NFL News 2026 General NFL Off-Season News/Discussion/Non-Patriots free agents

[Water Boy]

He's the least able to block in the run game. Doesn't play STs.

So run blocking and special teams are important considerations?

How does that help make the case for Bouttee?

 

[Clonamery]

He's our best man coverage separator.

Last year was an exercise in learning the JMcD system and learning how to execute option routes within the coverage. I'm expecting noticeable improvement on that front.

He has to be a guy with 6-8 targets in the slot a la Diggs not 2-3 targets like last year.

 

[Clonamery]

So run blocking and special teams are important considerations?

How does that help make the case for Bouttee?

When you're inside it does (blocking).

 

[mgteich]

Pop has been running with the 1's in practice, and sat the preseason game with Brown/Doubs. That's a clear indication of direction.

Unless Boutte isn't traded we should keep 7, and if Dorner beats out Chism, so be it.

The team will be fine with two roster players at TE or QB, or three at RB. Then they can bring up one of the JAGS from the practice squad if they need another on game day.

If Boutte isn't traded, I would keep Douglas on the 53, although he is a bit expensive as insurance. Perhaps, he would fit some of our game plans and occasionally be active. The reason for keeping Douglas is that he might be re-signed at a reasonable price in 2027, even as a #4 or #5 WR. If Boutte (or Douglas) is trade, I would keep the NFL-quality 5 on the roster and use the PS for backups, elevating a player when needed.

IMO, there is exactly zero reason to use up a roster spot for PS players. Every year, we have UDFA's or past UDFA's who shine in TC and become someone's binkie. I see us keeping the best 2 or even 3 on the PS where they can practice every week and develop. Very few players are poached. If one of them were, I would wish him well. We's still have a couple to fulfill the need of an emergency developmental PS backup.

 

[mgteich]

So run blocking and special teams are important considerations?

How does that help make the case for Bouttee?

The case for Boutte is that he is a capable starter for the patriots, and could return to that role if there were an injury.

 

[Family]

IMO, there is exactly zero reason to use up a roster spot for PS players.

For development.

There have been many Patriot players who spent a couple of years in development protected on the 53 who have worked out well.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Perhaps they need a Boutte Call.

I would demand a 3rd for Boutte, but I would take it in the 28' Draft if need be. It would be nice to add a Day 2 pick in that Draft given that they don't have a 1st.

 

[Uptown]

 

[captain stone]

That’s a shame.
Really liked him in the draft.

As did I. I might've taken him ahead of Henderson if he were still available at 38...

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

He's the easiset to cover. He's the least targeted because of that. He's the least able to block in the run game. Doesn't play STs.

But I digress. He's a good locker room guy.

Like I said I'll change my mind after Sat. night. I mean we do need players with different skill sets.

Let's see when the real bullets fly.
He has been anything but an easy cover in camp and joint practices.
DeJean is a really good player, and Pop has been stealing his lunch money.

 

[captain stone]

For development.

There have been many Patriot players who spent a couple of years in development protected on the 53 who have worked out well.

Maybe he means at that particular position this year...? Because we're already 6 deep at WR and some folks want to keep 7...

Besides, we don't have Anyone after Chism who's worthy of even being considered a candidate for the 53.

 

[captain stone]

Let's see when the real bullets fly.
He has been anything but an easy cover in camp and joint practices.
DeJean is a really good player, and Pop has been stealing his lunch money.

I think he might be referring to Booty...?

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

I think he might be referring to Booty...?

Following the replies, I believe he is talking about Pop.

 

[n1997y]

... Because we're already 6 deep at WR and some folks want to keep 7 8 9 10 11 12...

FIFY

The Cult of Verticality will not be denied!

Brown
Doubs
Douglas
Hollins
Boutte
Williams
Chism
Dorner
DeGenarro
Dixon
Prentice
Palmer

Who do you cut? (jk)

 

[Uptown]

“Ok but I bet you won’t do that to me, Joe!…”


Sincerely,

-Electrical substation

 

[Uptown]

 

[Uptown]

PFF finally got something right..

 

[Uptown]

Somebody get this man 50 slabs of baby back ribs so the big fella can get back on the DL..

 

[Zuma]

 

[Zuma]