the best in the league and is a 3x consecutive Pro Bowl player. O-line has been better since 2023, but needs to be addressed. Henderson has found a way to make plays despite this O-line not being that good at run blocking. His production will explode with C like Linderbaum.

 

[Ring 6]

I don't disagree about the player, we differ on value is all.
$18M is a lot for a OC. I would rather move Wilson to OC and draft an early guard than allot that much cap space to an OC.
That's not to say I wouldn't be happy if we signed him, he would make us better, it's just a lot of money.

Reality is we are probably bringing Bradbury back next year.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Martin is still my favorite Pats RB of all time. I hated when he left, but or else the butterfly effect probably takes place had he stayed. Pats would've done just enough for Carroll (who I liked) to stay with the team which means BB and Brady are elsewhere.

FA is weak and Pats have a chance to have two young studs along the O-line. Linderbaum is among the best in the league and is a 3x consecutive Pro Bowl player. O-line has been better since 2023, but needs to be addressed. Henderson has found a way to make plays despite this O-line not being that good at run blocking. His production will explode with C like Linderbaum.

We agree on the player.
But..I feel we spent a 3rd on Wilson to be our future OC. He was ok at OG, not great and don't know if he ever will be, but again as a 3rd rd pick I think the intention is for him to start somewhere.
So is it better to pay Linderbaum and keep Wilson at OG, or move him to OC and take one of the best OGs in the first or second?
We have to manage the roster cap for not just one year. but multiple. Drake will get paid, as will Gonzo. Diggs will need to be replaced, he ain't getting younger.
Like I said, I wouldn't be unhappy if we signed him, but there are other ways to address the Oline.

 

[Huckleberry1]

I don't disagree about the player, we differ on value is all.
$18M is a lot for a OC. I would rather move Wilson to OC and draft an early guard than allot that much cap space to an OC.
That's not to say I wouldn't be happy if we signed him, he would make us better, it's just a lot of money.

I don't mind paying top players top money, especially when they are going to improve those around them. Lindebaum is a beast, and he will immediately improve both their running game and the interior pocket for Maye , those are big benefit for the team, and well worth the price of his contract, which imo is probably going to be more than 23 $$$/year. I think that's money well spent. The schedule is going to get much tougher next year, and they need to improve their OL and front 7 defensively to keep up with it, However ultimately it's going to come down to availability, so if guys like Lindebaum and McGivern don't make it to free agency, or sign for more elsewhere then move on to address other needs and then gonOL heavy in the draft.

 

[Huckleberry1]

I don't disagree about the player, we differ on value is all.
$18M is a lot for a OC. I would rather move Wilson to OC and draft an early guard than allot that much cap space to an OC.
That's not to say I wouldn't be happy if we signed him, he would make us better, it's just a lot of money.

They can get Lindebaum for considerably less than some idiot is going to pay George Pickens, and around what Alec Pierce is going to get. That's what I mean by saying Lindrbaum is the best value. You get him for the same price tag as average receivers, cornerbacks, and Edge guys, but he's one of the best at his position.

 

[Wozzy]

Reality is we are probably bringing Bradbury back next year.

Why not, he’s played great.

They should keep adding on the line in the draft. Go young and cheap.

 

[Wozzy]

They can get Lindebaum for considerably less than some idiot is going to pay George Pickens, and around what Alec Pierce is going to get. That's what I mean by saying Lindrbaum is the best value. You get him for the same price tag as average receivers, cornerbacks, and Edge guys, but he's one of the best at his position.

Alec Pierce would be a smart value addition if they could get him.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Alec Pierce would be a smart value addition if they could get him.

I like Pierce, but here's the question:

We seem to have a couple of guys in Williams and Boutte that can win downfield (even Hollins at times). Both young guys getting better, and both on cheap contracts. Williams still has a ways to go, and Boutte is nearing a second contract, so neither are guaranteed to be Pierce level HERE, but the potential is there.

I hope Diggs is back, but again based on age his career is winding down.

I think the Diggs role is where we should be looking, zone beaters who can win short and intermediate.

Pierce seems redundant here if the staff has confidence in the development of Williams and the future of Boutte here. Unless of course they think Pierce is a significant ugrade.

So is Pierce worth the 20-25M he will get here?

 

[Uptown]

It’s really just Law-Firm’s spirit in Rham’s body now..

 

[Uptown]

I think it was L. Blount that told Rham to sharpen up his pass catching skills if he wanted to succeed in Josh's offense (paraphrasing) and that he wished he practiced that part of his game more.

Agreed. He’s also been at their practices recently.

 

[Wozzy]

I like Pierce, but here's the question:

We seem to have a couple of guys in Williams and Boutte that can win downfield (even Hollins at times). Both young guys getting better, and both on cheap contracts. Williams still has a ways to go, and Boutte is nearing a second contract, so neither are guaranteed to be Pierce level HERE, but the potential is there.

I hope Diggs is back, but again based on age his career is winding down.

I think the Diggs role is where we should be looking, zone beaters who can win short and intermediate.

Pierce seems redundant here if the staff has confidence in the development of Williams and the future of Boutte here. Unless of course they think Pierce is a significant ugrade.

So is Pierce worth the 20-25M he will get here?

I’m not sure what Pierce will command, but he’s a big
fast physical field stretcher. I don’t think he’ll get too much money.

And to be clear, we don’t have a single WR who is a free agent in 2026, they don’t have a desperate need… we’re 5th in passing yards and rank #1 overall in yards per attempt.

But you have to bring more players to camp than you think will make the team, you also want to increase the level of competition. Bring in as many good guys as possible, and some WR you were expecting to contribute will get hurt. It’s the nature of the game.

 

[Wozzy]

It’s really just Law-Firm’s spirit in Rham’s body now..

Not a great comparison IMO, Lawfirm couldn’t play WR or catch over his shoulders the way Rhamondre can. That was a weakness of his.

I also don’t think receiving is something Rhamondre learned while here, he brought that with him and showed it as a rookie. It was really pass protection he needed to improve as a rookie and it got him benched momentarily.

I always thought a great player comparison for Rhamondre was Le’Veon Bell in his prime. Same height, weight, athleticism, ability as a RB and WR, same methodical patient running style.

 

[Uptown]

Not a great comparison IMO, Lawfirm couldn’t play WR or catch over his shoulders the way Rhamondre can. That was a weakness of his.

I also don’t think receiving is something Rhamondre learned while here, he brought that with him and showed it as a rookie. It was really pass protection he needed to improve as a rookie and it got him benched momentarily.

I always thought a great player comparison for Rhamondre was Le’Veon Bell in his prime. Same height, weight, athleticism, ability as a RB and WR, same methodical patient running style.

I was referring to his lack of fumbling.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

I’m not sure what Pierce will command, but he’s a big
fast physical field stretcher. I don’t think he’ll get too much money.

And to be clear, we don’t have a single WR who is a free agent in 2026, they don’t have a desperate need… we’re 5th in passing yards and rank #1 overall in yards per attempt.

But you have to bring more players to camp than you think will make the team, you also want to increase the level of competition. Bring in as many good guys as possible, and some WR you were expecting to contribute will get hurt. It’s the nature of the game.

What do you think Pierce will command?
I have seen projections in the $22M AAV area.
And to your point, our passing stats are really good currently, is adding a guy on a contract north of $20M worth it?
I like the player, and trust in Vrabs decision. Just not sure spending that on an already really good passing attack with young guys that continue to get better is the best way to spend FA money.

 

[Huckleberry1]

I like Pierce, but here's the question:

We seem to have a couple of guys in Williams and Boutte that can win downfield (even Hollins at times). Both young guys getting better, and both on cheap contracts. Williams still has a ways to go, and Boutte is nearing a second contract, so neither are guaranteed to be Pierce level HERE, but the potential is there.

I hope Diggs is back, but again based on age his career is winding down.

I think the Diggs role is where we should be looking, zone beaters who can win short and intermediate.

Pierce seems redundant here if the staff has confidence in the development of Williams and the future of Boutte here. Unless of course they think Pierce is a significant ugrade.

So is Pierce worth the 20-25M he will get here?

I like Pierce, but right now I think between Hollins and Williams they have that role covered, so I wouldn't spend that money on Pierce, but would instead extend Boutte and bring Hollins back for another year. Hollins gives them the big possession receiver outside the hashes, and Williams the deep threat.

When it comes to Williams I think his primary issue was understanding the offense. Going from college ball to MacDaniels offense is like being asked to learn Latin in 3 months. If he can learn their offense I think he can eventually be Diggs replacement. Diggs didn't start out as a slot guy working underneath defenses, he was an outside the hashes receiver who could burn you in a variety of ways. We will have a much better idea of Williams potential by the middle of the season next year.

Given the way this season went receiver isn't priority, but if they see someone they love in the draft I'm fine with them adding to the room and letting them fight it out.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

I like Pierce, but right now I think between Hollins cans Williams they have that role covered, so I wouldn't spend that money on Pierce, but would instead extend Boutte and bring Hollins back for another year. Hollins gives them the big possession receiver outside the hashes, and Williams the deep threat.

When it comes to Williams I think his primary issue was understanding the offense. Going from college ball to MacDaniels offense is like being asked to learn Latin in 3 months. If he can learn their offense I think he can eventually be Diggs replacement. Diggs didn't start out as a slot guy working underneath defenses, he was an outside the hashes receiver who could burn you in a variety of ways. We will have a much better idea of Williams potential by the middle of the season next year.

Given the way this season went receiver isn't priority, but if they see someone they love in the draft I'm fine with them adding to the room and letting them fight it out.

Yup, spot on.
Just question giving out a $22M AAV to a guy who plays a role we seem to have covered here, by young guys getting better.
Between Hollins/Diggs and Boutte, we have some uncertainty on the longer term, so 100% we should add in the draft, gotta restock the coffers.
I would prefer spending FA $ on defense and maybe TE if there is a guy you believe in (has Pitts finally turned the corner?).

 

[TommyD4207]

I’m not sure what Pierce will command, but he’s a big
fast physical field stretcher. I don’t think he’ll get too much money.

He'll get north of 25 million a year.

 

[n1997y]

And to be clear, we don’t have a single WR who is a free agent in 2026, they don’t have a desperate need… we’re 5th in passing yards and rank #1 overall in yards per attempt.

Patriots rank #1 in completion percentage, and #1 overall in yards per attempt. That says the only reason the Patriots don’t rank #1 in total passing yards is their choice to not throw as often as some other teams. Given that no team in the league won more games this season it’s hard to argue they have a desperate need to improve anywhere on the offense, and especially being #1 in both completion percentage and yards per attempt, with their MVP level QB and all receivers returning next year, there’s no reason to think they really need to improve anything in their passing game.

But you have to bring more players to camp than you think will make the team, you also want to increase the level of competition. Bring in as many good guys as possible, and some WR you were expecting to contribute will get hurt. It’s the nature of the game.

Yes, but there’s no good justification for spending lots of money fixing something that’s not broken.

They don’t need to spend on WR in FA.

They could draft a couple of promising WR rookies to bring into camp to provide competition, plus they should look for their three existing PS WRs to step up. Jiles and Webb in particular seem ready to make more contributions when they are called on to do so.

I like Pierce, but right now I think between Hollins and Williams they have that role covered, so I wouldn't spend that money on Pierce, but would instead extend Boutte and bring Hollins back for another year. Hollins gives them the big possession receiver outside the hashes, and Williams the deep threat.

Hollis is signed through next season. There’s no incremental cost to bringing him back, just his salary. That seems like a no-brainer.

When it comes to Williams I think his primary issue was understanding the offense. Going from college ball to MacDaniels offense is like being asked to learn Latin in 3 months. If he can learn their offense I think he can eventually be Diggs replacement. Diggs didn't start out as a slot guy working underneath defenses, he was an outside the hashes receiver who could burn you in a variety of ways. We will have a much better idea of Williams potential by the middle of the season next year.

Given the way this season went receiver isn't priority, but if they see someone they love in the draft I'm fine with them adding to the room and letting them fight it out.

EXACTLY! Of the present WRs all are signed at least through next season (except the PS guys, of course). Right now it looks like there are only two of them that may possibly be declining soon, Diggs and Hollins. Neither is really showing signs of decline but their age suggests it would be prudent to plan on replacing them after next year, and if they’re still playing well next season maybe we get another year or two out of them. But remember, better a year too early than a year too late!

Right now it looks like Boutte, Chism, and Williams will continue to improve and will be better next year than they were this year. If new rookies we draft, and Jiles and Webb, come into the program and develop we can be in a very good place as far as our cap costs for WRs. There are lots of promising WRs so even later round rookies can be a good investment after a year or two of development.

Pretty much all of that applies also to RB, and somewhat to TE, although we are only a year or at most a couple of years from needing to replace Henry and Hooper.

Considering all that, the one place that investing In our offense will give the most returns is the OL. Even there it’s more urgent to build better depth than to upgrade our starters, with the caveat that we are probably one to three years away from needing to replace three of our five starters (Bradbury, Onwenu, and Moses). That’s what we should be thinking about, not Pierce.