Daily news threads with relevant news, stories, video, or additional content around the team. Feel free to contribute anything interesting you come across as well, which will hopefully make these helpful for people to keep up with what's going on with the team by having all the news in one place.
Friday Patriots Notebook 5/10: News and Notes
Ian Logue
The New England Patriots rookies were back in Foxboro on Thursday as rookie minicamps kicked off. The rookies will get immersed with things as the club begins getting a sense of how these new players might fit, with the first public workout in front of the media scheduled for Saturday.
Chris Godwin as a trade target is interesting. He wouldn’t logically be an option until after June 1st. Once we get there then the Bucs would be able to defer his signing bonus void year hits into 2025’s cap, meaning they’d free up about $20M in cap space this year. They’re starved for cap space currently and probably can’t even sign their draft class without making some moves.
Godwin is a free agent next year so a trade would need to either come with a new deal already agreed to, or be for such low value pick-wise that it wouldn’t hurt if he left after 1 season. I would be fine sending a 3rd next year if he agreed to a new deal at the same time. He’s still 28 years old and has had multiple consecutive 1000+ yard seasons despite being second fiddle to Mike Evans.
Look, clearly the Pats violated the Rooney Rule. And obviously, that's not really a big deal and I hope the Pats don't get punished for it, but it's just more stupid self-inflicted injuries to the club when there was no reason for it.
They obviously put Wolf in charge of the draft and free agency. Curran reported it was going to be Mayo and Wolf before Belichick was even fired. Then Wolf had a press conference where he specifically told the media the draft decisions were his call. Now the Pats are trying to cover it up with this nonsense that it was the Krafts making the calls. I mean, sure, it was probable that Wolf turned to Robert Kraft and said, we're taking TE Bell and Robert nodded in his sleep, but I don't understand why we're going through this nonsense coverup now when all they had to do was interview two schmoes and say Wolf was in charge. So @#$%ing stupid.
Chris Godwin as a trade target is interesting. He wouldn’t logically be an option until after June 1st. Once we get there then the Bucs would be able to defer his signing bonus void year hits into 2025’s cap, meaning they’d free up about $20M in cap space this year. They’re starved for cap space currently and probably can’t even sign their draft class without making some moves.
Godwin is a free agent next year so a trade would need to either come with a new deal already agreed to, or be for such low value pick-wise that it wouldn’t hurt if he left after 1 season. I would be fine sending a 3rd next year if he agreed to a new deal at the same time. He’s still 28 years old and has had multiple consecutive 1000+ yard seasons despite being second fiddle to Mike Evans.
I don't know much about Godwin's game. Would he be a real number 1? And if we got him, who is the odd man out, because our WR room is getting kind of full?
I don't know much about Godwin's game. Would he be a real number 1? And if we got him, who is the odd man out, because our WR room is getting kind of full?
He is an actual X receiver even though the Bucs don't always use him as an X because they also have Mike Evans. He has route running savvy and good enough deep speed (4.4 forty in his draft in 2017). Very good hands, very consistent player. In his past 5 years in the league, 4 out of 5 have been 1000+ yard seasons, and the only year that was not was a year where he missed 3 games due to injury and still had 850 yards. Hasn't fumbled in 6 years.
It's hard to say who the "odd man out" would be since they don't have their X position totally sorted yet. It might be one of KJ Osborn or Kendrick Bourne, or perhaps they'd cut bait with Thornton.
Godwin
Polk
Baker
Douglas
Two of the following three: Osborn, Bourne, Thornton
Godwin is a great player. He's not all that well known because of Evans, Tampa is a small market, and when there was national focus on the Bucs it was all about TB, Gronk, AB and Evans. To the national media Godwin was an afterthought, even though he is good for 80 receptions, 1,000-1,100 yards, 6 TD and 55 first downs every year. And that's despite competing with Evans for targets.
My issue with Godwin is the same issue I have with every 'let's-trade-for-this-veteran-WR' discussion. It makes perfect sense for a team that is already a playoff contender. Does it really make sense for a 4-win rebuilding team?
First: the Patriots would have to get permission to work out a contract with Godwin before they make a trade. If he demands a four-year deal, keep in mind half his playing days will be when he is in his thirties.
Second: is it truly worth spending a lot in draft capital for a player who is likely going to start slowing down just as the team becomes a playoff contender? Will it be better to use that draft pick on a rookie who will be here longer?
Chris Godwin as a trade target is interesting. He wouldn’t logically be an option until after June 1st. Once we get there then the Bucs would be able to defer his signing bonus void year hits into 2025’s cap, meaning they’d free up about $20M in cap space this year. They’re starved for cap space currently and probably can’t even sign their draft class without making some moves.
Godwin is a free agent next year so a trade would need to either come with a new deal already agreed to, or be for such low value pick-wise that it wouldn’t hurt if he left after 1 season. I would be fine sending a 3rd next year if he agreed to a new deal at the same time. He’s still 28 years old and has had multiple consecutive 1000+ yard seasons despite being second fiddle to Mike Evans.
I read somewhere that the Bucs are looking at Godwin primarily as a slot guy now. Don't we have at least 2 guys at that position already, Douglas, and Bourne ?
I read somewhere that the Bucs are looking at Godwin primarily as a slot guy now. Don't we have at least 2 guys at that position already, Douglas, and Bourne ?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Chris Godwin wasn't happy with how former offensive coordinator Dave Canales used him last year – despite finishing with a 1,000 yard season for a third straight year.
Happy 50th birthday to Grant Williams Born May 10, 1974 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi Patriot OT, 2000-2001; uniform #76 Signed as an unrestricted veteran free agent on March 17, 2000
Grant Williams originally signed with Seattle as a rookie free agent out of Louisiana Tech, and spent four seasons with the Seahawks. The 6'7, 320-pound offensive lineman appeared in 29 regular season games for the Patriots in two seasons, starting eight games at right tackle and four games at left tackle. In two of his four 2001 starts RB Antowain Smith rushed for over 100 yards. Williams also played in each of the Pats three 2001 postseason games, including the Patriots' Super Bowl 36 Silence of the Rams.
St. Louis was apparently impressed by Williams and traded for him on August 19, 2002. The Pats had used two 2001 draft picks on tackles (Matt Light, Kenyatta Jones) and had Tom Ashworth and Russ Hochstein for depth, making Williams expendable. The Pats received a 7th round draft pick in return. That draft pick, along with a fifth rounder was traded to Tennessee for three draft picks. Those were used to select C Dan Koppen, QB Kliff Kingsbury and DT Ethan Kelly.
Happy 35th birthday to Jabaal Sheard Born May 10, 1989 in Hollywood Hills, Florida Patriot DE, 2015-2016; uniform #93 Signed as an unrestricted veteran free agent on March 12, 2015
Jabaal Sheard was signed to a two-year, $11 million contract early in 2015 free agency. That season he played in 13 games with one start, registering 37 tackles, 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 2 passes defensed. He also played in both playoff games, with 9 tackles.
The former Pitt Panther and Cleveland Brown took on a bigger role in 2016, playing in 15 games with eight starts. In the playoffs Sheard had two tackles vs Houston, three vs Pittsburgh, and two more tackles and a clutch pressure on Matt Ryan in Super Bowl 51. Sheard followed that up by wisely cashing in on a 3-year, $25 million contract with the Colts in 2017. He has started all 32 games with Indy the last two seasons.
FOXBORO, Mass. — It took until mid-May, but we finally have a sense of how the New England Patriots’ 2019 coaching staff will be constructed. The Patriots lost five assistant coaches in the aftermath of Super Bowl LIII, and until their assistants met with the media Friday afternoon, it was...
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Coaches still were hesitant to reveal their official titles, but they did explain what their general responsibilities will be this season. Here’s a rundown of the changes:
— DeMarcus Covington is coaching outside linebackers and “the front seven.” He primarily worked with ‘backers as a coaching assistant last season.
— Mike Pellegrino said he is coaching defensive backs. Safeties coach Steve Belichick confirmed he’s sticking with his position group (“They’re not escaping me,” he joked), so Pellegrino’s primary focus will be cornerbacks.
Pellegrino, 25, is a former lacrosse player for Johns Hopkins and the Boston Cannons. He joined the Patriots organization as a football operations intern in 2015 and spent the last three seasons as a coaching assistant.
— Bret Bielema, the former Arkansas and Wisconsin head coach, will coach the defensive line. Bielema worked for the Patriots last season under the title “consultant to the head coach.”
— Joe Judge will continue to coach the Patriots’ special teams but had added wide receivers to his plate this season. Assistant special teams coach Cameron Achord will help him manage the kicking game.
— Josh McDaniels (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Ivan Fears (running backs), Dante Scarnecchia (offensive line), Nick Caley (tight ends) and Steve Belichick are remaining in their previous roles.
May 10, 2012:
The Patriots announce 2012 coaching staff responsibilities and additions. Most notably Matt Patricia becomes the Defensive Coordinator. In addition Josh Boyer transitions from defensive backs coach to cornerbacks coach, while Brian Flores is promoted from a defensive assistant to safeties coach. Patrick Graham moves from linebacker coach to defensive line coach, swapping assignments with Pepper Johnson.
Elsewhere George Godsey is promoted from offensive assistant to tight ends coach. Joe Judge is hired as special teams assistant after previously being employed at the same position under Nick Saban at Alabama. In addition Stephen Belichick is hired as a coaching assistant.
The Patriots have yet to name a defensive coordinator following the departures of Brian Flores and Greg Schiano this offseason. Head coach Bill Belichick is expected to handle coordinator duties himself this season.
May 10, 2014:
The 79th Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day Three (Rounds 4-7) of the 2014 NFL Draft
Radio City Music Hall, New York City
On Day One the Patriots drafted Florida Gator DT Dominique Easley.
On Day Two the Pats drafted QB Jimmy Garoppolo, then traded down from 3.29 for 4.105 and 6.179.
- 4.105 -- C Bryan Stork, Florida State
- 4.130 -- RB James White, Wisconsin
- Patriots awarded a 4th round compensatory pick for the loss of WR Wes Welker
- 4.140 -- OT Cameron Fleming, Stanford
- 5.169 was traded to Philadelphia in 2013 for DT Isaac Sopoaga and 6.198
- 6.179 -- G Jon Halapio, Florida
- 6.198 -- DE Zach Moore, Concordia-St. Paul
- 6.206 -- S Jemea Thomas, Georgia Tech
- 7.244 -- WR Jeremy Gallon, Michigan
May 10, 1986:
New England signs undrafted rookie LB Mel Black of Eastern Illinois.
The New Haven native played in three games in '86 before being released, and in three more as a replacement player in '87.
May 10, 1987:
The Patriots sign free agents Jim Gallery, Ali Witherspoon and QB Todd Whitten. Whitten is the only one who made it, albeit as a replacement player. He is now the head coach for Tarleton State in Texas.
May 10, 2012:
See comment above for coaching staff changes also.
On Thursday afternoon, the Patriots officially announced the signings of seven undrafted free agents:1. OL Jeremiah Warren, South Florida2. OT Markus Zusevics, Iowa3.
After taking two wide receivers in the 2013 NFL draft and signing two more as undrafted free agents, the Patriots are cutting ties with a veteran. New England waived Andre Holmes on Saturday, according to the league’s transaction wire. Holmes spent time on the Patriots’ practice squad in January...
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Andre Holmes went on to have several productive years; in 2014 he had 47 receptions for 693 yards with Oakland.
The Patriots used the seldom-used unrestricted free-agent tender on running back LeGarrette Blount, signaling the door might still be open for him to return to New England.
www.espn.com
LeGarrett Blount signed a week later with the Eagles.
Another familiar face is making a return to New England. Linebacker Harvey Langi has signed with the Patriots on a one-year contract, according to his agent Kenny Zuckerman. Langi, 28, first signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Brigham Young in 2017. He earned a spot on the...
www.boston.com
Harvey Langi played in nine games with two starts during his second stint with the Patriots.
The Patriots have released one of their veteran receivers.
sports.yahoo.com
The New England Patriots announced they were releasing veteran wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. on Wednesday.
Bowden, a former 2020 third-round draft pick, played 14 offensive snaps in total for the Patriots in 2022. So he wasn’t as heavily involved in the offense as some hoped when he was initially signed.
The former Kentucky Wildcat standout has played a number of positions over the course of his career, including receiver, running back and even quarterback. There was also hope that he’d factor into the return game for the Patriots on special teams.
Yet, the team could never make use of his versatility, and he’s once again on the outs with his third NFL team in three years.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Chris Godwin wasn't happy with how former offensive coordinator Dave Canales used him last year – despite finishing with a 1,000 yard season for a third straight year.
Says they are moving him back inside because he wants to increase his targets. He wants to increase his targets because he’s the number 2 guy behind Evans and he’s a free agent after this year, he wants to have good numbers when that time comes. Of course if a team is trading for him to be the number 1 guy and also give him the deal he wants right now then I doubt he cares what position he plays.
in memory of Edward 'Butch' Songin, who was born 100 years ago today Born May 11, 1924 in Walpole, Massachusetts Died May 26, 1976 at the age of 52 in Foxborough
Patriot QB, 1960-1961; uniform #11 Signed sometime early in the inaugural 1960 offseason
Like many early Patriots, Songin was a local guy; he graduated from Walpole High School and Boston College. In 1949 he won BC's most prestigious athletic honor, the Scanlan Award. Songin was captain and two-time All-American of BC's Hockey team, who were national champions in 1949. Songin threw 30 touchdowns for the Eagles from '47-'49, but an injury in the college all star game resulted in a drop in his draft status to 247th overall by the Browns in the 1950 draft.
Songin played minor league football for Erie in the final year of the American Association, but was unable to finish the season due to injury and missed the championship game. During the fifties Songin played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in what would later become the CFL, as well as some minor league hockey.
At the age of 36 Songin was the starting QB for the Patriots in the first ever American Football League game. He appeared in all 28 games over the Pats first two seasons, starting 18 games until Babe Parilli arrived and took over. During that time he threw 26 touchdown passes, and ran for two more. In both seasons Songin led the AFL with the lowest interception percentage.
On October 13, 1961 Songin led the Pats to a 4th quarter comeback against the defending champion Houston Oilers, capped by a touchdown pass to Gino Cappelletti. Two weeks later Songin rallied the Pats for a come from behind 18-17 victory over Hank Stram's Dallas Texans with a 4th quarter touchdown pass and two point conversion, then another drive to set up a game-winning field goal by Cappelletti.
Songin was also coaching football and hockey at Marian High School in Framingham at the same time that he was playing for the Patriots. He passed away too early at age 52 in Foxborough from cancer.
Florida backup quarterback Cameron Newton was charged with stealing another student's laptop computer after being arrested Friday.
www.espn.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida Gators backup quarterback Cameron Newton was charged with stealing another student's laptop computer after being arrested Friday.
Newton was suspended from the team, spokesman Steve McClain said, and was being held in the Alachua County jail. He has been charged with felony counts of burglary, larceny and obstructing justice.
According to the University Police Department, Newton stole the laptop worth $1,700 and threw it out his dormitory window Friday when officers arrived to investigate the theft.
Had Tim Tebow not returned to Florida for his senior season, Cam Newton might be garnering Heisman Trophy attention and putting up amazing numbers in Gainesville instead of Auburn. Newton said ea…
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Had Tim Tebow not returned to Florida for his senior season, Cam Newton might be garnering Heisman Trophy attention and putting up amazing numbers in Gainesville instead of Auburn.
Newton said earlier this week that he wanted to stay at Florida but felt he had to leave because he knew he wasn't going to play much - if at all - behind Tebow.
Quarterback Cam Newton will likely face greater scrutiny after a series of allegations by Kenny Rogers, a recruiter with financial ties to an N.F.L. agent, that could affect Newton’s eligibility.
www.nytimes.com
The star Auburn quarterback Cam Newton will likely face greater N.C.A.A. scrutiny after a series of allegations by Kenny Rogers, a recruiter with financial ties to an N.F.L. agent, that could affect Newton’s eligibility.
Rogers said Thursday on ESPN Radio in Dallas that Cecil Newton Sr., Newton’s father, wanted “anywhere between $100,000 and $180,000” for his son to sign with Mississippi State, which would be a violation of N.C.A.A. rules. Rogers said he called a Mississippi State booster to attempt to broker the deal.
NEW YORK - Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy - as if there was any doubt. Whether he gets to keep it is still to be determined. Auburn's hulking quarterback brushed off an NCAA investigation of h…
www.jacksonville.com
Newton, the third player from Auburn to win the Heisman, received 729 first-place votes and outpointed runner-up Andrew Luck of Stanford by 1,184 points.
Blending a linebacker's body with a tailback's speed and quickness, the 6-foot-6, 250-pounder from Georgia has guided Auburn to a perfect season. His numbers are off the charts: an SEC-best 1,409 yards rushing with 21 touchdowns, and 2,589 yards passing and 28 TD passes. He's the first SEC player to run for at least 1,000 yards and pass for at least 2,000 in the same season.
He received 47 out of a possible 50 votes for the AP's version of the award
www.al.com
Newton received 47 of 50 possible votes for rookie of the year from the media that regularly covers the NFL. Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton received the other three votes. He had already received other rookie of the year awards, such as the one from The Sporting News that was in a vote of players, coaches and team executives.
Including the playoffs, Cam Newton has accounted for 50 total touchdowns (38 passing and 12 rushing). And to the devastating weapon that his mobility provides, he has added an ability to throw accurately from the pocket, including downfield.
If you wondered how the Panthers would score when Kelvin Benjamin went down back in August, you weren't alone. Newton took mostly anonymous skill players and crafted the league's highest-scoring offense. This one isn't even close. There are players who had great years (like Arizona's Carson Palmer and Pittsburgh's Antonio Brown). There are those who thrived despite major hurdles (like New England's Tom Brady). But Cam Newton is the only player who enjoyed a great year while overcoming setbacks (like losing his best wide receiver) and leading his team to a 15-1 record.
Cam Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP who continues to rehab from foot surgery that was performed in December, was released by the Panthers on Tuesday.
www.espn.com
Newton, who continues to rehab from foot surgery, had a physical in Atlanta on Monday that was coordinated by the Panthers and his agency, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Newton passed the physical and is healthy, with both his shoulder and foot "checking out well," a source told Schefter. "He is hungrier than ever and eager for the next opportunity."
Newton’s deal is reportedly worth up to $7.5 million.
www.bostonherald.com
The deal is reportedly packed with incentives for the former league MVP, who can make up to $7.5 million, according to the NFL Network. Newton was released by the Panthers in mid-March after his 2019 season was cut short by injury. He now joins Jarrett Stidham, Brian Hoyer and two undrafted rookies in the team’s quarterbacks room and should be expected to compete for the starting job.
Acquiring Newton presents a low-risk, high-reward proposition for the Pats, who were set to enter the 2020 season with Stidham, a second-year unknown, at the helm. Since being drafted first overall in 2011, Newton has gone 2-0 against the Patriots, throwing six touchdowns to just one interception. He averaged 9.1 yards per attempt.
Prior to their last head-to-head meeting in 2017, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick praised Newton for his ability to uniquely threaten defenses as a passer and runner: “I think when you’re talking about mobile quarterbacks, guys that are tough to handle, tackle, can throw, run, make good decisions, can beat you — I would put Newton at the top of the list. … he would be Public Enemy No. 1.”
Newton was sidelined early last season with the virus and missed practices last week because of a mix-up over protocols. The rookie quarterback Mac Jones will be New England’s starter.
Reflecting on his time with the Patriots, Cam Newton admitted that his workload in Foxborough was brutal, as was traffic back to Boston.
www.boston.com
- NFL career stats and rankings
- 270 career regular season touchdowns (194 passing, 75 rushing, 1 receiving)
- 75 career rushing touchdowns is the most in NFL history by a QB, and ranks 26th most for any player.
- 32,382 career passing yards ranks 46th, between Kurt Warner and Troy Aikman
- 194 career passing touchdowns ranks 58th, tied with Ken Stabler
- 7.2 career yards per pass attempt ranks 66th
- Patriots franchise stats and rankings
- 12 rushing touchdowns is tied with Corey Dillon (twice) and Steve Grogan for 12th most in a single season
- 47th in Pats franchise history with 592 yards rushing, five yards behind RB Jon Vaughn
- 13th with 2,657 career yards passing
- Tied with Scott Zolak for 18th most career touchdown passes, with eight
- 3 game winning drives is tied for 10th most in a single season
Why didn't Cam Newton work out with Patriots | Pro Football Talk
Happy 42nd birthday to Andrew Walter Born May 11, 1982 in Phoenix Patriot QB, 2009 (off season); uniform #16 Signed as an unrestricted veteran free agent on August 3, 2009
The Patriots signed the former Raider after they released Matt Gutierrez. There was some speculation at the time that the move was made because Tom Brady would not be ready to start the season, that he was still recovering from the Bernard Pollard knee injury. Walter was released a month later during final roster cuts. Despite speculation that the Patriots would keep three quarterbacks due to TB12's untested knee, the Pats elected instead to go with only two quarterbacks on the roster - with undrafted rookie Brian Hoyer winning the backup role over Walter, Gutierrez and Kevin O'Connell.
Frustrated over not getting a chance to play, Walter - who had been a third round draft pick just four years prior - retired from the NFL. He returned to Arizona State University and received an MBA. Next he started his own business, became managing partner of a commercial business lending firm. Then in 2014 Walter set his sights on representing his district in Washington DC, running for Congress. Fortunately for his sake he has been a far more successful businessman than he was an NFL quarterback.
Andrew Walter replied, "My blood, sweat, tears and bones are there, down on that field with hundreds of Sun Devils
dieharddevil.com
Other pro football players with New England area connections that were born on May 11:
Ed King (5/11/25 - 9/18/06); BC High and Boston College grad.
Played G/DL/LB from 1948-50 for Buffalo in the AAFC, and Baltimore after the league merged with the NFL.
Tom Lomasney (5/11/06 -12/29/76); Salem High School class of 1924.
Lifelong resident of Salem was an end for the 1929 Staten Island Stapletons.
Bob Goodridge, 78 (5/11/46); born in Boston.
WR was a 6th round pick by Minnesota, playing in 11 games for the Vikings in 1968. At Vanderbilt in '67 Goodridge had 79 receptions for 1,114 yards.
Ben Roderick (5/11/66 - 11/30/74); Boston College.
Tailback for Buffalo and Canton in the twenties.
Darryl Pollard, 60 (5/11/64); born in Ellsworth Maine.
CB won two super bowl rings with the 49ers.
Al Dekdebrun (5/11/21 - 3/29/05)
QB for the Boston Yanks in the forties.
The N.F.L. also fined the Patriots $1 million and took away two draft picks because of their use of deflated footballs in the A.F.C. championship game.
www.nytimes.com
"The discipline is ridiculous and has no legitimate basis. In my opinion, this outcome was pre-determined; there was no fairness in the Wells investigation whatsoever. There is no evidence that Tom directed footballs be set at pressures below the allowable limits.
In fact, the evidence shows Tom clearly emphasized that footballs be set at pressures within the rules. The Wells report presents significant evidence, however, that the N.F.L. lacks standards or protocols with respect to its handling of footballs prior to games; this is not the fault of Tom or the Patriots.”
Peter King, who recently announced his retirement after four decades of NFL coverage said he regrets his handling of Deflategate
www.boston.com
May 11, 1981:
The Patriots sign 13 undrafted rookies. The most notable was a player who began his college career at Cerritos, an NAIA communty college in California, who is arguably the best punter in franchise history: Rich Camarillo.
American Football's #1 Kicking Camps, Punting Camps and Long Snapping Camps - Athletes can learn to be their own kicking coach at the most comprehensive kicking camps, punting camps and long snapping camps in American Football. Prokicker.com kicking camps provide instruction and training...
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May 11, 1987:
New England signs undrafted rookies Bob Bleier and Kirk Jones. Bleier was cut at the end of camp, then re-signed as a replacement player. The Pats went 2-1 in those games, with Bleier throwing one touchdown in a run-heavy simplified offense.
May 11, 1990:
TE Lin Dawson is re-signed to a two-year contract, for what would be his ninth and final season with the Patriots. He finished his career with 117 receptions and eight touchdowns.
QB Marc Wilson is also extended with a two-year deal, though he would retire the following spring. Wilson went 0-6 with 6 TD and 11 picks as a starter on that impotent 1990 1-15 Rod Rust team.
May 11, 1999:
The Patriots sign CB Corey Ivy, an undrafted rookie from Oklahoma.
Ivy was cut at the end of camp, and spent 2000 on the practice squad and with Frankfurt in the WLAF. After that he went on to have a nin-year NFL career, winning a super bowl ring with Tampa in 2001.
May 11, 2004:
Patriots sign IOL Bob Hallen, a six-year veteran free agent. Hallen had been a starting LG for the Falcons and Chargers after being drafted in the second round of the 1998 draft. He was however near the end of his career due to chronic back issues and was released just before the start of the 2004 season.
The cornerback exodus of 2015 continues. On Monday, the Patriots released Kyle Arrington. With the 28-year-old gone, the Pats are without all three of the cornerbacks who started Super Bowl XLIX. …
www.providencejournal.com
The cornerback exodus of 2015 continues.
On Monday, the Patriots released Kyle Arrington. With the 28-year-old gone, the Pats are without all three of the cornerbacks who started Super Bowl XLIX.
The thinning out of the Patriots secondary began in March when they lost their top two corners, Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, in free agency. Last week, the team released Alfonzo Dennard, the Patriots’ No. 2 cornerback in 2012 and 2013. Arrington is the latest casualty.
Arrington started 56 games over the past five seasons. Statistically, his best year game in 2011 when he finished with 88 tackles and tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions.
The Patriots are signing recently reinstated tight end Fred Davis, a talented player with a history of off-field issues.
www.boston.com
The Patriots are reportedly signing recently reinstated tight end Fred Davis, a talented player with a history of off-field issues.
In 2013, Davis was ordered to pay $20,000 to Mikini R. Chaka after a 2011 incident at a nightclub in Washington, D.C. In the lawsuit, Chaka claimed Davis dumped juice on her and threw an empty pitcher at her.
Davis was also charged with assault after an alleged altercation with an ex-girlfriend last June. Those charges were dropped in August.
Davis missed all of the 2014 season while serving an indefinite suspension for repeated violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He was arrested and charged with DWI one day after his indefinite suspension was announced in February of 2014.
The league reinstated Davis last week, and the Patriots added him to a tight end group that features Michael Hoomanawanui, Scott Chandler, Tim Wright and sixth round pick A.J. Derby behind the league’s premier player at the position, Rob Gronkowski.
The 29-year-old Davis was a second round pick out of Southern California in 2008 and had his most productive season in 2011, recording 59 catches for 796 yards and three touchdowns. He’s played his entire career with the Washington Redskins to this point.
The Patriots released Davis befpre the start of training camp, on June 19.
One year after trading up to draft him as a possible replacement for Nate Solder, the Pats have released LT Antonio Garcia, a source told ESPN.
www.espn.com
The New England Patriots are releasing left tackle Antonio Garcia, the team's 2017 third-round pick, with a non-football-illness designation, a league source told ESPN's Field Yates on Friday.
The move is mildly surprising considering what the team gave up to draft him. And the void at left tackle is one of the biggest questions facing the team, as starter Nate Solder signed with the New York Giants in free agency.
The 6-foot-7, 302-pound Garcia was selected No. 85 overall last year after he was credited with 70 knockdown blocks and didn't allow a sack in more than 900 offensive snaps as a senior at Troy. With Solder entering the final year of his contract in 2017, the Patriots had traded a third-round pick (No. 96) and fourth-rounder (No. 124) to move up to select Garcia, with the hope of grooming him as a possible replacement in 2018.
But after taking part in the first few practices of 2017 training camp, Garcia never took the field again, ultimately being placed on the non-football-illness list. The Boston Herald reported that Garcia had blood clots in his lungs.
The New England Patriots officially signed six of their nine draft picks and nine undrafted free agents Friday.
www.masslive.com
The New England Patriots officially announced the signing of 15 players Friday, including six of their nine draft picks.
Fifth-round pick LB Ja'Whaun Bentley, sixth-round picks LB Christian Sam and WR Braxton Berrios, and seventh-round picks QB Danny Etling, DB Keion Crossen and TE Ryan Izzo all inked their rookie deals with the team.
The Patriots' first three draft picks -- offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn, running back Sony Michel and cornerback Duke Dawson -- remain unsigned.
Along with the drafted players, the Patriots signed nine undrafted free agents. Here's a list of each undrafted player that signed with the team.
Sokol has bounced around in the early part of his career. He’s appeared in two games, both for the Chargers in 2020. He was on the field for 15 offensive snaps and 20 special teams snaps.
But he’s had a pair of stints with Los Angeles, Jacksonville, and Detroit since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2019.
The Patriots’ tight ends group is now Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene, and Sokol.
Matt Sokul appeared in six games for the Patriots in 2022-23, with 38 snaps on offense and 17 on special teams.
There's been a lot of talk over the last week about the future of New England Patriots Director of Scouting Eliot Wolf, but it appears the man who orchestrated both free agency and the draft is getting a promotion.
Happy 42nd birthday to Andre Carter Born May 12, 1979 in Denver Patriot DE, 2011 and 2013; uniform #68 & #96 Signed as a veteran free agent on August 11, 2011
Re-signed on October 22, 2013
The 7th overall pick of the 2001 draft spent five years each with San Francisco and Washington, before catching on with the Patriots at the age of 32. Carter showed he was not yet over the hill, registering ten sacks in 2011 (before missing the final two games with a torn quadriceps tendon), and was named to his first Pro Bowl. Andre signed with Oakland in 2012, then was cut at the end of training camp the following year. After season ending injuries to Jerod Mayo and Vince Wilfork, the Pats re-signed Carter for the last nine games of the 2013 season. Overall he had 12 sacks and 55 tackles for the Patriots, playing in 23 games with 14 starts, plus two playoff games. On November 13, 2011 Carter tied a franchise single game record with four sacks on Mark Sanchez in a 37-16 victory in New Jersey against the Jets.
Andre Carter finished his NFL career with 184 games played over 13 seasons, with 517 tackles (387 solo). He accumulated 80½ sacks, 115 tackles for a loss, 121 quarterback hits and 28 pass deflections. Carter also registered 18 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries and a safety. He also had 12 tackles and 3 TFL in six playoff games. In February of 2017 Carter was hired as an assistant defensive line coach by Miami, a position he remained in for two years. In February of 2019 Adam Gase - who had been head coach in Miami - hired Carter to be his defensive line coach with the New York Jets. Earlier this year LSU hired Andre Carter to become their defensive line coach.
Other pro football players with New England connections born on this date:
Chris Hovan, 46 (5/12/78); Boston College class of '99.
An All-American at BC, the DT spent ten years in the NFL with the Vikings and Bucs. He has since worked as a strength and conditioning coach for the University of South Florida, defensive line coach for the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League, and defensive coordinator at a Tampa area high school.
Tim Walker, 66 (5/12/58); born in Hartford.
The linebacker played all 16 games for Seattle in 1980 before a neck injury forced him to retire.
Don McCauley, 75 (5/12/49); born in Worcester.
RB was a 1st round pick by the Colts in 1971 and scored 57 touchdowns over 11 seasons.
Fred Dugan (5/12/1933 - 3/3/2018); born and raised in Stamford CT.
TE/SE had 153 receptions and 13 TD from 1958-63.
May 12, 1989:
Patriots re-sign LB Ed Reynolds to a three-year contract.
His teammates voted Ed the Pats Most Valuable Player in '89, and he led the team in tackles in '89 and '90.
NFL Legend Ed Reynolds: 13 Things To Know About Life After Football And Beating Cancer
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Reynolds only missed a handful of games during his nine seasons in New England. He progressed from being a backup/speciaal teamer to a starter from 1988-1990, before injuring his hamstring, then aggravating it twice by coming back too early. He signed with the Giants in 1992 to re-unite with DC Rod Rust, in what would be his final season in the NFL. Ed Reynolds played in 135 regular season games for the Pats, plus five postseason games. His son Ed also played in the NFL, as a free safety for the Eagles and Browns.
Ed's résumé did not end with his football career. He worked in league offices for nearly twelve years, first as an Assistant Director of Football Operations, and then as Director of Security. From 2008-2011 he was the Vice President of the United Football League, then stepped back to work at Hickory Grove Christian School and Baptist Chuch. Reynolds then returned to the NFL, working as the NFL Legends Community Director of the Northeast region since 2013.
May 12, 1993:
Pats sign unrestricted veteran free agent C Bill Lewis
Lewis had been in the NFL for seven years, and had three seasons starting at center for Oakland and Phoenix. 1993 was his final year of pro football, appearing in seven games with five starts for Bill Parcells, splitting time with Mike Arthur as the team's center.
The New England Patriots used the undrafted free-agent signing period to fill major needs on their depth chart after the 2014 NFL draft concluded. The Patriots signed East Carolina tight end Justin Jones, Oklahoma running back Roy Finch, Bowling Green tight end Tyler Beck, Delaware cornerback...
nesn.com
The Patriots signed East Carolina tight end Justin Jones, Oklahoma running back Roy Finch, Bowling Green tight end Tyler Beck, Delaware cornerback Travis Hawkins, North Carolina State tight end Asa Watson, Michigan linebacker Cameron Gordon, Mississippi State linebacker Deontae Skinner, Indiana running back Stephen Houston and Oklahoma State safety Shamiel Gary as undrafted free agents, the team announced Monday.
Jones is 6-foot-8, 274 pounds and sat out the 2013 season because of academic issues. He ran a 4.90-second 40-yard dash and had a 6.88-second three-cone and 38-inch vertical leap at Detroit’s Regional Scouting Combine in March. The tight end caught 25 catches for 346 yards and three touchdowns in 2012.
Finch had 262 career carries with the Sooners for 1,412 yards with six touchdowns. The 5-foot-7, 177-pound running back also had 58 catches for 442 yards with two touchdowns.
Finch also returned 43 kicks for 1,099 yards with a touchdown during his four-year career. He ran a 4.50-second 40-yard dash at his pro day in March, with a 7.07-second three-cone and 4.25-second short shuttle.
Beck caught 10 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns in 2013. The 6-foot-3, 252-pound tight end ran a 4.81-second 40-yard dash at his pro day in March.
Hawkins transferred from Maryland after the 2010 season. The 5-foot-10, 192-pound corner ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash and a 6.80-second three-cone at his pro day in March.
Hawkins had four interceptions with the Fightin’ Blue Hens in 2013. He also was used as a kick returner.
Watson is former Patriots first-round draft pick Ben Watson’s brother. He caught 24 passes for 282 yards and a touchdown in 2012. The 6-foot-2, 239-pound tight end ran a 4.69-second 40-yard dash and a 7.00-second three-cone at his pro day in March.
Gordon ran a 4.72-second 40-yard dash and had a 6.74-second three-cone and 4.28-second short shuttle. The 6-foot-3, 237-pound linebacker recorded five sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in 2013.
At 6-foot-1, 250 pounds, Skinner ran a 4.81-second 40-yard dash at his pro day in March, with a 7.18-second three-cone, 4.42-second 20-yard shuttle, 31-inch vertical leap and 9-foot-9 broad jump. The linebacker recorded 64 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and a sack in 2013.
Houston ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at his pro day in March, with a 7.07-second three-cone and 4.23-second short shuttle. His 40-inch vertical leap and 11-foot broad jump are elite explosion numbers. The 5-foot-10, 225-pound running back caught 65 passes for 658 yards in his three years with the Hoosiers. He also ran for 2,304 yards on 424 carries and scored 25 touchdowns.
Gary ran a 4.50-second 40-yard dash at 6 feet, 205 pounds at his pro day in March, with a 7.44-second three-cone, 4.35-second short shuttle, 10-foot-3 broad jump and 35.5-inch vertical leap. The safety had six sacks in four seasons split between Wyoming and Oklahoma State.
The Patriots also signed versatile Rutgers defensive back Jeremy Deering, according to a source, but the transaction hasn’t been made official yet.
The Patriots adding depth to their linebacker position on Tuesday with the signing of Dekoda Watson. A seventh-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2010, Watson is a veteran of five NFL season…
www.pjstar.com
The Patriots adding depth to their linebacker position on Tuesday with the signing of Dekoda Watson.
A seventh-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2010, Watson is a veteran of five NFL seasons. He’s played in 70 games with seven starts and has made 120 tackles, three sacks, one interception, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in his career.
After spending four years in Tampa, Watson signed with Jacksonville last year. He was released in November and signed with the Dallas Cowboys after that.
Watson is considered a strong special teams player and he would have to stand out in that area to make the Patriots’ 53-man roster. He could play a similar role that Jonathan Casillas did last year as a special teamer and backup linebacker.
Dekpda Watson appeared in three games for the Patriots in 2015.
May 12, 2017:
TE Michael Williams is released.
The 6-foot-6, 304-pound tight end originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick (211th overall) by Detroit out of Alabama in 2013. He spent his rookie season on IR and the 2014 season on the Lions practice squad. Williams was acquired by the Patriots from Detroit in a trade on Aug. 26, 2015. He appeared in 15 regular-season games with nine starts and was on the field for 43% of the Pats offensive snaps, almost exclusively as a blocker. Williams also played in two Pats playoff games with one start in 2015, but spent all of 2016 on IR after tearing his ACL during the offseason.
The Patriots announced the signing of eight draft picks on Friday afternoon.
www.nbcsports.com
The Patriots announced the signing of eight draft picks on Friday afternoon.
Kicker Chad Ryland is among the players who have agreed to their four-year rookie deals with the team. Ryland played four years at Eastern Michigan before transferring to Maryland last year. He made 19-of-23 field goals and 39-of-40 extra points in 2022.
The Patriots also signed fourth-round guard Sidy Sow, fifth-round guard Atonio Mafi, sixth-round wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, sixth-round kicker Bryce Baringer, sixth-round wide receiver Demario Douglas, sixth-round defensive back Ameer Speed, and seventh-round defensive back Isaiah Bolden.
New England also signed three undrafted rookies. Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham, Appalachian State linebacker Jourdan Heilig, and Louisiana tight end Johnny Lumpkin.
