Derrick White seized the picture-perfect chance to record a career milestone, which is the polar opposite of what the team-first Boston Celtics guard prides himself in being on a night-to-night basis.
Nevertheless, the pursuit was A.) justified and B.) fully supported by White’s teammates who wanted to witness him record his first-career triple-double.
Perhaps no better time presented itself than Monday night when the Celtics hosted a bottom-of-the-barrel Detroit Pistons team. Boston took the floor without Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford and Sam Hauser, which opened the door for an increase in scoring chances for those playing. Therefore, getting 37 minutes of playing time and no true threat of slipping into the loss column, White leaped at the chance of rewarding himself.
“I’m not usually one to try to chase stats or whatnot,” White told reporters, per NBC Sports Boston. “But I seen that I was one (assist) away — or actually two away — and that’s probably why I had those two turnovers there at the end but I’ve been close a lot of times so I was like I’m gonna try to get it this time. I just gotta shoutout to my teammates for it.”
White scored 22 points on 8-of-20 shooting with 10 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block. In reaching that feat, White also scored his 5,000th career point with 9:52 left in the fourth quarter, according to Celtics stats.
Payton Pritchard, who pitched in with 23 points sliding into head coach Joe Mazzulla’s starting lineup, drained the 3-pointer that secured the final assist to give White his triple-double. Pritchard joked that he had owed White that assist after Oregon defeated Colorado — White’s alma mater — in the Pac-12 Tournament championship game Saturday night.
“I was aware, for sure,” Pritchard said, per NBC Sports Boston. “I think everybody was aware. I mean, it’s pretty easy to look up there and you see 22, 10 and nine. So we definitely were going to try to help him out with it.”
Pritchard’s three provided White with a sigh of relief. Each of White’s three turnovers came in the fourth quarter before the 29-year-old found that final assist.
“I think it’s hard not to love him, no?” teammate Kristpas Porzingis told reporters, per CLNS Media. “This guy, just on and off the court, is a unique human and a unique player. I can go on and on and give compliments to D-White about who he is. Everybody loves him and here and it’s good always to see people like this get recognition on the floor also.”
Most importantly, the Celtics tallied yet another lopsided victory, defeating the Pistons, 119-94, to improve Boston’s NBA-best record to 54-14.
]]>Kenley Jansen admitted his second season with the Boston Red Sox is not off to an enjoyable start.
The 36-year-old Red Sox closer already is dealing with minor ailments, which have pushed back his ramp-up period and jeopardized him from starting the season on time. Jansen entered spring training with lat soreness and was scratched from what was supposed to be his second Grapefruit League appearance Monday due to lower back tightness, per The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier.
Jansen’s spring schedule not going as planned certainly has dampened the mood of the veteran right-handed reliever.
“This is the first time I’m dealing with a lot of stuff, and I’m asking myself why,” Jansen told reporters, per Speier. “I’m having a healthy career so far. This year, spring training is not fun for me, because every day something’s hurting.”
Jansen has been very durable throughout his 14-year MLB career and was a key piece in Boston’s bullpen last season. Jansen was the only All-Star for the Red Sox in 2023 and finished the campaign converting 29-of-33 save opportunities to go along with a 3.63 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 44 2/3 innings pitched.
Jansen not being ready for the start of the season would create a big question mark in the back end of the bullpen. He has made just one appearance in spring training so far, which came this past Friday against the Minnesota Twins. Jansen only recorded two outs and allowed two home runs.
According to Speier, Jansen is slated to get four outings coming on Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday and next Tuesday, before Opening Day next week. But if Jansen can’t stick to that schedule, it won’t be a surprise if he begins the season on the injured list.
“He needs to pitch (Tuesday) for this to happen,” Alex Cora told reporters, per Speier. “We’re running out of time. That’s the reality.”
]]>Blake Snell’s patience was tested this offseason as one of the few premier arms available in the MLB free agency market.
That tolerance and restraint were awarded Monday, giving Snell, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, some long-awaited closure and peace of mind with Opening Day less than two weeks away.
Snell signed a two-year deal with the San Francisco Giants worth $62 million, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The contract also includes an opt-out option after 2024, meaning Snell could test the market again next offseason.
The 31-year-old veteran did everything within his control in 2023 to ensure he’d earn a payday with a long-term contract. Snell went 14-9 with an MLB-best 2.25 ERA for the San Diego Padres, earning 28-of-30 first-place votes before taking home the NL’s Cy Young Award.
Yet, as impressive as Snell’s final season in San Diego was, it still wasn’t enough to overcome a trick offseason market that hasn’t fared well with starting pitchers.
Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both of the Los Angeles Dodgers, headlined the free agent pitching options with Snell right behind the two. He struck out 234 hitters across 180 innings while notching a 5.9-hit per nine-inning rate, an NL best.
Snell becomes just the latest of a flurry of offseason improvements made by the Giants. San Francisco has already welcomed Jung Ho Lee to a six-year, $113 million contract and also signed Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman to improve last season’s MLB-worst defense — the Giants recorded the most errors in all of baseball (117).
]]>It was already well-known that offensive tackle Trent Brown and the New England Patriots would go their separate ways this offseason.
But it was unclear what team would take a chance on Brown, whose tenure with the Patriots didn’t end on the greatest of terms. Brown might have his next NFL home in his sights, though, with an AFC contender in need of offensive line help showing significant interest in the 6-foot-8, 370-pound tackle.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday night that Brown is scheduled to meet with the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday.
It’s been a quiet free agency for Brown, who turns 31 next month. There doesn’t seem to be a large market in pursuit of Brown, but he would fill a clear void for the Bengals after they lost Jonah Williams. Williams started 59 games for Cincinnati over the last four seasons and signed with the Arizona Cardinals last week on a reported two-year, $30 million deal.
Brown had arguably the best season of his NFL career in his first stint with the Patriots in 2018. He started in all 16 regular-season games and was a difference-maker with New England relying heavily on its run game en route to a Super Bowl title that season.
But injury concerns and questions about his effort have come to define Brown’s career. After two seasons with the Raiders, Brown returned to the Patriots, where he spent the past three seasons. He suited up in only 11 games in 2023, but was surrounded by turmoil at the end of the season. He was a healthy scratch for New England’s Week 17 matchup with the Buffalo Bills after incidents with the coaching staff.
It will be interesting to see what kind of deal the Bengals are possibly willing to give Brown. Given Brown’s reputation, it could be risky investment for the Bengals, especially since they would need to rely on him to fill an important role of protecting franchise quarterback Joe Burrow.
But it’s hard to envision a better landing spot for Brown, who would have a chance to win another Super Bowl title with the Bengals.
]]>Veteran wide receiver Mike Williams seemed like a fit for the Patriots, especially given New England’s glaring need for help at the position.
But the Patriots don’t seem interested in trying to sign the productive, yet injury-prone Williams — New England did add K.J. Osborn over the weekend. Instead, a couple of Patriots rivals are after Williams’ services.
CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson reported Monday night that Williams is scheduled to meet “at length” with the New York Jets on Tuesday and he has another meeting on the books with the Pittsburgh Steelers for Thursday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday that Williams also plans to visit the Carolina Panthers and that the Chargers have an interest in bringing him back to Los Angeles.
Williams turned in two 1,000-yard receiving seasons over his seven-year tenure with the Chargers. The 29-year-old only played in three games this past season as he suffered a torn ACL. He also missed four regular-season games in 2022, but still caught 63 passes for 895 yards and four touchdowns that year.
The Steelers have been aggressive this offseason, already getting not one, but two new quarterbacks in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Giving them a reliable outside option in Williams to pair with Wilson makes sense.
The Jets being in on Williams isn’t much of a surprise. New York could use another wideout for Aaron Rodgers to throw to next season and take pressure off Garrett Wilson to produce.
So while the Patriots might not be in on Williams, they still could end up seeing him next season, especially if he signs with the Jets.
]]>Antonio Gibson is looking forward to a clean slate with the Patriots after signing a three-year deal in free agency to join New England.
Gibson, who was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Commanders, didn’t waste any time getting acclimated in Washington. The Memphis product rushed for a combined 1,832 yards with 18 touchdowns throughout the first 24 games of his career, leading the team in rushing yards in both campaigns.
Now with a Patriots team on the hunt for redemption after logging an abysmal 4-13 record that only did well by the organization’s draft placement, Gibson feels he’s got plenty to offer Foxborough in 2024.
“I’m just a guy that’s able to make plays,” Gibson told reporters Monday, per team-provided video. “I can run the ball. I can catch the ball. You can line me up outside. I can block, too. Whatever you need, I can get it done.”
Gibson finds himself in a near-identical position. The four-year veteran underwent a rough final season with Washington that saw the 25-year-old notch career lows in rushing yards (265), rushing attempts (65), touchdowns (one) and starts (two).
Washington drafted Gibson’s eventual replacement — Brian Robinson Jr. — in the third round of the 2022 draft, which put Gibson in the back seat. Subsequently, Gibson’s reduced role resulted in just eight starts over the last two seasons as the Commanders struggled to find space to utilize him.
That space exists with the Patriots, although Gibson will be left to compete among a running attack led by Rhamondre Stevenson. Together, Gibson and Stevenson could play in tandem in helping establish a solid running game for whoever becomes New England’s starting quarterback once the offseason roster work is set and done.
Gibson isn’t alone in making the move from Washington to New England. When free agency officially commenced, the Patriots signed quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who spent all of 2023 alongside Gibson with Washington.
“Much respect to the guy,” Gibson said. “I feel like (he’s) a vet’s vet, does what he needs to get done. You know, when he stepped in later in the season, he was on 10, he was ready to go. … Much respect to him. Great player, great dude and I’m excited.”
With plenty of offseason still left, including the April draft, the Patriots still have a lot of agendas left to cross off before the era of first-year head coach Jerod Mayo officially kicks off.
]]>The New England Patriots rarely rely on just one running back to take on the bulk of the work in their offense.
And with that in mind, new Patriots running back Antonio Gibson knows he’ll be working closely with Rhamondre Stevenson this season.
Gibson and Stevenson are already getting off on the right foot. Gibson said during a video call with reporters Monday that he reached out to Stevenson upon signing a three-year deal with the Patriots worth a reported base salary of $11.25 million. And the two quickly bonded over their shared experience of spending time at JUCO programs during their collegiate careers.
“It’s just a respect thing from that JUCO level, taking a harder route,” Gibson told reporters, per team-provided video. “Not saying that we wanted to be there — certain situations caused us to be there. It’s not an easy route. So, anybody that goes through that JUCO route they kind of understand. So, much respect to him.”
Gibson admires Stevenson’s skill set as well. Stevenson’s ability really caught Gibson’s eyes when the former Commanders running back got a up-close view of his new teammate when Washington faced the Patriots at Gillette Stadium last season.
“I love his game,” Gibson said. “I remember when he played against (us) last year, he hit the sideline, man, took off for like 60, 70 yards. So, much respect to his game. Great running back and I can’t wait to go to work with him, for sure.”
Splitting duties with other running backs is the norm for Gibson. After two stellar seasons to begin his NFL career, in which he combined to run for 1,832 yards and 18 touchdowns, Gibson saw his role reduced with the Commanders handing a chunk of the workload to Brian Robinson.
It feels like Gibson will be in somewhat of a similar situation with New England. The 25-year-old should be a strong complement to Stevenson, who is set to be New England’s lead back. Gibson is an adept pass catcher, having totaled a career-high 48 receptions this past season for 389 yards and two touchdowns.
But Gibson doesn’t want to pigeonhole himself into a specific role.
“I’m not going to stick myself to just the third-down back,” Gibson said. “I want to compete just the same as everybody else. I feel like that’s only going to make the running back room better. Like I said, I’m not here to step on anybody’s toes, but at the end of the day, we have to compete. I’m not just here to take the backseat. I feel like we can do a lot of great things together, me and the running back room, just adding on.”
]]>Sam Hauser chased NBA history for the Celtics during their trip to the nation’s capital Sunday night and avoided a potential injury crisis in the process, amid Boston’s fifth consecutive victory.
Boston took the floor without Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis or Derrick White available to suit up. That left Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla to insert Hauser into the starting lineup for the eighth time this season. And it didn’t take too long for the 26-year-old sharpshooter to make a significant impact and repay Mazzulla for the chance to fill the void left by three of Boston’s go-to starters.
But Hauser’s career night nearly came at the cost of teeter-tottering with a left ankle injury that could’ve resulted in a lengthy trip to Boston’s injury list — which, in hindsight, the Celtics won’t have to worry about moving forward.
“According to a league source, X-rays on Celtics forward Sam Hauser’s left ankle were negative and he avoided serious injury when he stepped on the foot of a Wizards player early in the third quarter,” The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach reported Monday.
Hauser scored 21 points through the first two quarters against Washington, going 7-of-9 from 3-point range to pair with Jayson Tatum as the co-stars of the contest. The elite shooting performance, in fact, was so stellar that by the end of Hauser’s career-best 10-of-13 output from beyond the arc, he was just short of matching — or perhaps topping — Klay Thompson’s NBA-record 14 threes made in a single game.
With 7:43 left in the third quarter, Hauser made an early exit after suffering the injury that killed his chances at history. Hauser limped toward the Celtics locker room, which added a bittersweet taste to a crushing 130-104 victory over the Wizards to improve their NBA-best record to 53-14.
Celtics teammates rooted for Hauser’s bid at the history books as well.
“Pretty impressive and the most impressive to me was that everything was within the flow,” Al Horford told reporters, per CLNS Media. “You know it wasn’t like he was hunting the shots or anything like that. We just played our game and guys were mindful when he was there, you get him the ball but it was just playing so it was impressive to see.”
With 15 games left before the playoffs begin, Hauser’s update serves as a sigh of relief considering the Celtics could use all the depth they’ve got before embarking on their quest for Banner 18.
]]>The Boston Red Sox don’t have many left-handed pitchers to turn to out of the bullpen.
And the Red Sox might be down one of those options given the troubling injury news for pitcher Chris Murphy, who was in competition for a roster spot.
Murphy will be shut down and undergo an MRI on his elbow in Fort Myers, Fla., on Monday.
“Not recovering well from the last one in the elbow area,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters Monday at JetBlue Park, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith. “So we’ll see what’s going on there. Obviously worry of course. But we’ll have more probably mostly likely tomorrow morning.”
Murphy flashed his potential at times in his first go-around in the majors last season. The 25-year-old got off to a stellar start with the Red Sox when he was called up in June. Murphy took on the role as a multi-inning reliever and allowed just five earned runs over his first 28 1/3 innings of work.
Murphy hit some speed bumps after that, finishing the season with 20 appearances out of the bullpen while posting a 4.91 ERA to go along with one save and 49 strikeouts in 47 2/3 innings.
The 2019 sixth-round pick was in the mix for a similar role this season. He made five appearances this spring with his last one coming this past Thursday against Philadelphia Phillies. It was a strong showing from Murphy, who notched five strikeouts and allowed no runs on one hit and one walk in 2 1/3 innings.
But after that contest, the injury issue popped up.
“He was unable to bounce back,” Cora said, per Smith. “He was a little bit concerned with the elbow. We are, too. So we’ll take a look at it.”
The Red Sox don’t have many other lefties in the bullpen with Murphy’s future uncertain. Brennan Bernardino, who carved out a role with Boston after being waived by the Seattle Mariners last season, figures to be in line for a roster spot while Joely Rodríguez and Lucas Luetge are other options.
]]>Antonio Gibson understands there are plenty of running backs in the NFL who can catch the ball out of the backfield. That sort of skill has caused Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley, among others, to stand out among the rest.
Gibson, who played wide receiver his whole life before moving to running back when he reached the NFL, believes his skill set is just as unique. Gibson has been one of the most productive pass-catching running backs in the last three seasons. He ranked seventh in receiving yards by a running back during that stretch.
“A lot of guys can catch out of the backfield, but like I said, I feel like what separates me is that I can line up outside and run routes,” Gibson told reporters during a video conference Monday. “I feel like that’s where the advantage comes in.”
I feel like that’s where the advantage comes in.
Antonio Gibson
The 25-year-old Gibson agreed to terms with the Patriots on the first day of the legal tampering period. Gibson reportedly will earn $11.25 million base value over the course of the three-year deal with a maximum value of $17.25 million.
New England reportedly identified Gibson as a top target because of his pass-catching and route-running prowess. Gibson totaled 1,283 receiving yards on 172 catches and seven touchdowns during his four years with the Washington Commanders. In total, Gibson racked up 3,926 yards on 814 touches and 29 touchdowns in those four campaigns.
“It was an adjustment for me. I kind of had to let go of the receiver side because that wasn’t what I was doing anymore,” Gibson said of moving from receiver to running back after playing wideout at Memphis. “It helps though. I can be lined up outside and still run routes. I got a lot of the basics down, kind of instilled in me. I would love to do that and help out.”
Gibson said he respects Rhamondre Stevenson’s game, and believes he can complement Stevenson and the running back room. Gibson, however, did not want to label himself as a third-down back as he hopes to be able to do more.
“I’m just a guy who is able to make plays,” Gibson said. “I can run the ball. I can catch the ball. You can line me up outside. I can block, too. So whatever you need, I can get it done. I can pass (protect). So whatever you need I can get it done.”
Gibson said he is “super excited” to be with the Patriots, who gave him the best opportunity despite the fact it’s a young group with a new regime. Gibson appreciated the “different vibe” offered by Patriots first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, as well.
]]>The Boston Red Sox announced Monday that they will hold special pregame ceremonies prior to their April 9 home opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park.
The Red Sox will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 2004 World Series championship team, which broke the organization’s 86-year title drought in dramatic fashion. The franchise will also pay tribute to the late Tim Wakefield and his wife, Stacy.
Wakefield, who played 17 seasons for Boston and was a member of the 2004 and 2007 championships team, died this past October. He was revered for his work in the community and served as a NESN analyst after retiring from MLB. Stacy Wakefield died nearly five months after her husband in late February.
Red Sox players will wear commemorative patches of Wakefield’s No. 49 on the sleeve of their uniform throughout the season to honor the longtime pitcher. The patch is shaped like a heart to signify Wakefield’s role as honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation.
The Red Sox disclosed all members of the 2004 team will be invited to partake in the pregame ceremony. A full list on who actually will be attending will be revealed prior to the home opener.
]]>Antonio Gibson understands the rebuilding phase the Patriots are staring down, but the 25-year-old running back nevertheless believed New England presented him the best opportunity.
While speaking to reporters on a video conference call Monday, Gibson, who agreed to terms with the franchise on the first day of the legal tampering period, explained why he felt New England was the best fit.
“A bunch of young guys, a new coaching staff,” said Gibson, who reportedly agreed to a three-year deal. “I got a chance to talk to a lot of the coaches and I’m super excited for what they’ve got planned and how they plan on moving things forward.
“Me and my agent talked it over, we had a lot of good talk. And we felt like this was the best place for me. They showed love, they reciprocated it, and I’m just ready to get things going.”
Gibson reportedly will earn a base salary of $11.25 million with incentives giving him to opportunity to receive $17.25 million over the three years.
Gibson said he was ready for a fresh start after playing the last four seasons with the Washington Commanders, who drafted the Memphis product in the third round in 2020.
After producing in each of his first two campaigns — Gibson scored 11 touchdowns as a rookie and surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in his second season — he saw a diminished role the last two years. Gibson played 46% of offensive snaps in 2023 as he shared the workload with Brian Robinson.
Gibson now will serve alongside Patriots starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson, though the talented pass-catcher doesn’t want to put himself in the role of merely a third-down back.
“I want to compete just the same as everybody else and I feel like that’s only going to make the running back room better,” Gibson said. “I’m not here to step on anybody’s toes, but at the end of the day we have to compete. I’m not here just to take the back seat. I feel like we can do a lot of great things together, me in the running back room just adding on.”
Among the coaches Gibson appreciated chatting with was Patriots first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. Mayo presented a “different vibe” than the coaches Gibson grew familiar working with, like former Washington head coach Ron Rivera, and the fifth-year player enjoyed how Mayo communicated like “one of the guys.”
]]>Those who have spent the last few years working alongside New England Patriots first-year head coach Jerod Mayo understood he is different in the way he communicates and leads the group.
It didn’t take long for Antonio Gibson, who signed with the Patriots on the first day of NFL free agency, to glean the same.
Gibson in a video session with reporters Monday touched on the “different vibe” he got from Mayo during their initial conversations. Gibson related the conversation to something he would have with players rather than the coach, expressing such in a positive way.
“We had good conversation. Definitely a different vibe from a head coach just from the one day I met him,” Gibson said. “Nothing against coach Rivera, but he (Mayo) sat down and just had different conversation. It didn’t sound like a coach. It sounded like he was talking to one of the guys.
“I feel like that’s something that might be a positive thing in the locker room,” Gibson continued. “For him to be able to relate and communicate like that and kind of understanding both sides of it.”
Gibson also said Mayo showed Gibson’s daughter a great time when they met at One Patriot Place.
“Brought her to the office and just treated her with love,” Gibson said. “I appreciate that for sure, especially the first time meeting him.”
The 25-year-old Gibson, who played out his rookie contract with the Washington Commanders, shared that he was excited for a fresh start with another organization. He reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with a base value of $11.25 million worth up to $17.25 million.
After scoring 11 touchdowns as a rookie and surpassing 1,000 rushing yards with 10 scores the following season, Gibson split snaps with Brian Robinson during the 2023 campaign. His production slipped considerably as he totaled 654 yards of offense and played 46% of offensive snaps (two starts).
He believed the Patriots provided the best landing spot for him given the youthful roster, new staff and ability to play alongside Rhamondre Stevenson.
“A bunch of young guys, a new coaching staff, I got a chance to talk to a lot of the coaches and I’m super excited for what they’ve got planned and how they plan on moving things forward,” Gibson said. “They showed love, they reciprocated it, and I’m just ready to get things going.”
The Patriots reportedly identified Gibson as a top target in free agency given his pass-catching and route-running abilities, both of which Gibson believes are what separates him from other pass-catching running backs.
]]>The New England Patriots’ reported deal for K.J. Osborn received a glowing review from a longtime NFL writer.
After the Patriots reportedly agreed to terms with Osborn on Sunday, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer called the one-year deal for the veteran receiver one of his “favorite signings of free agency.”
“Just a really good football player who came up huge in big spots for the Vikings,” Breer posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Breer reported Osborn will earn $4 million in 2024 while the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed reported Osborn could make up to $6 million.
New England’s deal for Osborn will give the Patriots veteran depth and versatility. It was a much-needed need for New England, but Osborn doesn’t figure to be a WR1 who dictates how opposing defenses play. New England is still without such a player, instead being led by depth with Kendrick Bourne and Demario Douglas headlining the group.
Osborn, a fifth-round pick in 2020, spent the last four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He served as Minnesota’s WR3 last season behind superstar Justin Jefferson and 2023 first-round pick Jordan Addison.
The 26-year-old recorded 1,845 yards on 158 receptions the last three seasons for averages of 615 yards and 53 catches. He has 15 career touchdowns, seven of which came in 2021 when he tallied a career-high 655 yards receiving.
Patriots fans now will have to wait and see if Osborn was deserving of Breer’s reaction.
]]>Nick Yorke flashed his potential this weekend. The Red Sox prospect collected a pair of hits in Boston’s all-prospect spring breakout game.
Yorke showed off the hit tool by slapping an RBI single to right and he flexed his muscle by tagging a double off the center-field fence in the Sox prospects’ win over Atlanta’s youngsters Saturday at JetBlue Park.
The good vibes were short-lived, though. The breakout game performance was by far Yorke’s best of the spring, and he was among the handful of players reassigned to minor league camp Monday morning. The move on its own was not terribly surprising. Yorke at times has looked like a player who could force his way into the big leagues in 2024, but it would have taken a tremendous spring performance to force the club’s hand and keep him around for the start of the season.
In fact, Yorke largely did the opposite of that. Not counting Saturday’s prospect showcase, Yorke was just 2-for-22 in Grapefruit League action. That’s not going to cut it for anyone, especially a hit-first infielder the Sox took in the first round of the 2020 draft.
“He didn’t do much offensively,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters Monday in Florida, per MassLive.com. “It felt like he was in between the whole camp. He didn’t get too many opportunities because of lack of versatility. He played great at second base. The times he was on the bases, good instincts.
“But the offensive side of it, that was his ticket when he got drafted — he’s going to be an offensive middle infielder. And we’ve got to get back to that. I think now, slow things down, go do your work wherever he starts. (Player development), they’ll determine that. Get his at-bats and get back to the hitter the organization envisioned when they drafted him in ’20.”
Cora also mentioned Yorke will receive some playing time in the outfield. Such a move would really emphasize the need for offensive contributions. An offensive middle infielder is held to a different standard than an outfielder, especially one moved off their original position. The expectations for production are even higher.
The production was good but not great for Yorke in 2023 when he spent the entire season at Double-A Portland. Yorke hit 13 home runs with 61 RBIs while walking 51 times in 110 games. He was able to increase his batting average, too, after hitting .232 the year before in Greenville.
That progress is encouraging, and it’s probably worth emphasizing a little more patience with Yorke. As a 2020 draftee, he lost that entire first season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and didn’t start his professional career until 2021. On top of that, he’s still relatively young. He was almost three years younger than the average Double-A age in 2023.
]]>Bill Simmons is rapidly losing hope for the Patriots.
There wasn’t much to be excited about in New England the last two seasons, but the franchise was in line to quickly improve. The Patriots entered the NFL offseason armed with the league’s most salary space, and they boast one of the best slates of picks in next month’s draft.
But New England didn’t do much spending in the initial wave of free agency, and there are conflicting reports about how the organization wants to tackle the draft. Simmons, a longtime Patriots fan, is having a tough time understanding what’s going on at team headquarters.
“I’m trying to figure out what the Patriots are doing,” Simmons said in a YouTube video, as transcribed by Awful Announcing. “Right now, they have the most money to spend of any team in the league, but free agency’s basically over. They have the third, I think 35th, 68th and 103rd picks out of the top 105. They don’t have a future QB. They don’t have a left tackle. They don’t have an impact receiver. Their only above-average skill position guy is Rhamondre Stevenson, who’s not even a top-10 running back. They’re a D+ offense. New coach. They’re the cheapest team in the last 10 years for spending.
“And I guess my question is, is this just going to be the Patriots until Bob Kraft dies? Just super cheap. They’ve spent the least amount of money for the last 10 years. They let (Tom) Brady go, then they blame (Bill) Belichick for that. And now it just feels like they’re going to trade backward from No. 3 and get a bunch of picks and tell everyone how smart they are. And meanwhile, we’re going to pass up a franchise QB. And not spend money. Great.”
The situation in New England might not be as dire as Simmons makes it out to be. The Patriots managed to retain multiple key free agents and many signs point toward the franchise taking a quarterback at No. 3 in the draft.
But at this point, a lot of New England’s future success hinges on the success of this year’s picks. So the organization better hope to make the most of its eight selections next month.
]]>The Patriots are starting to put more and more eggs in one basket this NFL offseason.
Despite having the salary cap space to do so, New England didn’t “burn some cash” in free agency like Jerod Mayo said it was going to when he replaced Bill Belichick. The Patriots also have been a non-factor in the trade market, even though multiple players who could address their needs were made available.
As such, those at One Patriot Place appear to be fixating most of their attention on next month’s draft. New England is in a comfortable draft situation on paper, but that luxury comes with pressure.
“The biggest thing to me is that no matter what they did, it’s the draft that is going to make or break their offseason,” former Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich recently told ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “This could be a home run. At the same time, the scary part is that if they draft a quarterback at No. 3, and he’s not the guy, they’re in major trouble.”
You don’t need to tell Patriots fans how it goes when you swing and miss on a first-round quarterback. Mac Jones didn’t blossom into a franchise signal-caller after he was taken 15th overall in 2021, and his final two seasons in New England were miserable. That wasn’t entirely Jones’ fault, but he didn’t help the situation either.
Of course, the Patriots are much higher on the board this year than they were in Jones’ draft year. But that might only add to the nerves of New England fans.
]]>Isaiah Wynn will remain in the AFC East for a sixth consecutive season.
Wynn, drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, has agreed to re-sign with the Miami Dolphins, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Wynn will play the 2024 season on a one-year deal.
The 28-year-old Wynn started all seven games he played in 2023 before he suffered a quad injury.
After suffering a torn Achilles in the 2018 preseason, Wynn played his first four NFL seasons with the Patriots. He was sidelined due to a myriad of injuries and appeared in 43 games across those four campaigns.
Wynn left New England for Miami last offseason when he signed a one-year, $2.3 million deal.
]]>The Patriots are in line for many organizational tweaks with Bill Belichick no longer in the picture, including a slightly higher tolerance level.
Kendrick Bourne is excited for that change, and he’s probably not alone.
Bourne, who re-signed with New England last week, expressed excitement for the Patriots’ new regime on a recent episode of the “Pats Interference Football Podcast.” Eliot Wolf received a share of the praise from the veteran wide receiver, who might have taken a dig at Belichick when he spoke about New England’s de facto general manager.
“He’s just, treating everybody fairly, giving everybody an opportunity, bringing guys in not just — you drop a pass, you don’t get an opportunity next week,” Bourne said, as transcribed by MassLive.
Harsh reactions to mistakes — particularly made by young/inexperienced players — were a staple of the Belichick era. It’s obviously important to hold the team to a high standard, but Bourne sees the downsides of severely punishing a player for a miscue.
“It’s just inevitable,” Bourne said. “He’s trying to be an explosive player like he is, be himself. But then when you don’t put us back in the game … that kills the confidence. I think that’s going to be the difference. It’s like, ‘No, bro, you just made a mistake, that can can happen to anyone.’ That mindset is just going to help a player take off.”
Bourne’s remarks weren’t wishful thinking either. Roughly a month after Belichick’s exit, Wolf himself stressed the Patriots will operate with “less of a hard-ass vibe” moving forward.
Belichick’s approach worked for quite a while and helped New England hang six Super Bowl banners. But there’s more than one way to win in the NFL, and it was time for a change at One Patriot Place.
]]>The New England Patriots reportedly are not showing interest in trading down.
There have been reports the Patriots, who have the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, would really like to draft a quarterback with that selection. Other reports suggest the Patriots could trade down to get more picks and fill more holes on their roster.
While addressing the Minnesota Vikings’ recent trade for an additional 2024 first-rounder, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said Monday the Patriots have not “shown an appetite” for trading down. Neither have the Chicago Bears nor Washington Commanders, who hold the No. 1 and No. 2 pick, respectively.
“That Vikings trade gives us all a window into where J.J. McCarthy now stands in the eyes of NFL teams. And that’s not to say that they all love him,” Breer wrote. “It is to say that, assuming the Bears, Commanders and Patriots stay put and draft quarterbacks — zero of the three have shown an appetite for trading one of those picks — McCarthy is not just worthy of being, at worst, the fourth QB off the board, but maybe someone worth moving up for.”
NFL draft expert Daniel Jeremiah said Friday he’s heard the Patriots are committed to staying at third overall, as well.
That’s good news for Patriots fans who want New England to take a shot and select its potential franchise quarterback. Whether that will be Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels, two of the top three consensus quarterbacks behind Caleb Williams, likely won’t be known until draft night.
DraftKings Sportsbook currently sees Maye as the favorite to be selected No. 3 overall (-130) with Daniels the favorite to go second (-180) behind Williams.
]]>Mike Onwenu is expected to enjoy a bit more stability over the course of his second contract with the Patriots.
Part of what’s made Onwenu so valuable to New England since his rookie season in 2020 is his versatility on the offensive line. The 26-year-old played both guard positions at a high level and really excelled at right tackle, where he started the final 11 games of last season.
And that’s reportedly where Onwenu, a former sixth-round pick, will stay for years to come. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots plan to lock into the Michigan product as their right tackle moving forward. Such a commitment was another nice recent development for Onwenu, who reportedly landed $38 million guaranteed as well as a $22.5 million signing bonus when he re-signed with New England last week.
Of course, there still is a major concern along the Patriots offensive line. New England currently is without a trusted left tackle, which is a tough place to be for a team that very well might open the new season with a rookie quarterback behind center. Fortunately for Jerod Mayo and company, offensive tackle is one of the deepest position groups in the 2024 draft class.
]]>Mac Jones has plenty of reasons to have an ax to grind with Bill Belichick.
Yes, Jones should be grateful to Belichick and the Patriots for making him the 15th overall pick in 2021. The quarterback also enjoyed a very good rookie season under Belichick, highlighted by a Pro Bowl selection and a New England playoff berth.
But after that promising campaign, it was virtual hell for Jones in Foxboro, Mass.
From head-scratching coaching decisions to poor roster management, Belichick and company didn’t do Jones any favors across his final two seasons with the franchise. One report even claimed Belichick effectively tried to bury Jones after he lost the starting job last season.
But despite all of those sticking points, Jones took the high road when he referenced Belichick during his introductory Jacksonville Jaguars press conference last week.
“A lot of great learning experiences,” Jones told reporters, per Pro Football Talk. “Learned from a great head coach, obviously, one of the greatest of all time. Been fortunate to kind of work with some great head coaches and learned a lot.”
Jones also expressed appreciation for Belichick in a farewell message to the Patriots, which featured praise for ownership and the fanbase as well. The 25-year-old doesn’t seem very bitter about how things shook out in New England and is instead focusing on his new opportunity in his hometown.
The Alabama product probably won’t see much playing time in 2024. But at the very minimum, he will be able to enjoy a fresh start in comfortable surroundings.
]]>The Boston Red Sox on Monday morning announced a flurry of roster moves with 10 days remaining before Opening Day.
Boston optioned catcher Tyler Heineman and left-hander Joe Jacques to Triple-A Worcester.
Additionally, right-handed relief pitchers Justin Hagenman and Chase Shugart along with left-handed relievers Jorge Benitez and Cam Booser were reassigned to minor league camp. Those four hurlers were joined by infielders Nick Sogard, Jamie Westbrook and Nick Yorke as well as infielder/outfielder Dalton Guthrie as a total of eight players were reassigned to minor league camp.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora on Sunday spoke highly about Booser, a non-roster invitee who does not have MLB experience. Cora also shared over the weekend that Josh Winckowski, who was in the mix for one of the final starting spots, has been moved to the bullpen and will serve as a multi-inning reliever.
The Red Sox, who have nine spring training games remaining, begin their season March 28 against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
]]>Filling out an NCAA Tournament bracket has never been more difficult, and anyone who says they have the perfect picks for you to win your bets and cut down the nets of your own pool is probably full of it.
The 2024 field is set for The Big Dance after Sunday night’s bracket reveal. By Thursday afternoon, we will all have convinced ourselves we are bracket savants. But if last year’s tournament is any indication, we might as well just throw some darts.
The 2023 tournament was truly bananas. The top seed in the Final Four was the eventual national champion UConn, who went to Houston as the No. 4 team in the West region. Not a single one-seed made the Elite Eight. Purdue, the top seed in the East, became the second No. 1 seed to lose to a 16 in the first round, suffering the biggest upset in the history of the tournament. Princeton, the No. 15 seed in the South region, suffocated Arizona in the first round, sent Missouri packing in the second round and gave Creighton a scare before bowing out in the Sweet 16.
So, yeah. No one has any clue what’s going to happen, but we can at least try to mitigate the damage, especially in the early rounds. If you want to win your pool, you’ll need to hit the Final Four. But if you just want to brag about calling an upset, here are the best odds-based options for each seeding matchup in the tournament.
(Betting lines from FanDuel Sportsbook)
1 vs. 16
South region: Longwood vs. (-23.5) Houston
Probably not going to happen, of course. Statistically, though, Longwood is the best 16-seed in the tournament despite not doing anything really well. Like Houston, the Lancers play at a slow tempo, so the pace won’t be uncomfortable for them.
2 vs. 15
South region: Western Kentucky vs. (-14.5) Marquette
Staying in the South, Marquette is statistically the “worst” No. 2 seed, despite going 25-9 in the Big East. The Golden Eagles struggle from the free-throw line, which can often be the kind of thing that dooms a team looking for a deep run. On the other side, the Hilltoppers can score without having to get hot from 3-point land and are a good rebounding team.
3 vs. 14
East region: Morehead State vs. (-11.5) Illinois
This is where we have to really put the strategy to the test. Based on the point spread, Illinois is the most vulnerable 3-seed. Based on KenPom’s ratings, it’s the best. That’s largely because of Morehead State, a team that is probably slightly better than a 14-seed. The numbers like the Eagles largely because of a really tough out-of-conference schedule. Morehead State played three Big 10 conference games (Purdue, Penn State, Indiana). The formula is simple: defense. Morehead State was a suffocating defensive team, forcing 10.5 turnovers per game and holding opponents to 47% from the field.
4 vs. 13
Midwest region: Samford vs. (-7.5) Kansas
Samford has to just let it fly. The Bulldogs made 10 3-pointers per game, making up nearly 40% of its offense. They can play defense, too, forcing a whole bunch of turnovers, and by just about every metric, they are a top-100 team in the country. Kansas certainly has brand-name awareness, but the Jayhawks come after losing four of their last five games.
5 vs. 12
South region: James Madison vs. (-4.5) Wisconsin
There has been a lot of winning on the James Madison campus this school year with the Dukes hoops team picking up where the football team left off. JMU has 30 wins this season, including a perfect 5-0 record on neutral courts. One of those 30 wins came against Michigan State, its best victory of the season. Wisconsin limped down the stretch, with just three wins in its final 11 games.
6 vs. 11
West region: (-2.5) No. 11 New Mexico over Clemson
This one is almost too obvious and will likely be one of the most popular picks of the tournament. The Lobos are underseeded. New Mexico won 26 games this season and won the Mountain West Conference tournament Sunday with a win over a San Diego State team that got the 5-seed in the East region. New Mexico is a top-25 team in the country based on KenPom.com rankings, easily the highest seed in the top 25. They are 13-1 to win the West region, the seventh-best odds … for the No. 11 seed. You’ve also heard of their head coach, Richard Pitino, who is a tournament veteran with obviously strong lineage. They’re led on the floor by Jamal Mashburn Jr., whose father also should ring a bell with casual hoops fans. This is very much a team that could make a deep run.
7 vs. 10
West region: (-1.5) Nevada vs. Dayton
On paper, at least, Nevada looks like the better team with the more impressive resume. The Wolfpack had more wins with a tougher schedule in arguably the better conference. KenPom gives the slight edge to Dayton (No. 32), but Nevada isn’t far behind (No. 36). Dayton is another team without a ton of momentum coming into the dance with losses to George Mason, Loyola Chicago and Duquesne (conference tournament) in the last month.
8 vs. 9
Midwest region: (-3.5) TCU vs. Utah State
Calling any 8-9 game an “upset” is a stretch, but No. 9 TCU is the only nine-seed that’s favored, and the Horned Frogs laying 3.5 points is pretty considerable.
The New England Patriots didn’t win the Calvin Ridley sweepstakes, and they might not have even been the runner-up.
Ridley took his talents to Tennessee, where the Titans reportedly gave the star wide receiver a four-year, $92 million contract with $50 million guaranteed. Ridley admitted the “pretty good” money swayed him to Nashville, Tenn., as did the opportunity to play alongside five-time Pro Bowl selection DeAndre Hopkins.
But in a perfect world, the 2018 first-round pick would not have found a new team in free agency.
“I really wanted to — honestly — be with the Jags,” Ridley told reporters last Friday, per a video shared by ESPN’s Turron Davenport. “But there were a lot of things that it wasn’t working out for me.”
Perhaps one of the factors that pushed Ridley out of Jacksonville was guaranteed money. That reportedly was the main “breakdown” for the Patriots, who apparently made a competitive offer for the best wide receiver available on the open market.
Ridley’s decision forced New England to start looking at other options to bolster its talent-deprived receiving corps. The Patriots seemingly were not in the mix for new Chicago Bear Keenan Allen, but they reportedly agreed to terms with a veteran wideout Sunday.
]]>The Patriots didn’t swing for the fences last week, but they did take their hacks.
One of New England’s first moves once the NFL’s legal tampering period opened was agreeing to terms with Antonio Gibson, a running back only a few seasons removed from a 1,000-yard campaign with the Washington Commanders. In his latest Sunday notes column, ESPN’s Mike Reiss revealed why Gibson was squarely on the Patriots’ radar in free agency.
“Patriots offensive coaches had identified former Washington running back Antonio Gibson as a top target, with his pass-catching and route-running ability top assets,” Reiss wrote. “That highlights, in part, how the new regime was looking for more of a contrast between top running back Rhamondre Stevenson and his backup than they had last season with Ezekiel Elliott. One NFL executive saw value in the signing as long as Gibson picks up the offensive system and shows the ability to pass protect — which can be challenging to project.”
Gibson could be in line for a robust role in his first season with the Patriots. Aside from lightening Stevenson’s workload, New England might lean on the dual-threat back as a security blanket of sorts if it starts a rookie quarterback from the get-go this fall.
The 25-year-old was more productive as a pass-catcher than a rusher last season, as he set career highs in both catches (48) and receiving yards (389). Those numbers would have ranked third and fifth, respectively, for New England in 2023.
]]>Calvin Ridley turned down the Patriots, who never had a chance to pursue Mike Evans. But there recently was another opportunity for New England to go after another star wide receiver.
The Chargers entered the NFL offseason with an unfavorable salary cap situation, which forced Los Angeles to make tough decisions on a few of its best but high-priced players. Mike Williams was released, while fellow wideout Keenan Allen was put on the trade block.
Allen was ultimately dealt to Chicago, where on Saturday he revealed the Bolts allowed him to ask around the league to pursue a trade.
“There were a couple teams that they would allow me, I guess, to say where I wanted to go,” Allen told reporters, per ESPN. “I only had like two teams.”
The Patriots, despite their glaring need for a legitimate No. 1 wideout, weren’t one of those teams. Allen revealed the New York Jets and the Houston Texans as the pair of clubs that expressed interest in his services.
Allen is entering the final season of a four-year, $80 million contract, so perhaps the Patriots weren’t keen on pursuing a rental who turns 32 next month and has a fairly concerning injury history. Still, a receiver with Allen’s talent, productivity and experience could have been very beneficial to a rookie quarterback. And there seemingly is a good chance New England rolls with a first-year player behind center in 2024.
So, the Patriots’ receiving corps still needs some help. But the group reportedly is set to add a veteran who could have a pretty big role in New England.
]]>At the end of next week, the NCAA Tournament will make its way to Boston.
The crazed sports city will host the final two rounds of the East Regional on March 28 and 30 with the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight contests playing out at TD Garden.
Only four out of the East region’s 16 teams will find their way to Boston, as getting the chance to play at the home of the Celtics won’t be an easy task. This side of the bracket will be difficult to navigate as it features three of last year’s four national semifinal teams, including No. 1 overall seed UConn.
Here are four teams that could be cutting down the nets in Boston and making their way to the Final Four:
UConn
UConn enters the NCAA Tournament with massive expectations as the Huskies are the heavy favorite. They also look to become the first team since the 2006-07 Florida Gators to win back-to-back national championships.
The Huskies, who enter the dance with a pristine 31-3 record, certainly have the talent to accomplish that. UConn has five players that average double figures in scoring, led by senior guard Tristen Newton at 15.2 points per game. The Huskies can attack from all over the court with Massachusetts native Alex Karaban shooting 39.5% from 3-point range and 7-foot-2 sophomore Donovan Clingan taking advantage down low.
It isn’t exactly a cakewalk to Boston for UConn, though. After facing 16th-seeded Stetson, the Huskies could face No. 8 Florida Atlantic, which made a run to the Final Four last season.
Auburn
Getting to Boston would be a homecoming for Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl. He grew up in Sharon, Mass., and attended Boston College.
It would be a great storyline if Pearl makes his way to Boston and it’s certainly realistic for the fourth-seeded Tigers to make it happen. Auburn is exceptional on both sides of the basketball as the Tigers boast one of the best defenses in the SEC. They also can light it up from beyond the arc with three players knocking down at least 40% of their 3-point attempts. Johni Broome leads them in scoring with 16.2 points per game.
Potentially standing in Auburn and Pearl’s way in the second round is San Diego State, last season’s national runner-up. The No. 5 Aztecs have just as good of a shot to make it to Boston as Auburn. They can lean on Jaedon LeDee, Lamont Butler and their experience from last year’s incredible tournament run. But San Diego State isn’t as deep as they were a season ago and it feels like things are aligning for Pearl and the Tigers to get to Boston.
BYU
The Cougars might not be a traditional Cinderella team as a sixth seed, but upsetting No. 3 Illinois in the second round would create some momentum before heading east.
BYU’s regular-season résumé proves they are capable of putting together a magical NCAA Tournament run. The Cougars have wins over Baylor, Kansas and Iowa State, which is the No. 2 team in the East. They also have a 7-point loss to a No. 1-seeded Houston squad.
The Cougars receive a consistent spark off the bench in Jaxon Robinson, who leads BYU in scoring with 13.8 points per game. BYU also won’t be hesitant from long range as its offense is built from beyond the arc.
Of course, BYU will have to guard against an upset from No. 11 Duquesne before facing the winner of Illinois and No. 14 Morehead State.
Iowa State
The Cyclones opened up plenty of eyes with the way they finished off the Big 12 Tournament by routing Houston in a 28-point win. And that surely has Iowa State eyeing not only Boston, but a potential Final Four berth.
Iowa State plays an aggressive style and features a strong backcourt tandem in Keshon Gilbert and Tamin Lipsey. Gilbert averages a team-best 13.2 points per game while Lipsey is right behind at 12.8 points to go along with 2.8 steals per game.
Iowa State will have to handle business against No. 15 South Dakota State first and possibly a very tricky matchup against No. 10 Drake awaits in the second round before it can start thinking about making a trip to Boston. But there’s no doubt the Cyclones should have national title aspirations.
]]>The Boston Celtics took the floor without three starters in Sunday night’s matchup against the Washington Wizards and had zero issue making easy work of the worst team in the Eastern Conference.
Boston got to work without Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White, although it wasn’t unfamiliar territory for the Celtics. In games without two or more starters available this season, Boston’s gone 6-0 and continued that undefeated stretch, again courtesy of its depth. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla called on Sam Hauser to step into the starting lineup, which haunted the Wizards and interim head coach Brian Keefe — quickly.
“We lost Hauser and (Jayson) Tatum. For sure, that was the biggest issue,” Keefe told reporters after Boston’s 130-104 road win over Washington. “Those guys hit threes and that extended the lead. We had a little trouble scoring that stretch but those guys got open looks and that’s what changed the game.”
By halftime, Tatum and Hauser had combined to score 46 points, leading the Celtics to an 81-53 advantage over the Wizards. Hauser’s seven threes set a new franchise record for most made in a half.
The 26-year-old went a career-best 10-of-13 from three to score 30 points. However, with 7:43 left remaining in the third quarter, Hauser suffered an ankle sprain that cut his night early and withheld him from chasing Klay Thompson’s NBA record of 14 threes drained in a single game.
On the flip side, by the time Hauser’s night had ended, the damage had already been done to Washington. Boston had gotten everything it needed from Hauser and then some, and Mazzulla comfortably cruised the remainder of the way with an undermanned Celtics rotation.
Tatum was on-brand, matching Hauser’s 30 points while shooting 8-of-17 with six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Those two were enough of a dynamic duo to bury the Wizards and improve Boston’s NBA-best record to 53-14 with a fifth consecutive trip to the win column.
“Hauser, that’s what he does, catch and shoot guy,” Keefe continued. “Try to take him off the line. He got loose a little bit on some scrambles, some offensive rebounds and a little bit in transition. So he got in a variety of ways. Tatum’s going to make tough shots. You try to make that as tough as possible. I thought he got a couple of easier looks than we probably would have liked.”
Another win in the books for the Celtics and yet another nod to Boston’s depth with 15 games left to go before the playoffs.
]]>It seemed nothing was going to stop Sam Hauser with the Boston Celtics forward well on pace to break the franchise record for most 3-pointers in game. He even had a good shot at Klay Thompson’s NBA record of 14 triples in a game.
But a sprained ankle Hauser suffered in the third quarter put all that record talk to rest.
The injury forced Hauser to sit out the rest of Boston’s easy-going 130-104 win over the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Celtics head coach Joe Mazulla gave an update on Hauser after the Celtics improved to a sterling 53-14.
“I know he was doing like a just an X-ray after the game,” Mazzulla told reporters, as seen on NBC Sports Boston postgame coverage. “So we’ll find out. It was cautionary X-ray was what they said.”
Hauser put together his best showing in an NBA uniform against the lowly Wizards. He poured in a career-high 30 points on a sparklingly 10-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc. He became just the third Celtics player in franchise history to make double-digit 3-pointers in a game, joining Marcus Smart, who holds the record with 11 treys, and Jaylen Brown.
Hauser torched the Wizards early, sinking seven 3-pointers in the first half — a franchise record — as six of them came in the second quarter.
Hauser hit his 10th triple just two-and-half minutes into the third quarter, fueling the belief that he could take down the all-time NBA mark for 3-pointers in a single game. But with just under eight minutes left in the third quarter, Hauser sprained his ankle after launching from deep. Hauser took a couple steps after his shot as he appeared to hurt his ankle along the Wizards bench.
Despite any cause for concern over the injury, Mazzulla still marveled at Hauser’s impressive shooting performance.
“It was great,” Mazzulla said. “Loved his confidence, loved his aggressiveness, loved how guys look for him and I love how he got his shots within the flow of our execution. And that’s the weapon that he is, his ability to just put two on the ball, his ability to create open shots for himself and for other people, so it was fun to watch him shoot them. It was fun to watch his guys look for him.”
]]>There were some men’s college basketball teams expected to get the call to the big dance Sunday night, but their invitation never came.
The Big East came away from Selection Sunday with the biggest gripe as only three squads from the premier conference made it into the 68-team field while the Mountain West Conference received six bids.
But those from the Big East weren’t the only disgruntled parties as a couple of bubble teams that thought it had done enough to make the NCAA Tournament were left out. It certainly didn’t help matters that there were a few Cinderella runs during conference tournament play, including NC State claiming the ACC Tournament title to seize an automatic bid.
Let’s take a look at the five biggest snubs from this season’s NCAA Tournament:
Providence
Count Providence as one of a few Big East teams upset by the selection committee’s decision to leave them on the outside looking in.
The Friars lost star guard Bryce Hopkins to a torn ACL in early January but still put together a respectable 21-13 record. They had no horrible losses and had marquee wins over Marquette and Creighton, who they beat for the second time in the Big East Tournament. That probably had first-year head coach Kim English thinking Providence was in good shape to make the tournament.
But the committee felt otherwise as Providence’s analytics — 58th in NET rating — didn’t match up to some other teams, and that drew the ire of English.
“I think the analytics are (expletive),” English told reporters, per Kevin McNamara. “… When you get into this league, the analytics aren’t going to look very good in-league. You’re playing against some really, really good coaches. We play at Connecticut and I think they shoot 40% from the field. We’re a good defense. They won the game and should be credited for winning the game. I do think there are some flaws in the system.”
Indiana State
Robbie Avila was destined to be a star in the NCAA Tournament. After all, his nickname is Cream Abdul-Jabbar. But the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year isn’t going to get a chance to shine on the big stage.
The Sycamores certainly have a legitimate complaint for not being a part of the field. They finished 28th in NET rating, the highest of any team left out. And it was the first time any team that finished the season in the top 30 in NET ranking — the statistic came into play in 2018 — wasn’t dancing, per USA Today’s Jordan Mendoza.
Seton Hall
The Pirates are one of only three teams to take down the reigning national champion and No. 1 overall seed Connecticut Huskies this season. Seton Hall notched a win over Marquette, too, as part of its 20-12 record, including 13-7 mark in Big East play.
But that wasn’t enough to convince the committee they deserved to be in the tournament.
Hurting the Pirates’ case was their performance at the Big East Tournament. Seton Hall went one-and-done, losing to a St. John’s team they beat twice during the regular season.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh rolled into Selection Sunday having won 11 of its last 13 games. Right before that streak started, the Panthers received their biggest résumé booster by going to Cameron Indoor Stadium and upsetting Duke in mid-January.
But the committee saw Pittsburgh’s 22-11 record, including 12-8 ACC mark as just good enough to be one of the first four teams out. It probably won’t sit well with the Panthers that Virginia, a team Pittsburgh beat on the road by double digits in mid-February, got selected over them.
Oklahoma
Two months ago it seemed unfathomable that the Sooners would miss out on the tournament. Oklahoma started 13-1, which included a key win over Iowa State, and were ranked in the top 10 in the country in early January.
But the Sooners stumbled after their hot start, losing 11 of 18 games. And Oklahoma sure didn’t help itself by falling to TCU in its first game of the Big 12 Tournament.
]]>Odell Beckham Jr.’s time with the Baltimore Ravens will remain short-lived as the three-time Pro Bowl wideout made an announcement midway through free agency.
Beckham, 31, joined forces with NFL MVP Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, signing a one-year, $15 million deal last offseason. But after Baltimore went 13-4 to lead the AFC North this past season, Beckham bid farewell to the Ravens as he’ll once again seek a new landing spot for 2024 — the fifth of his career.
“Swea on everything I appreciate the Flock more than yall could EVER imagine,” Beckham published Sunday night on Instagram. “Did everything I could wit the opportunities I had. Wish I got to do it big for yall. Thank you for the Vibez! To the City of Baltimore I (expletive) with yall forever FRRRR. And most importantly to my brothers over there this (expletive) a lifetime sentence, I love yall!”
Similar to Beckham’s brief three-game stop with the Los Angeles Rams, the opportunity to pursue something special was there in Baltimore. The Ravens were young, but dominant, leading the league in rushing yards (2,661) and assembling the franchise’s most hopeful run under Jackson’s era.
That, however, fell short in gut-wrenching fashion.
Baltimore collided with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. But unlike most teams that go head-to-head with Mahomes in the playoffs, the Ravens had a chance — several to be more specific — but flopped. Baltimore lost, 17-10, and blew a chance at appearing in Super Bowl LVIII with the San Francisco 49ers.
Beckham recorded 565 receiving yards off 35 receptions with three touchdowns playing in 14 games with the Ravens.
]]>Grant Williams has undergone two scenery changes in the past year, moving from the Celtics to the Mavericks to now the Hornets, which has painted an ongoing negative portrayal of the 25-year-old as a teammate.
Boston’s play-by-play announcer Mike Gorman recently got real open and honest when asked about Williams, calling the ex-Celtics forward “annoying” and a “bad locker room guy.” Williams was known as the without-a-doubt the biggest chatterbox on the Celtics and that even carried over to his short-lived stint with Dallas after inking a $53 million payday in the offseason.
“You can’t control what other people say about you or what other people do around you,” Williams said, according to Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer. “All you can do is focus on what you are really involved with in the moment. And my goal right now is to just continue to grow this bond with this team, continue to grow the Hornets franchise in general and continue to impact winning.”
Williams joined the NBA after the Celtics drafted the Tennessee product 22nd overall in 2019. From there, Williams developed into becoming a semi-serviceable, off-the-bench 3-and-D role player for Boston, but not one nearly worth the $53 million price tag that Williams found with the Mavericks.
Nevertheless, with bad press surrounding Williams after a falling out in Dallas that included a soiled relationship with Luka Doncic, ex-Celtics teammate Jayson Tatum spoke up and defended him. Tatum referred to Williams as a “great teammate” online, which Williams caught wind of.
“I had to thank him afterward because that’s my dog for life,” Williams added, per Boone. “And all those guys up in Boston are.”
With a clean slate in Charlotte, Williams has averaged 14.1 points on 49.1% shooting with 5.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists through 17 games. He’s still under contract for the next three seasons before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
]]>Despite not landing Calvin Ridley, the New England Patriots reportedly were willing to hand the standout wide receiver a substantial contract.
But the Patriots added a receiver Sunday at a much lesser price.
The Patriots reportedly signed K.J. Osborn and Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer revealed the contract details for the former Minnesota Vikings wideout. New England continues not to spend a ton of money in free agency — and not make long-term commitments, either — as they inked Osborn to a one-year deal worth $4 million, per Breer. The Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed followed up Breer’s report stating that Osborn can make up to $6 million due to incentives.
Out of the free agents the Patriots have signed this offseason, pass-catching running back Antonio Gibson received the biggest contract with a three-year, $11.25 million deal that can go up to $17.25 million with incentives. The Patriots did hand out some cash to players they re-signed, including offensive lineman Mike Onwenu, who landed a three-year, $57 million contract.
Osborn, 26, developed into a reliable and steady offensive threat during his time with the Vikings. He caught 158 passes for 1,845 yards and 15 touchdowns over the last three seasons. Osborn, who Minnesota selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, was the team’s third receiver this past season behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and totaled 48 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns. The Miami product is also lauded for his leadership.
Osborn likely will put himself in position to be a top option in a lackluster Patriots receiving corps. New England also has JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Reagor at the position.
The Patriots are also expected to target a wide receiver in next month’s NFL draft.
]]>March Madness is just beginning as the 68-team field for the upcoming NCAA Tournament was officially set Sunday evening.
There were no real surprises at the top of the bracket with UConn, Purdue, North Carolina and Houston grabbing the No. 1 seeds. The Huskies, who are in the East Region with two other Final Four squads from a year ago in San Diego State and Florida Atlantic, look to become the first team to win back-to-back national titles since the Florida Gators did it nearly 20 years ago.
The tournament begins with the First Four contests Tuesday and Wednesday. Howard and Wagner along with Montana State and Grambling battle it out for No. 16 seeds while Boise State and Colorado and Virginia and Colorado State go head-to-head for the final No. 10 seeds.
You can check out the entire NCAA Tournament bracket here:
The first round of the NCAA tournament takes place Thursday and Friday as the field starts to get whittled down with all teams eyeing to make it to Glendale, Ariz., where the Final Four will take place at State Farm Stadium this year.
Let the madness begin.
]]>The Boston Red Sox haven’t officially named an Opening Day starter, however, all signs could be pointing toward one arm taking the mound on March 28 against the Seattle Mariners: Brayan Bello.
Bello, 24, already made three exhibition starts in spring training, notching a 4.85 ERA through 13 innings tossed. With one last appearance booked for the right-hander in preseason play before the 2024 campaign officially begins, Bello could be lined to be the first to take the bump next Thursday, according to Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe.
If so, it’d be Bello’s first career Opening Day start, and a much-deserved nod, too.
Last season, Bello led the Red Sox pitching staff in innings thrown (157), which was also a career-high. That alone made the now-veteran homegrown arm the most reliable pitcher on Boston’s roster last season, and earned Bello a six-year, $55 million extension from the Red Sox earlier this month.
Boston’s already lost its biggest offseason pitching acquisition in Lucas Giolito — due to season-ending elbow surgery — plus has several returning pitchers from the injured list last season like Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock. Therefore, tabbing Bello as the Opening Day starter could be the way to go for manager Alex Cora as the team enters a clean slate fresh off its second consecutive last-place finish in the American League East.
]]>The Chicago Bears finally pulled the trigger on a Justin Fields trade Saturday by sending the quarterback to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While the Steelers, who only gave up a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick in the deal, got the prize they wanted, they reportedly weren’t the only team looking to acquire Fields.
But it seems Fields didn’t want to go anywhere else besides for Pittsburgh and the Bears made sure that happened.
“Important note on the Justin Fields trade: At least four additional teams inquired about trading for Fields, but Fields’ representation asked for him not to be traded there,” NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday. “He wanted the Steelers, and the Bears did right by him.”
Rapoport did not say which four other teams expressed interest in trading for Fields, who Chicago selected No. 11 overall in the 2021 NFL draft.
Presumably, the teams after Fields were in need of a quarterback. The New England Patriots certainly fit into that category, but it’s unknown if they ever made an offer for Fields. The Patriots already signed veteran signal-caller Jacoby Brissett this offseason and are expected to take a quarterback — likely either Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels — with the No. 3 overall pick in next month’s NFL draft. So, Fields might not have even been in New England’s plans in the first place.
Fields heads to the Steelers knowing he will back up Russell Wilson. But with Wilson on a one-year deal, Fields could find himself competing for the starting job next season if Wilson falters. The Steelers also might not draft a top-tier quarterback this year now that they have Wilson and Fields, making it an even better landing spot for Fields since there would be less competition.
The potential opportunity with the Steelers might have been a big reason why Fields wanted to go to Pittsburgh over any place else.
]]>There is one less pitcher now in the mix for one of the final spots in the Boston Red Sox starting rotation.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters Sunday that Josh Winckowski will no longer be in contention to be a part of the starting staff and will head to the bullpen, according to the Boston Herald’s Mac Cerullo.
Boston still has two openings in the back-half of its rotation, with one of those vacancies coming due to the injury to Lucas Giolito. Brayan Bello and Nick Pivetta already secured their positioning as frontline starters while it is assumed that Kutter Crawford has locked down a spot as well. That leaves Tanner Houck, Garrett Whitlock and Cooper Criswell battling for the two starting jobs that remain.
Winckowski moves to the bullpen with experience as a reliever. He struggled as a starter when he called up to the majors in 2022, but turned in much better results as a reliever last season. He made 60 appearances in 2023, posting a 4-4 record with a 2.88 ERA while striking out 82 batters in 84 1/3 innings.
The 25-year-old turned in subpar performances this spring, though, leading Cora and the Red Sox to stick him back in the bullpen. Winckowski surrendered 12 hits and six earned runs in 11 1/3 innings this spring as a bulk of that damage done against him came in his latest outing. The Philadelphia Phillies touched up the right-hander for five earned runs on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings.
That’s not going to get the job done, especially with Houck, who has a 2.45 ERA, Whitlock and Criswell putting together better showings in spring action.
This always felt like the most likely of outcomes for Winckowski, though. He now can be a multi-inning option for Cora out of a bullpen that is looking for reliable arms outside of Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin.
]]>The New England Patriots reportedly have added wide receiver depth before the first week of NFL free agency comes to a close.
The Patriots are signing veteran wideout K.J. Osborn, as first reported by NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
The 26-year-old Osborn, a fifth-round pick by the Vikings in 2020, played out his rookie contract in Minnesota.
Osborn played 59 games for the Vikings, including 50 contests over the last three campaigns. He averaged 53 catches for 615 yards over the last three seasons, including a career-best 60 catches in 2022 and career-high 655 receiving yards in 2021. Osborn has 15 career touchdowns, seven of which came during the 2021 season.
With the Vikings depth chart headlined by superstar Justin Jefferson and 2023 first-rounder Jordan Addison, Osborn played 78% of Minnesota’s offensive snaps last season.
Osborn will join a Patriots group which is headlined by Kendrick Bourne and Demario Douglas and also features JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Reagor. While not high-end WR1, the addition of Osborn adds much-needed depth and versatility to the group.
]]>Cam Booser seems to be inching closer to a spot on the Opening Day roster of the Boston Red Sox.
The 31-year-old Booser, a non-roster left-hander who does not have MLB experience, was the recipient of Alex Cora’s praises.
“Right now Cam is throwing the ball well,” Cora told reporters before the Red Sox faced the Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park on Sunday afternoon, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith.
Cora mentioned Brennan Bernardino, Chris Murphy, Joely Rodriguez and Jorge Benitez as others who have performed well this spring. Both Bernardino and Murphy are on Boston’s 40-man roster while Rodriguez signed a minor-league deal in late February. Benitez, like Booser, is a non-roster option.
“He’s been great, man,” Cora told reporters of Booser, who’s allowed two runs in eight innings of work this spring. “He throws 97, 98. Sometimes he hits 99. And he’s been able to land the off-speed pitches for strikes. He’s been really good. He had a great second half last year. Talking to (Worcester Red Sox manager) Chad Tracy, something clicked there that got him in the strike zone. And he’s been doing the same thing here in spring training.”
Booser signed a minor league deal with Boston in 2023 and played the campaign in Triple-A Worcester. He recorded a 4.99 ERA in 48 appearances, but bettered that production with a 3.30 ERA in 30 innings pitched after July 1.
]]>It was expected the New England Patriots would have to return to the negotiating table this offseason with star defender Matthew Judon. That became the case after Bill Belichick restructured Judon’s deal last offseason, giving him a cash advance rather than adding any new money to his deal.
Judon, who is entering the final year of his deal, is unlikely to play the 2024 campaign for a modest $6.5 million base salary. The 31-year-old pass-rusher is worth much more, after all. Judon recorded four sacks in four games during the 2023 campaign after a career-best 15.5 sacks and fourth consecutive Pro Bowl nod in 2022.
During his weekly column published Sunday, ESPN’s Mike Reiss wrote the Patriots and Judon have started to communicate about Judon’s contract.
“Now, with the first wave of free agency over, it opens a window for the sides to work toward a resolution, which they’ve begun to preliminarily explore,” Reiss wrote in reference to Judon.
With Judon limited to four games in 2023 due to a torn biceps injury, Reiss noted New England might want to try to sweeten the deal with more incentives rather than guarantees. Last season, the Patriots upped Judon’s guarantees considerably. Whether Judon agrees to an incentive-based sweetener, however, is up in the air.
When appearing on a Boston radio station during Super Bowl week, Judon said he felt like he was “ready to go” and fully recovered from the injury. The Patriots would be wise to make sure arguably their best player is taken care of, especially given their current financial standing and lack of high-level talent.
]]>The Bruins returned home to TD Garden on Saturday and scored six goals against the Flyers, defeating Philadelphia in 6-5 high-scoring affair.
Charlie Coyle notched two goals during the contest while Danton Heinen scored the game-winning goal late in the third period for the B’s.
For more, check out the video above for the Ford F-150 Final Five Facts from the Bruins win over the Flyers.
]]>The No. 4 Blazers enter with a 22-11 record while the No. 11 Owls are 16-19 on the campaign.
The Blazers, who are 7.5-point favorites, are coming off a semifinal win over No. 1 South Florida. UAB kicked off its AAC tournament run with a win over No. 12 Wichita State on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Owls enter Sunday having won four games in four days. Temple defeated No. 14 UTSA on Wednesday, blew out No. 6 SMU on Thursday before it earned upset victories over No. 3 Charlotte on Friday and No. 2 Florida Atlantic on Saturday.
Here’s how to watch the AAC title game online and on TV:
When: Sunday, March 17 at 3:15 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Live Streams: FuboTV — free trial | ESPN
The Minnesota Vikings are viewed as a trade-up candidate five weeks before the 2024 NFL Draft.
Many were quick to speculate on Minnesota’s decision-making as soon as the Vikings landed a first-round pick in a trade with the Houston Texans on Friday. The Vikings now have picks Nos. 11 and 23 in the first round.
With Kirk Cousins joining the Atlanta Falcons in NFL free agency, the Vikings need a quarterback. They could be interested in a top prospect including Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels, who make up the consensus top three along with Caleb Williams, or try to land Michigan product J.J. McCarthy.
ESPN’s Matt Miller reported Saturday there is “considerable buzz” about Minnesota trying to move into the top five to select a quarterback. Miller wrote the Vikings are thought to be interested in McCarthy, as well as Maye or Daniels if either falls past the New England Patriots.
The Patriots currently have the third overall pick and are expected to draft either Maye or Daniels, whichever is left after the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders are on the clock.
There have been questions whether the Patriots, specifically, could trade down with the Vikings. Such a trade would result in New England receiving pick Nos. 11 and 23 this year with a potential future first-round pick(s) as well.
]]>The fourth-seeded Tigers advanced to the championship after they dominated No. 4 South Carolina on Friday and earned a semifinal win over No. 9 Mississippi State on Saturday.
The sixth-seeded Gators reached the title game after a first-round win against No. 11 Georgia, quarterfinal upset against third-seeded Alabama and semifinal victory over No. 7 Texas A&M on Saturday.
The Tigers are 5.5-point favorites entering the contest, per FanDuel Sportsbook.
Here’s how to watch the SEC Championship online and on TV:
When: Sunday, March 17 at 1 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Live Streams: FuboTV — free trial | ESPN
On Selection Sunday, another automatic bid is on the line in the Big Ten Championship game.
In this matchup, the No. 2 Illinois Fighting Illini take on the No. 5 Wisconsin Badgers with the right to keep rolling to the NCAA tournament as conference champions.
During the regular season, Illinois emerged victorious in the only meeting between the teams in a 91-83 win over Wisconsin.
To advance to the title game, Wisconsin outlasted No. 1 Purdue 76-75 behind guard Chucky Hepburn’s 22 points. As for Illinois, the Fighting Illini earned a 98-87 win over the No. 3 Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Tip-off from Target Center is set for 3:30 p.m. ET.
Here’s how you can watch the Illinois-Wisconsin matchup on TV and online:
When: Sunday, March 17 at 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Live Stream: FuboTV — free trial | Paramount+
Instead of having veteran Jacoby Brissett, high-upside signal-caller Justin Fields and the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to address their quarterback situation, the New England Patriots have Brissett, their third overall selection and a modest sixth-round pick in the 2025 draft.
Fields was traded from the Chicago Bears to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. Pittsburgh sent a conditional sixth-rounder to Chicago for the 2021 first-round pick. If Fields plays more than half of Pittsburgh’s snaps in 2024, unlikely given Russell Wilson is viewed as the team’s starter, that conditional sixth-round pick becomes a fourth-rounder.
It feels like a worthy investment for a team like the Steelers, who don’t have their long-term answer at quarterback written in stone.
Aren’t the Patriots in a similar spot?
New England obviously is in a more favorable situation given where it is drafting. The Patriots are expected to draft a quarterback — likely Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels — in late April. They still could have done so if they traded for Fields. The hope is said quarterback prospect develops into the franchise signal-caller and remains in New England for years to come.
But is it a sure thing? Well, no. There’s volatility when talking about draft prospects, even ones ranked as high as Maye and Daniels. And this is the most important position in sports we’re talking about. A sixth-round pick for a quarterback, who has started 38 games in three seasons and has untapped potential, doesn’t feel like a crazy ask.
A second- or third-round pick? That would not have been wise given where New England’s roster stands. The Patriots need to address quarterback, offensive tackle and wide receiver in the draft. But given that sixth-round picks usually turn into depth pieces or special teams players — yes, Tom Brady was a sixth-rounder — the move for Fields could have been worth it.
The Patriots received a sixth-rounder for Mac Jones last week, too, though that pick is in 2024 not 2025.
This also isn’t to say that Fields automatically would become the starter in 2024 or long-term answer after that. It simply would have been done to acquire a quarterback and see if said QB could compete for that spot. It would have been another dart throw in hopes of hitting a bullseye.
Perhaps Fields would have fit well with Patriots first-year offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. Perhaps his ability to use his legs would have helped given New England still needs a starting-caliber offensive tackle. Or perhaps it never works out and the Patriots cut Fields in August and move forward with Brissett and the rookie. Or perhaps Fields plays in New England in 2024 and becomes a free agent after the season.
That’s no longer an option for the Patriots. Some surely will be happy about the decision not to trade for Fields. But if New England opts not to draft a quarterback No. 3 overall, or if that quarterback doesn’t work out long-term, the Patriots likely will be kicking themselves for keeping their 2025 sixth-round pick.
What do you think? Do you think the Patriots should have traded for Fields? Or are you happy New England stayed away? Sound off in the comments below.
]]>Less than one week after agreeing to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Russell Wilson now will have increased competition for the starting quarterback job.
The Steelers on Saturday acquired quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears. It gives Pittsburgh a quarterback depth chart led by Wilson with Fields, who started 38 games over the course of three seasons in Chicago, expected to serve as his backup.
Wilson took to social media after the trade was made and expressed excitement about Fields coming aboard.
“Let’s get it @justnfields!” Wilson posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “QB room bout to be (fire).”
The fact Pittsburgh parted with a 2025 conditional sixth-round pick made it well worth the investment. It could become a fourth-round pick if Fields, a 2021 first-round pick, reaches the playing time conditions in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers completely overhauled their quarterback room from last season, releasing Mitchell Trubisky and trading 2022 first-rounder Kenny Pickett. It’s clear the trade market for Fields wasn’t what many expected it would be, and now Pittsburgh is better off in both the short- and long-term with Wilson and Fields.
]]>Virginia Commonwealth University and Duquesne will battle on Sunday afternoon for the Atlantic 10 title and a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
VCU (22-12) entered the tournament as the No. 5 seed, defeating No. 12 Fordham 69-62 on Wednesday, No. 4 Massachusetts 73-59 and No. 9 Saint Joseph’s 66-60 to advance to the title game. The Rams are looking to capture the Atlantic 10 for the second straight year. Duquesne (23-11) is the No. 6 seed and is making their first appearance in the championship game since 2009. The Dukes’ only title came in 1977 when they defeated Villanova 57-54.
The Dukes defeated the Rams 69-59 in their only meeting this season. VCU is a 1.5-point favorite on FanDuel Sportsbook. The total is set at 126.5.
Here’s how you can watch the Atlantic 10 Championship from Barclays Center online and on TV.
When: Sunday, March 17 at 1 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Live Streams: FuboTV — Free Trial | Paramount+
Brown (13-17) entered the tournament as the No. 4 seed, the lowest among qualifying teams. The Bears are rolling, however, having rode an 8-6 conference record into the tournament before upsetting No. 1 Princeton in the opening round. Yale (21-9) is the No. 2 seed and is looking to reach the mountain top once again after conceding the title to Princeton last season.
The Bulldogs and Bears split the season series, with Brown capturing a three-point win in the season finals. Yale is a 7.5-point favorite on FanDuel Sportsbook. The total is set at 134.5.
Here’s how you can watch the Ivy League Championship from Levien Gymnasium online and on TV.
When: Sunday, March 17 at 12 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN 2
Live Streams: FuboTV — free trial | ESPN+
When the Boston Bruins opened the third period with three goals in 2:56, they took a commanding 5-2 lead over the Philadelphia Flyers.
It should have been a comfortable lead, right? Not for these Bruins. The desperate Flyers battled back, scoring three goals of their own, but Boston would escape with the 6-5 victory on Saturday night.
Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery described the game as a typical matchup with a team that is fighting for a playoff spot.
“I thought (the Flyers) were very desperate in the entire game,” Montgomery told reporters, per the team. “I liked the way in the third period that we raised our level overall, we were able to establish a lead, and we gotta learn to close out games. You just can’t think it’s over.
“The other teams are desperate, and it’s like a playoff game. There’s going to be those momentum and emotional swings and we got to be a little better and a little more mature as a team to be able to close out those games a little bit easier.”
Jake DeBrusk tallied his 17th goal of the season as part of the three-goal third-period outburst. The Bruins are 23-3-1 when DeBrusk registers at least a point and 15-11-14 when the forward is held pointless in matchups. DeBrusk added an assist on Morgan Geekie’s first-period goal for his ninth multi-point game of the season.
The streaking goal-scorer echoed Montgomery’s thoughts on facing teams battling for playoff spots down the stretch.
“We stuck to our game plan, obviously try to get on the forecheck and play our game,” DeBrusk told reporters, as seen on NESN’s postgame coverage. “I think over time, you break teams down. … Then, unfortunately, took a seat back and it’s obviously a very desperate team over there in a playoff race. So, kudos to them for giving us a run for our money.”
DeBrusk said he doesn’t feel the third period was problematic for the Bruins despite surrendering three goals to the Flyers.
“We won, right?” DeBrusk said. “Obviously, we don’t want to give up these leads, but we did score six. We won this time, but obviously, you don’t want to give up. I don’t know how many goals it was; I feel like I was on for four straight. It pisses you off, but … these are the types of trials and runs you got to go through throughout a year especially heading into the playoffs but we did get the two points.”
The Bruins own a 40-14-15 overall record and, with 95 points, lead the NHL in the standings.
“It’s not hard for me to look at the glass half full,” Montgomery said, per the team. “And it’s why you want to learn these lessons and the desperation of the teams. And our schedule is really tough here down the stretch. We’re going to continue to play teams that are fighting for the playoffs or fighting for positions in the playoffs … which is what we like because we want to be prepared for all these things that are going to happen come playoff time.”
Here are more notes from Saturday’s Bruins-Flyers game:
— Charlie Coyle tallied two goals in the contest. With 23 goals on the season, Coyle eclipsed his career-high of 21 he set in in the 2015-16 season with the Minnesota Wild.
— Brad Marchand added two assists in the game. The Bruins captain has 27 goals and 34 assists for 61 points. He is one goal shy of his 400th career goal.
— Boston improved to 10-10-6 when its opponent scores first, 16-3-6 when tied after the first period, 9-0-4 when tied after two periods and 9-6-2 against Metropolitan opponents.
— The Bruins will play the middle contest of their three-game homestand on Tuesday night when they host the Ottawa Senators. NESN’s full coverage of the game from TD Garden begins at 6 p.m. ET.
]]>The Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers scored a combined 11 goals Saturday night on Irish heritage night at TD Garden.
Forward Pavel Sacha had a strong game recording an assist with two shots and two hits.
For more on the B’s forward check out the video above, presented by Rodenhiser.
]]>Johnny Beecher has made an impact at the right time for the Boston Bruins.
Beecher last played in an NHL game on Jan. 13 prior to being recalled on an emergency basis prior to Thursday’s game in Montreal against the Canadiens. He tallied just under 12 minutes on the ice and once again suited up on Saturday night at TD Garden against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Beecher stepped up in a crazy span for the Bruins, scoring his first goal since Jan. 8 as Boston scored three times in less than a three-minute span. Boston and Philadelphia combined for seven goals in the period, though the Bruins held on for a 6-5 victory. Beecher took the chance to grow with Providence to come back and make an impact.
“It’s nothing personal,” Beecher told NESN’s Andrew Raycroft after the win. “It’s just the business that I’m in. I went down with an open mindset to get as much better as I could. I was able to play a ton of minutes and in some key situations. Regained some confidence. Hold on to the puck a little bit more. Get some stamina up. It was good.”
Beecher added: “No one wants to leave their teammates halfway through the season. There’s a great group down there. Some of my best buddies and a great coaching staff.”
In 40 games for the Bruins this season, Beecher has five goals and two assists for seven points with a 54.4 face-off percentage.
Beecher and the Bruins look to continue their momentum on Tuesday night against the Ottawa Senators. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET. You can catch the game on NESN.
]]>The Boston Bruins found the back of the net three times in less than three minutes to open the third period and defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 6-5 at TD Garden on Saturday night.
With the win, the Bruins improved to 40-14-15, while the Flyers fell to 34-26-8 on the season.
Check out the full box score here.
ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
The Bruins got off to a slow start, registering their first shot on Flyers goaltender Felix Sandstrom after 12 minutes had ticked off the clock in the first period.
The Bruins trailed 1-0 and 2-1 before Boston exploded for four goals. Philadelphia battled their way back into the game, but the Bruins held on and escaped with the victory. The Bruins and Flyers combined for seven goals in the third period.
Charlie Coyle scored the go-ahead goal just 1:08 into the third period after knotting the game at two in the middle frame. With two tallies in the game, Coyle set a new career-high in goals with 23 on the season. He previously scored 21 goals with the Minnesota Wild in the 2015-16 season.
Morgan Geekie, Johnny Beecher, Jake DeBrusk and Danton Heinen would light the lamp for Boston in the win.
STARS OF THE GAME
— Coyle notched the tying and go-ahead goals for the Bruins.
— DeBrusk tallied his 17th goal of the season in the third period. He also added an assist on Geekie’s first-period goal for his ninth multi-point game of the season.
— Beecher recorded his sixth goal of the season in his second game since returning to the lineup.
WAGER WATCH
FanDuel Sportsbook set the odds of Coyle scoring two goals at +2700. The Bruins forward cleared those odds with tallies in the second and third periods. A $100 wager on Coyle would’ve resulted in a handsome $2,800 total payout.
UP NEXT
The Bruins continue their three-game homestand with a matchup against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night. Puck drop from TD Garden is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, and you can catch all the action following an hour of pregame coverage on NESN.
St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than spotlighting Irish Heritage Night at TD Garden?
From bagpipers to Irish jigs and glossy green Bud Lights galore, Bruins fans pumped up the party around Boston as the B’s laced-up to face the Flyers.
Be sure to check out the video above to learn about how you can grab your own special edition green aluminum Bud Light bottles in bars and restaurants across the city.
Playing in an NHL arena at a neutral site, PWHL Boston defeated PWHL Ottawa 2-1 in the shootout win on Saturday night at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
With the victory, Boston moves to 5-3-2-7 while Ottawa moves to 5-0-6-6.
Check out the box score here.
ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
In front of an energized crowd in Detroit, Boston took advantage of a fast start. Boston captain Hilary Knight got the scoring started with her fourth goal of the year just three minutes into the game.
Ottawa started slow but took advantage of an extra opportunity when Emily Clark found the back of the net on the power play to even the score.
Both teams had several high-caliber chances in the second period, though the game remained tied largely due to solid net play from Boston’s Aerin Frankel and Ottawa’s Emerance Maschmeyer.
That stalemate continued through the end of regulation with neither goaltender giving in, forcing the contest into overtime. In the extra period, Boston had just one shot but pushed the game to a shootout.
Ultimately, Knight and Hannah Brandt found the back of the net to lock in the shootout victory.
Boston moved to 3-1 against Ottawa on the season.
STARS OF THE GAME
— Knight got Boston on the board with her fourth goal of the season. The captain would add the game-winner in the shootout.
— Ottawa’s Clark scored on the power play in the first period.
— Hannah Brandt scored with Knight to finish off the Boston win.
UP NEXT
Boston heads north of the border to battle PWHL Toronto on Wednesday night. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET. You can catch the game on NESN.
After Isaiah Thomas boldly stated he could put the Boston Celtics “over the hump” in their quest for a championship, he landed a gig with Utah Jazz’s G-League affiliate Salt Lake City Stars.
It now appears Thomas has made his way back to the NBA after being two years removed from the league.
The 5-foot-9 veteran has reportedly signed a 10-day contract with the Phoenix Suns, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Thomas appeared in four games for Salt Lake City, averaging 32.5 points, 5.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 36.9 minutes per game.
The two-time All-Star played 46 games for the Suns in 2014-15, averaging 15.2 points, 3.7 assists and 2.4 rebounds before being traded to Boston for the remainder of the season. In three seasons with the Celtics, Thomas averaged 24.7 points in 179 contests.
The Suns own an overall record of 39-28 and are currently the seventh seed in the West. Thomas will have the opportunity to establish himself in the Suns’ 15-man rotation heading into the postseason.
]]>While the Red Sox saw talent with their next core at the “Spring Breakout” game at JetBlue Park on Saturday, the big-league club got work in Sarasota, Fla. against the Baltimore Orioles.
Boston still has several decisions to make regarding the Opening Day roster landscape. With spots and playing time up for grabs, three players boosted their pitch for the Red Sox.
Facing former NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes, Bobby Dalbec and Wilyer Abreu smashed back-to-back home runs in the second inning against the division rivals. Dalbec has a chance to become a versatile bat off the bench while Abreu is currently set to platoon in the outfield with offseason acquisition Tyler O’Neill.
Meanwhile, on the mound, Cooper Criswell has gone from providing depth on a free-agent deal to potentially becoming a crucial innings-eater for the Red Sox in 2024. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow highlighted his abilities earlier in camp, setting Criswell up for a solid outing on Saturday. The right-hander surrendered just two runs on four hits across four innings of work, walking a batter while striking out three.
Given the roster construction for the 2024 season, all three players could have enhanced roles with the Red Sox. Saturday offered a chance to step up and show their worth.
]]>Richard Fitts joined the Boston Red Sox this offseason as an intriguing minor league arm with upside.
The right-hander was one of three pitchers traded from the New York Yankees to the Red Sox in December in exchange for Alex Verdugo.
Fitts got a chance to show Boston more of his potential during Saturday’s “Spring Breakout” game against prospects for the Atlanta Braves. Despite allowing two runs, the 24-year-old worked three solid innings with a trio of strikeouts.
Fitts had previously built his stock with a quality fastball-slider combination. After his outing, Fitts told NESN’s Tom Caron on the broadcast that he had been working on a new changeup with a different life than the one he had in the past. Such changes under Boston’s new pitching program could bring the best out of a solid young arm.
Fitts enters the season as the reigning Eastern League Pitcher of the Year. Last season, the right-hander started in the Yankees’ farm system and won 11 games with a 3.48 ERA. The right-hander also worked efficiently, with 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings and 2.5 walks per nine innings.
If Fitts can grow his pitch mix and pump strikes, his innings could be needed in Boston this season.
]]>The NHL Playoffs are just a little over a month away, with the Boston Bruins in second place in the Atlantic Division and the Philadelphia Flyers in third place in the Metropolitan Division.
The Flyers head into Saturday’s matchup just three points ahead of the New York Islanders. A win in Boston would be a huge boost to Philadelphia’s standing.
For more, check out the video above from “Bruins Face-Off Live,” presented by Echostor Technology.
]]>The Chicago Bears will use the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
If that much wasn’t clear before, it certainly is now.
Chicago finally bit the bullet Saturday, trading former starting quarterback Justin Fields to Pittsburgh, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. The Steelers will send a conditional sixth-round pick in return, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, which could become a fourth-round pick if Fields plays more than half of Pittsburgh’s offensive snaps next season.
Fields seemingly will compete with Russell Wilson for the Steelers’ starting job, though a source already confirmed to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero the latter is viewed as the starter.
The Bears’ top pick hasn’t really been much of a secret, though now there’s no real need to hide the fact they’ve been eyeing Williams since October. He’ll likely be brought aboard to lead Chicago’s new-look offense with Keenan Allen and D’Andre Swift.
The New England Patriots seemed like a team that could be in the market for someone like Fields, but a trade never would have made sense if they intend on taking a quarterback with their No. 3 overall pick; If you needed further confirmation that was the plan.
]]>Boston Bruins forward Danton Heinen has been a steady force all season for the black and gold.
Heinen scored the opening goal in Boston’s matchup against the Montreal Canadiens Thursday night.
For more, check out the video above from “Bruins Breakaway Live,” presented by Granite City Electric.
]]>When Brad Stevens brought in role player Xavier Tillman at the NBA trade deadline, he reshaped the Celtics’ bench with defense in mind.
Since joining Boston, Tillman has appeared in six games, averaging 4.8 points, 3.5 rebounds across 15.5 minutes. With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined with a right hamstring strain, Tillman has seen an increase in his minutes over the last two games to 20-plus.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said the goal was to allow Tillman the opportunity to get acclimated to his new team, as well as in Boston’s system, according to The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach.
“Just being patient, waiting for him to understand the language, understand the dynamics of it,” Mazzulla said, per Himmelsbach. “Obviously, the staff has done a great job getting on the floor with him, walking him through all of the rules and areas. And just him hearing it in the first few shootarounds and film sessions and getting a clear understanding of what expectations are.”
Porzingis has missed the last four games, forcing Mazzulla to mix and match the front court. Mazzulla told Himmelsbach the team values Tillman’s versatility and ability to play alongside Luke Kornet and Al Horford.
“Xavier’s super easy to play with,” Horford said, per Himmelsbach. “On the court he’s making the right read, making the right play. He can defend really well, moves his feet really well, just makes the game easy for me. He takes a lot of pressure off me when I’m out there with him. He just knows how to play, so I’m really excited to be able to play with him and develop that chemistry.”
Tillman will most likely get more playing time with both Horford and Kornet even when Porzingis returns to the lineup to help keep the bigs rested down the stretch as Boston prepares for the postseason.
]]>The Boston Red Sox took care of business against the Atlanta Braves in a 7-2 victory in MLB’s “Spring Breakout” game.
Boston’s top prospects took advantage of the showcase opportunity and played up to potential. From timely hitting to quality defense, one of baseball’s farm systems was on full display at JetBlue Park.
With several impact performances, here are a few thoughts on Saturday’s showing from the Red Sox farm system.
Nick Yorke’s approach returns
2024 is an incredibly pivotal year for Nick Yorke.
The 2020 first-round pick for Boston won minor league awards during his debut 2021 season in the system, batting .325 with a .928 OPS. He bounced back in 2023 after an injury-riddled 2022 season, though he can still do more damage at the plate in order to boost his stock.
Saturday was a refreshing performance from Yorke in that regard. The infielder went 2-for-2 at the plate with an RBI. On his run-scoring single, Yorke stayed patient and drove the ball to the opposite field to get the run home. Later in the game, Yorke powered a ball off of the center field fence for a double to close out his afternoon. For a player whose offensive upside was based on patience and working quality at-bats, Yorke returned to his roots on Saturday.
It’s hard to ask for more from the Red Sox prospect in his latest showing.
Two young arms lead the way on the mound
While Boston’s system is top-heavy with position players, the Red Sox should have intrigue after another solid day for Wikelman Gonzalez.
The Venezuelan right-hander got the start on Saturday and worked efficiently, tossing three no-hit innings without surrendering a run while striking out a batter. He did walk three hitters, which will be an area to watch in 2024 as the strikeout artist looks to hone his command of the plate.
Gonzalez posted a 2.42 ERA in 10 starts in Double-A last season, including the first six innings of a combined no-hitter. He’ll likely rejoin Portland to start the season with intentions of putting his plus stuff to use on a more consistent basis.
The Red Sox also got a good look at right-hander Richard Fitts, who came over in December from the New York Yankees during the Alex Verdugo trade. The righty allowed two runs on two hits over three innings with three strikeouts. Fitts has a solid fastball and shared with NESN’s Tom Caron on the broadcast that he is working on a new changeup to pair with his breaking ball. Already fitting in with Garrett Whitlock and Cooper Criswell, Fitts could pitch his way to the big leagues at some point for the Red Sox.
The “Big Three” shows strengths
Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel have been built up to be at the center of the Red Sox future. All three showed positive signs in Saturday’s victorious effort.
Teel moved well behind the plate and drove in a run on a pair of hits. Anthony lived up to his patented patience at the plate with a pair of walks. Mayer looked strong at shortstop on an improving left side of the infield with Chase Meidroth.
The future looked strong for the Red Sox with those three on the field. Mayer has emerged as the face of that group with immense respect from Alex Cora. Saturday’s opportunity confirmed to him just how good the next core can be.
“I think we have a lot of talent across the board and we’re really excited for what the future holds,” Mayer told NESN’s Tom Caron during the broadcast.
Ceddanne Rafaela is ready for the show
Rafaela was offered the chance to fight for an Opening Day roster spot at the start of camp by the Red Sox. So far, he’s done everything he’s needed to in order to earn that spot.
Although he debuted with the Red Sox in 2023, Rafaela still has rookie eligibility, which allowed him to play in the “Spring Breakout” game.
He continued his hot spring during Saturday’s contest.
The Boston outfielder made an impact on both sides of the ball. Rafaela tracked down a fly ball and fired the ball back to second for an 8-2 double play to crush an Atlanta scoring chance. Later at the plate, the 23-year-old clobbered a three-run home run to straight-away center field to extend the lead for the Red Sox.
Entering play on Saturday, Rafaela had an OPS over .900 for the spring with three home runs. It’s safe to say he boosted his resume for Opening Day even more with a solid day at the ballpark.
]]>The Boston Celtics own an overall record of 52-14 and have already clinched a playoff berth with 16 games remaining in the regular season.
The C’s have had the luxury of having Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis averaging more than 20 points a game, which has allowed Boston to overcome situations when one of the three has a bad night or is out of the lineup for injury.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has been very methodical about when the trio, Tatum and Brown especially, have been on the court and when they have rested throughout the game. However, in recent weeks, Mazzulla has steered away from a regimented substitution schedule and allowed the game to dictate his decisions.
“Obviously, if one of them is playing really well, you want to keep that,” Mazzulla said, per The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach. “(Against the Suns on Thursday) we changed the pattern so we could keep the matchups that we wanted later in the half, later in the quarter. So it’s just a thing that, at first, is in the best interest of them. And then the next best thing is how can we make sure we’re taking advantage of the matchups having the right lineup?”
Brown is averaging 33.4 minutes and 23.1 points per game compared to Tatum’s 35.8 minutes and 27.0 points per game. According to Himmelsbach, Brown has attempted more shots per game so far in March than Tatum. Mazzulla said the shot selection is matchup-driven, not planned by the Celtics.
“Jaylen’s impact comes in transition with his speed and his physicality and his ability to create defense to offense with his on-ball defense and pressure,” Mazzulla explained. “And so a lot of those shots are really in transition because of his ability to run. And Tatum’s come in the half court where he likes to play chess and take advantage of pick-and-roll matchups where they’re handling or screening.
“So the amount (of shots) doesn’t really matter much. The process of getting them (matters). And I think since the All-Star break throughout the second half of the season, they’ve both been really fighting to get the best possible (shots) for them and their teammates through what the game is giving them.”
The Celtics will take their four-game winning streak to the Nation’s capital to face the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Sunday. Boston leads the season series 2-0 heading into the St. Patrick’s Day matchup.
]]>An automatic bid in March Madness and the NCAA tournament is on the line on Saturday night in Washington D.C. as the No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels take on the No. 10 North Carolina State Wolfpack in the ACC Championship Game.
The Tar Heels swept the season series over the Wolfpack during ACC play, earning a 67-54 victory on Jan. 10 and a 79-70 win on March 2.
North Carolina advanced to the title game after a 72-65 victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers, headlined by 25 points from ACC Player of the Year RJ Davis. As for NC State, the Wolfpack scratched out a 73-65 overtime win over the Virginia Cavaliers behind with four players finishing in double figures.
Tip-off from Capital One Arena is set for 8:30 p.m. ET.
Here’s how to watch the North Carolina-NC State matchup online and on TV:
When: Saturday, March 16 at 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: FuboTV — free trial | ESPN
The Boston Red Sox had a successful Saturday down at JetBlue Park, as they picked up an 8-2 victory in their “Spring Breakout” matchup against the Atlanta Braves.
Kyle Teel, in particular, was spectacular as some of MLB’s best young talents showcased their skills in Fort Myers, Fla.
Teel finished 2-for-2 from the dish, driving home a run with his third-inning double. He was equally as impressive behind it, helping Wikelman Gonzalez showcase his skills in a tremendous three-inning outing.
Ceddanne Rafaela was equally as impressive, belting a three-run home run that really broke things open for Boston. He’s not exactly going to stay prospect very long, though, is he?
The Red Sox likely couldn’t be happier with the results, as top prospects Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, Teel, Rafaela and even Miguel Bleis showcased parts of what make them so special.
Boston will just have to wait awhile until we see this type of performance out of those studs at Fenway Park.
]]>The Bruins have more depth on the blue line after Andrew Peeke made his debut, but Jim Montgomery will keep his lineup decision simple.
Peeke was acquired by Boston before the NHL trade deadline from the Columbus Blue Jackets and made his debut Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. The 25-year-old logged 17:01 minutes of ice time pairing with Parker Wotherspoon.
The veteran defenseman is expected to be in the lineup Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers at TD Garden, and with Matt Grzelcyk back in the lineup, Kevin Shattenkirk and Mason Lohrei will be healthy scratches.
“Everything is gonna be earned,” Montgomery told reporters, per the Bruins. “He played well last game, showed a lot of good stuff, so he’s earned the right to play the next game. We have eight defensemen right now and that’s the way it’s gonna be: you play well, you stay in the lineup.”
That mindset likely applies to the rest of the lineup with Johnny Beecher getting the nod over Jakub Lauko, who also will be a healthy scratch against the Flyers. The fourth line will likely see more changes once Pat Maroon, who also was acquired before the NHL trade deadline, makes his Boston debut.
]]>Colorado (24-9) entered the tournament as its three seed, and notched an eighth straight win by defeating the Washington State Cougars in the semifinals. Oregon (22-11) advanced after upsetting the top-seeded Arizona Wildcats, serving as the tournaments four seed.
The Buffaloes swept the season series against the Ducks, 2-0, and are 9.5-point favorites on FanDuel Sportsbook. The total is set at 140.5.
Here’s how you can watch the Pac-12 Championship at T-Mobile Arena online and on TV.
When: Saturday, March 16 at 9 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Live Streams: FuboTV — free trial | FOX Sports
The Boston Bruins are going to continue making roster moves as they approach the Stanley Cup playoffs, but their latest might be one that ends up sticking for awhile.
Johnny Beecher was recalled from Providence on an emergency basis Wednesday, but it was more than just needing an extra body. It gave him another shot at solidifying a spot in Boston’s lineup. He got off to a pretty solid start, too, giving the Bruins exactly what they’ve been missing recently.
“He’s been really good on face-offs all year,” Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery said Saturday, per team-provided video. “… It’s how hard he played at both goal lines, hanging on to pucks, creating turnovers, he had a great backcheck. That’s what we want. We want players fighting to stay in the lineup, that are earning their way because they’re pushing the needle in the right direction.”
Beecher won 8-of-11 faceoffs in his first game back up, which was especially important considering it was a low-scoring affair. He helped Boston maintain possession, eventually leading to an advantage in shots and a win. It also led to another opportunity with the Bruins, which will come Saturday at TD Garden.
The 22-year-old intends to continue building on his opportunities.
“It was a huge boost for the confidence moving forward,” Beecher said, per team-provided video. “(Faceoffs are) something they’re going to rely on me for down the stretch. I take a lot of pride in it, so I just gotta stay dialed in and keep going. I talked with coach this morning, got the jitters and nerves out of the way after the first (period). I was a little out of sorts, first game back up, but as the game went on, I got more and more comfortable and got to my game.”
Beecher is expected to play alongside the likes of Jesper Boqvist and Justin Brazeau in Saturday’s matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers, but with reinforcements coming in Pat Maroon, it’ll take consistency for him to stick. If he continues playing the way he did Wednesday, though, he should be pivoting that fourth line entering the postseason.
]]>The Bruins head back to TD Garden on Saturday when they take on the Philadelphia Flyers as Boston continues its prep for the postseason.
Jim Montgomery’s side is coming off an overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre on Thursday, which put it one point behind the Florida Panthers in the Atlantic Division standings.
The Flyers enter Saturday third in the Metropolitan Divison, and they are coming off a loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs at Wells Fargo Center on Thursday.
James van Riemsdyk will return to the lineup as the B’s honor the veteran for his milestone of 1,000 NHL games as he prepares to face the team that drafted second overall in the 2007 NHL Draft. Matt Grzelcyk also is expected to return. Mason Lohrei, Kevin Shattenkirk and Jakub Lauko are expected to be healthy scratches. Jeremy Swayman will get the nod in net after Linus Ullmark played Thursday.
Puck drop for Saturday’s Bruins-Flyers matchup is scheduled at 7 p.m. ET, and you can catch full coverage on NESN starting with pregame at 6 p.m. ET.
Here are the projected lines and defensive pairings for Boston and Philadelphia.
BOSTON BRUINS (39-14-15)
Brad Marchand — Charlie Coyle — Jake DeBrusk
James van Riemsdyk — Pavel Zacha — David Pastrnak
Danton Heinen — Morgan Geekie — Trent Frederic
John Beecher — Jesper Boqvist — Justin Brazeau
Matt Grzelcyk — Charlie McAvoy
Hampus Lindholm — Brandon Carlo
Parker Wotherspoon — Andrew Peeke
Jeremy Swayman
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS (34-25-8)
Joel Farabee — Scott Laughton — Travis Konecny
Owen Tippett — Morgan Frost — Tyson Foerster
Nicolas Deslauriers — Sean Couturier — Cam Atkinson
Noah Cates — Ryan Poehling — Garnet Hathaway
Cam York — Travis Sanheim
Marc Staal — Ronnie Attard
Egor Zamula — Erik Johnson
Felix Sandstrom
Presented by Berkshire Bank, the official bank of NESN’s Boston Bruins coverage.
]]>The Bruins will honor forward James van Riemsdyk on Saturday as they host the Flyers at TD Garden.
It’s a night where things will come full circle for the 15-year veteran, who skated in his 1,000th career game on March 5 against the Edmonton Oilers. Boston elected to wait until Saturday to celebrate, however, as it hosts Philadelphia, the team that selected van Riemsdyk with the No. 2 pick in the 2007 NHL Draft.
It’s an extremely special occasion, which might explain why the 34-year-old’s guest list is so long.
JVR has 78 people planning to attend the game Saturday, according to 98.5’s Ty Anderson. The list includes friends, family, former coaches and teammates.
It’s the second such celebration of the season for the Bruins, who honored Brad Marchand for the same achievement earlier this year. You can assume we’ll learn more about how the B’s plan to celebrate as we get closer to puck drop, but one thing we already know is that it will be an emotional night for van Riemsdyk.
]]>UConn reached 30 wins after beating St. Johns on Friday, and the Huskies are on the hunt for their first Big East title since 2011.
Marquette entered the Big East tournament as the No. 3 seed, but the Golden Eagles reached their second final in as many seasons.
The Huskies are 2-0 in the season series against the Golden Eagle and are 9.5-point favorites on FanDuel Sportsbook. The total for the matchup is set at 142.5.
Here’s how you can watch the Big East championship at Madison Square Garden online and on TV
When: Saturday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Live Streams: FuboTV — free trial | FOX Sports
The Boston Bruins are back at TD Garden for a matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, and it’s another opportunity for a skillful fan to win an amazing prize.
Boston is coming off an overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre, and its matchup against Philly is the start of a three-game homestand.
Fans who sign up and play NESN Games’ “Predict the Game” during the Bruins-Flyers matchup can compete to win a signed David Pastrnak black home centennial jersey.
Visit NESN.com/PredictTheGame to sign up and play.
NESN’s Boston-Philadelphia broadcast will feature prompts for fans to answer predictive questions as the matchup unfolds. “Predict the Game” players also can find additional questions online, and each correct prediction boosts their chances of winning.
The first question will appear during “Bruins Face-Off Live,” which begins at 6:30 p.m. ET. Puck drop at TD Garden is scheduled for 7 p.m., and postgame coverage immediately will follow after the final horn. Remember, if you’re on the go, you can watch full coverage of Bruins-Flyers and also play “Predict the Game” using NESN 360.
Remember: The more you play, the more opportunities you have to win a memorable prize.
Click here to play!
Subject to Official Rules at NESN.com/PredictTheGame. No purchase necessary. Weekly contests begin on Oct. 22, 2023.
]]>MLB will hold its “Spring Breakout” series this weekend, and the Boston Red Sox will showcase their top prospects in a matchup against the Atlanta Braves at JetBlue Park.
The inaugural “Spring Breakout” series was created to showcase the future stars of MLB, and there will be 16 exhibition contests in ballparks across the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues.
There have been high expectations around Boston’s top three prospects: Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer and Kyle Teel. And they’ll look to make a huge impact and show off the potential they can bring to the big leagues. Ceddanna Rafaela has been competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster, but he’ll also participate Saturday. The quartet will bat in that order as the top four prospects according to Sox Prospects.
Miguel Bleis also will feature in the “Spring Breakout” matchup, and Boston’s top pitching prospect Wikelman Gonzalez will get the starting nod.
First pitch for the “Spring Breakout” matchup between the Red Sox and Braves is scheduled at 1 p.m. ET, and you can catch all the action on NESN using NESN 360.
Here is how Boston and Atlanta will line up Saturday.
BOSTON RED SOX
Roman Anthony, RF
Marcelo Mayer, SS
Kyle Teel, C
Ceddanne Rafaela, CF
Nathan Hickey, DH
Miguel Bleis, LF
Nick Yorke, 2B
Blaze Jordan, 1B
Chase Meidroth, 3B
Wikelman Gonzalez RHP
ATLANTA BRAVES
Luis Guanipa, CF
Nacho Alvarez Jr., SS
Drake Baldwin, C
Sabian Ceballos, 3B
Isaiah Drake, RF
Luke Waddell, 2B
Kevin Kilpatrick Jr., LF
Diego Benitez, DH
Cade Bunnell, 1B
Owen Murphy, RHP
]]>Houston and Iowa State will battle for Big 12 supremacy Saturday night.
The top-ranked Cougars advanced to the championship game by defeating Texas Tech 82-59 in the semifinals at T-Mobile Center.
The No. 2 Cyclones defeated the Baylor Bears 76-62 in their semifinal matchup for the right to face the Cougars for the Big 12 title.
The Cougars and Cyclones have faced each other eight times since their first matchup in 1956. The two schools have split the series evenly, including one win each this season. Houston won the last game 73-65 on Feb. 19.
The winner of Saturday’s contest not only clinches the conference title but also the season series between the two powerhouses.
Tip-off from T-Mobile Center is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.
Here’s how to watch the Houston-Iowa State matchup online and on TV:
When: Saturday, March 16 at 6 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Live Streams: FuboTV — free trial | ESPN
The Vikings added more drama to the NFL draft a month before teams head to Detroit for the big night, and they’re likely to offer teams like the New England Patriots a huge haul of picks.
Minnesota on Friday acquired the No. 23 and No. 232 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft from the Houston Texans in exchange for the No. 42 and No. 188 selections, plus a future pick.
The Vikings are expected to be aggressive and try to draft one of the top four quarterbacks in the draft after losing Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons and only signing Sam Darnold to a one-year deal. There’s a “strong expectation” that quarterbacks quickly go off the board, so it would behoove Minnesota to get its guy, who could be Drake Maye given his connections to the franchise.
New England likely will be a team the Vikings contact, and they reportedly already made contact to move up to No. 3. The Patriots set themselves up to take a quarterback after only signing Jacoby Brissett this offseason, but de facto general manager and director of scouting Eliot Wolf also reportedly wants to acquire more draft picks to help the franchise address multiple needs outside of QB.
Daniel Jeremiah admitted in a conference call last month he’d take a quarterback if he had control of the No. 3 pick, and he said on the Senior Bowl broadcast that he’d be “stunned” if the Patriots don’t go in that direction. He reiterated those points Friday.
“New England to me feels stuck,” Jeremiah told Zach Gelb of CBS Sports Radio. “They are taking one. Everything that I’ve heard seems to be they are committed to staying at three. They wanted an $8-$10 million quarterback. They got that in Jacoby Brissett, and they are going to take the guy of the future there at No. 3.”
The NFL draft analyst believed the Commanders are “more likely” to listen to the Vikings about a trade since he thinks they’d be more enticed to acquire a huge haul of draft picks. However, he thought the Maye still was in play for Washington. He also noted offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury could be confident enough with the other quarterbacks outside of the top three and could work with them.
If the Vikings moved up to No. 2 and if Maye is their guy, that would secure Jayden Daniels for the Patriots. However, if Washington refuses to budge, then New England will have to wait and see which quarterback the Commanders prefer between Maye and Daniels.
]]>This Saturday’s America East championship features a rematch of last year’s title game between the UMass Lowell River Hawks and the Vermont Catamounts.
It will be a matchup of strength versus strength as UMass Lowell led the conference in scoring with 80.6 points per game, but Vermont allowed the fewest points per game at 63.
UMass Lowell entered the America East tournament as the No. 2 seed and beat UMBC and Bryant to make its second straight championship final. The Riverhawks will look to their first America East crown in program history.
Vermont entered the America East tournament as the top seed and took down the University of Albany and New Hampshire to make its third straight championship final. The Catamounts have won 10 America East titles heading into Saturday’s matchup, and a win over UMass Lowell would be its third straight conference title and sixth in eight seasons.
The Catamounts are 7.5-point favorites over the River Hawks, and the matchup’s total is set at 135.5 on FanDuel Sportsbook.
Here’s how you can watch the America East championship online and on TV.
When: Saturday, March 16 at 11 a.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Live Streams: FuboTV — free trial|ESPN+
Kyle Teel is a huge part of the future for the Boston Red Sox, teaming up with Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer as the top prospects in the farm system.
Teel’s bat has helped him hit his way to Double-A after just 26 professional games. Defensively, he’s solid but certainly has room to fine-tune aspects of his game behind the plate. Luckily for him, one of the Red Sox’s best catchers to wear the uniform in franchise history is still in the dugout for Boston.
Red Sox game planning coordinator Jason Varitek has not had much time to work in person with Teel, though he has liked what he has seen from a distance.
“We haven’t seen him much here,” Varitek told NESN’s Tom Caron on Friday night, as seen on the NESN broadcast during Grapefruit League play. “From the bits that I have, he’s a very good athlete. He does a lot of things well. Most of my vision with him has been on video here and there.”
The former Red Sox captain sees a number of valuable traits within Teel’s game that understandably create plenty of buzz about his potential.
“High energy,” Varitek shared. “Lot of talent. Lot of abilities. He’ll get a chance to showcase them tomorrow.”
Teel will be one of several top Red Sox prospects taking the field in the “Spring Breakout” game against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. You can catch the game at 1 p.m. ET on NESN.
]]>Jacoby Brissett brings significant experience back to the Patriots, both from his previous stint in New England to his understanding of the new offense.
The veteran quarterback inked a deal earlier this week to return to the Patriots after playing his rookie year with the team.
“It’s exciting,” Brissett shared in an interview, per team-provided video. “I got drafted here eight years ago. To walk around the building and see a lot of things that look familiar, I’m excited to be back.”
Brissett had an important impact during that 2016 season, getting the start and scoring on a rushing touchdown in a 27-0 Thursday night shutout of the Houston Texans, the same team the Patriots would defeat that year in the AFC Divisional Round. Brissett, along with Jimmy Garoppolo, helped bridge Tom Brady’s four-game absence during his suspension, setting up the run to the Patriots’ fifth championship.
This time around, Brissett returns to bridge New England to its next franchise quarterback and operate the new scheme under offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who he spent time with in Cleveland while playing for the Browns.
“(It’s) definitely a different role,” Brissett added. “I think I was 22 or 23 when I was here before. I’m 31 now. I’m excited for a good opportunity. Ready to get this thing going.”
Brissett’s role in the Patriots’ three-step quarterback plan can have a significant impact on the rebuilding process in New England.
]]>One of the biggest debates in racing is whether or not NASCAR would increase horsepower in the racecars.
While current NASCAR drivers, including Denny Hamlin, are lobbying for the increase, Hall of Fame driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. said he isn’t convinced horsepower will make a big difference in races on a recent episode of “The Dale Jr. Download” podcast.
“I love Denny’s honesty, and I’m glad,” Earnhardt said. “… I can’t be sure that just adding horsepower is gonna make a big difference. But Denny drives the cars, and I would trust his feedback on that. And I’d certainly trust his feedback if he’s telling us about the cost being pretty much flat if you were to move from one horsepower to another — it wouldn’t change anything.”
Earnhardt may not believe horsepower is worth changing, but he does have one thing he would love to see NASCAR eliminate from the sport.
“I’m telling you, even with all of that (horsepower talk), I still want them to try and work on getting rid of the shifting,” Earnhardt said. “I do not think that even though they are getting to where it’s second nature to them to shift, having to drive into a corner and downshift and then do another shift on the next straightaway, doing that for every single corner, for 500 laps at Martinsville, right? That takes away from your processing on how to set the corner up, how to set up the car in front of you, how to make a difference in the corner.
“It’s such a distraction from what they really would love to be focusing on. And that is getting the car into the corner deeper and differently or trying to figure out a way to drive the corner uniquely to be able to set up a pass for the car in front of them. And so, I would love for them to continue to try and figure out a way to get the shifting out of the Ovals.”
Earnhardt, a two-time NASCAR Busch Series champion, has 26 wins in the Cup Series, including two at Daytona. He has never won a Cup Series championship.
]]>The New England Patriots are still in need of a new left tackle, whether in free agency or through the 2024 NFL Draft.
Their list of potential fits took a hit on Friday night in a major way, this time with a division rival making a significant add.
All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith is heading to the New York Jets on a free-agent deal, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. In his return from an Achilles injury, former NFL MVP and Super Bowl XLV champion Aaron Rodgers has a talented tackle to protect him up front.
Smith played the first 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, emerging as one of the best players at one of the most important positions in football. Now, Smith makes the jump to the Big Apple to protect the blind side of a future Hall of Fame quarterback.
As for the Patriots, the team made the right move in re-signing Mike Onwenu to a three-year deal, likely to play right tackle after a solid performance there in 2023. On the other side, the tackle market is getting slim quickly. The Patriots will have to act fast or potentially shift priorities at some point during the draft as left tackle still sticks out as a major need for New England.
]]>The New England Patriots dominated the NFL for the better part of 20 years with Bill Belichick calling the shots and Tom Brady executing the plays on the field.
The duo combined for nine AFC championships and six Super Bowl titles, but the underlying tension between the legendary coach and star quarterback forced Brady to decide to leave the Patriots one year following their Super Bowl LIII win over the Rams.
In the final episode of the Apple TV+ docuseries “The Dynasty,” Robert Kraft admitted he wasn’t willing to lose Belichick as the Patriots coach to keep Brady with the franchise.
“Regrets? Sure, I would have liked to have seen (Brady’s) seventh Super Bowl as a Patriot,” Kraft said in Episode 10. “Would Tom have remained if Bill departed as head coach? Yes, I feel pretty strongly about that.
“To be honest, I didn’t want to move on from either one, but the point is, keeping them together for 20 years, is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my business career. Nothing is perfect in this world as much as we’d like it to be. This is life. That’s what happens, and how you deal with it and how you move on.”
Even though Brady made the decision to leave New England for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his reflection on his time with the Patriots doesn’t appear to be a negative one.
“In the end, you look back, and seeing the whole journey, you know, it’s perfect. It doesn’t need to be any more than that,” Brady said. “I have unbreakable bonds with those people. I’ve been through it all with them.”
After the Patriots lost Super Bowl LII to the Philadelphia Eagles, Kraft blamed Belichick solely. Had New England not won Super Bowl LIII, the coach may have left the Patriots, not Brady.
“After winning that Super Bowl, I thought what an amazing job our coaching staff did under the leadership of Bill,” Kraft recalled. “If I have a thought that Bill was losing it as a head coach and couldn’t perform, he had reestablished himself. At that point, Tommy understood Bill would be the head coach for a number of years moving forward.”
Brady went on to win his seventh ring in Super Bowl LV, while the Patriots struggled to find their footing by having three of four losing seasons since Brady’s departure.
]]>The Boston Red Sox have a number of top-tier prospects that will take the field on Saturday during an inaugural “Spring Breakout” game against the Atlanta Braves.
Among the players is outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela, who has impressed in spring training after debuting for the Red Sox in 2023. Rafaela gets set to play in the game with rookie eligibility, though his current status almost makes him a “veteran” among the other prospects.
NESN’s Lou Merloni had previously asked Red Sox manager Alex Cora if, as a result, Rafaela would be a de facto captain of the team.
“(Cora) said, ‘No, the shortstop is,'” Merloni shared, as seen on the NESN broadcast of Friday’s spring training game against the Minnesota Twins.
That shortstop Cora referenced is Marcelo Mayer.
Boston’s top prospect and 2021 first-round draft pick is at the center of the next core of young talent for the Red Sox. Mayer is on a mission to resume his star potential this season after injuries limited his development. Now, the California native has the chance to reestablish himself as the face of the Red Sox’s future along with Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel.
Mayer will be one of several talented prospects for Boston against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday afternoon. You can catch the “Spring Breakout” game at 1 p.m. ET on NESN.
]]>The fractured relationship between Bill Belichick and Tom Brady not only included the Patriots’ play on the field but also the legendary coach’s spat with Brady’s trainer, Alex Guerrero, during the 2017 season.
It was reported that Belichick stripped Guerrero of his access to the sidelines that year and banned him from getting on the team plane.
The strain that feud put on the Belichick-Brady relationship boiled over to an offseason meeting between Brady, his then-wife, Gisele Bündchen and Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
The meeting and its aftermath was a focal point in the final episode of Apple TV+’s docuseries “The Dynasty.”
“She thought Bill was disrespectful to Tommy, and that it was time to move on,” Kraft said during Episode 10. “I realized how bad the situation was and I said, ‘Look, Tommy, if you want to go, I’ll work it out so you can go.'”
Kraft said he had conversations with Brady that led to Kraft vetoing the decisions Belichick had made regarding Guerrero.
“He said it was his intention to stay, but we would have to make concessions, including to get Alex Guerrero back in the fold,” Kraft recalled. “Bill was pissed. Allowing Alex Guerrero back, it was the first time through 20 years I have really stepped in to get involved.”
Kraft continued: “Bill felt this was really questioning of his authority and ability to govern, but you know, I had the greatest player and greatest coach, I was going to do whatever I could do to keep it patched together and make it happen.”
Like in most of the docuseries, Belichick didn’t elaborate much on what transpired when Kraft overrode his decision regarding Guerrero.
“For a head coach, all the relationships are very important,” Belichick said. “It starts at the top with ownership. They can derail, um, some positive and constructive progress if they don’t work out well.”
Kraft had hoped that Belichick and Brady could mend their relationship after he stepped in.
“Sometimes, I’m a little naive,” Kraft said. “I hoped and believed winning was a special elixir that would help Bill and Tommy’s relationship, but it was still unnatural and uncomfortable.”
Jonathan Kraft added that his father understood how tenuous the Belichick-Brady feud had become and that keeping the pair together had the potential to “implode everything.”
“Both Bill and Tom seek motivation wherever they can get it,” Jonathan Kraft said. “I think the tension in the relationship pushed each of them to perform in spite of the other.”
Belichick and Brady would win one final title in 2018 when the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl LIII. While Belichick remained with New England until the end of the 2023 season, Brady moved on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The future Hall of Fame quarterback would win one more ring with the Bucs, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 in Super Bowl LV.
]]>Former New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has once again found a new NFL home.
The veteran quarterback signed with the Los Angeles Rams on a one-year deal, per NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo.
Garoppolo joins his third team in as many seasons after previously starting for the San Francisco 49ers and the Las Vegas Raiders. After reuniting with former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in Las Vegas, Garoppolo was benched for rookie Aidan O’Connell. After signing a lucrative deal with the Raiders last season, the veteran will stay out west following his release.
Garoppolo has two Super Bowls on his resume from his days with the Patriots. He returns to a backup role behind Super Bowl LVI champion Matthew Stafford and will compete alongside Georgia product Stetson Bennett.
Garoppolo has tossed 94 touchdowns while surpassing 15,000 passing yards in various roles across his 10-year NFL career.
]]>Episode No. 9 of the Apple TV+ docuseries “The Dynasty” further exposed the fractured relationship within the Patriots.
In the first eight episodes, Bill Belichick was frequently depicted as the villain, with Tom Brady as his No. 1 victim.
Members of the Patriots teams throughout the franchise’s six Super Bowl titles reflected on how Belichick treated the players and how Brady was believed to “feel disrespected” by the legendary coach.
Former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski came up with the perfect analogy, well, a Gronk way of explaining just how dysfunctional things had gotten at Gillette Stadium.
“The whole year, Tom and Bill, it was like two parents fighting at each other,” Gronkowski said during Episode 9. “There was always so much tension. It was like right when you opened up that door, your (expletive) is super tight. You’re just, like, walking around clenching your butt cheeks. I thought I was the only one, and then I asked other people.”
In the same episode, Gronkowski reflected on the Patriots 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII.
“When we lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, I was like, ‘I’m done,'” Gronkowski said. “I remember there were so many guys in the shower after the game. Like, ‘Dude, I’m so glad the f-ng season’s over. I’m getting the (expletive) out of here.'”
Patriots owner Rober Kraft laid brutally honest blame solely on Belichick for New England losing that Super Bowl.
Gronkowski added context to his comments on Danny Amendola’s social media post when he left New England in the offseason.
“It was kind of a shot, you know, at Coach Belichick a little bit,” Gronkowski said. “Because it just didn’t feel like you could be who you really wanted to be that entire year with the Patriots.”
Gronkowski added: “It was weird. It was like football is already stressful. Why are we adding more when we’re already doing everything we possibly are doing? It’s just so unf-ng-necessary.”
Replying to Amendola’s post wouldn’t have been the first time Gronkowski had gotten in trouble with the team. The former second-round pick got in trouble minutes after the Patriots selected him in 2010.
]]>The Boston Red Sox have a prime opportunity to showcase one of the best farm systems in the sport during their “Spring Breakout” game against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday.
Boston takes the field with a star-studded cast of young talent in the matchup at JetBlue Park.
With so many impact players to watch, here are five standout prospects to keep an eye on as the future takes the field for the Red Sox and the Braves.
Big Three (Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, Kyle Teel)
Alright, so there are actually seven players on the list. For now, we’ll group Boston’s three top prospects together.
This is the trio that the Red Sox have bet their future on and will surely attract the majority of Saturday’s audience. Across the board, the prospects rank at the top of the Red Sox farm system, creating legitimate buzz for the next great core at Fenway Park.
With Teel at catcher, Mayer at shortstop and Anthony in the outfield, Boston has a strong core to build around up the middle. With talent around them, the Red Sox get a prime look at having all of them on the field together with this unique game.
Wikelman Gonzalez
While the strength of the Red Sox farm system rests with its position players, Gonzalez offers plenty of intrigue on the mound as a potential starter in the future.
The right-hander from Venezuela elevated his game after being promoted to Double-A during the 2023 season. Gonzalez answered the challenge, racking up 63 strikeouts in 48 1/3 innings over 10 starts with the Portland Sea Dogs. The righty even tossed the first six innings of a combined-no hitter for Portland last July.
Along with fellow right-hander Luis Perales, Gonzalez represents the best of Boston’s pitching future in the minor leagues.
Nick Yorke
2024 marks a highly important season in Yorke’s development.
The 2020 first-round pick found middle ground in 2023 after a fantastic 2021 campaign and an injury-riddled 2022 season. Yorke has taken steps forward defensively in recent years, though the Red Sox have a steady flow of middle infielders at the big-league level.
Yorke gets a true chance to show that he is ready to hit his way to the next level.
Ceddanne Rafaela
Rafaela plays in the game with rookie eligibility, though he has already made his MLB debut last season with the Red Sox, showing quick flashes in addition to his elite outfield defense.
With a chance to make the roster, Rafaela has shown Boston exactly what the team needed to see this spring. The 23-year-old has gotten the most at-bats of any Red Sox player this spring, posting a .908 OPS with an improved approach at the plate.
Could the “Spring Breakout” game be the finishing touch on Rafaela’s pitch to be the Red Sox’s Opening Day center fielder?
Miguel Bleis
This should be an exciting return for the Red Sox.
Bleis had a fantastic 2022 campaign, hitting .301 with a .896 OPS in a full season of rookie ball. A season-ending shoulder injury blocked that potential in 2023, setting up Bleis for a highly-anticipated return to the diamond in the Red Sox system.
Saturday’s game can show the start of how far the newly-turned 20-year-old outfielder is.
]]>The Patriots might not have been flashy during the first wave of free agency, but the moves they did make are sure to have an impact.
New England’s decision to prioritize internal free agents and build depth on the margins will eventually have effect the on-field product, in both positive and negative ways, but its influence will first be felt off the field. The Patriots still have a long way to go in sparking what is expected to be a multi-year rebuild, with the next major stop coming at the 2024 NFL Draft.
How did their aforementioned approach to free agency shape what will happen in April? Let’s take a look, breaking things up by position for easier consumption.
Mac Jones’ tenure in Foxboro has come to an end, while Jacoby Brissett’s is set to resume after his years-long journey around the AFC. Jones was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars this week, making way for Brissett to return to One Patriot Place as the starting quarterback (for the time being). It’s all part of New England’s reported three-step plan, with the final move coming next month.
The Patriots widely are expected to select a QB with the No. 3 pick, and despite an prognosticated opportunity to move back, that’s still the most-likely option. Will it be UNC’s Drake Maye or LSU’s Jayden Daniels? That remains to be seen.
The Patriots made a nifty move early in the legal-tampering period, inking running back Antonio Gibson to a three-year pact. It’s a signal that New England likely is willing to move on from Ezekiel Elliott, despite his solid season as a second option behind Rhamondre Stevenson. Gibson will help take some of the third-down load off Stevenson’s shoulders, with Kevin Harris seemingly being viewed as someone who can lock down a roster spot.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Patriots maneuver for another rusher in the draft, specifically because of how the value has dwindled at the position in recent years. New England could grab a quality back on Day 3, so be on the look out for that.
This is where you’re allowed to be miffed with the Patriots. They quite literally got worse at the wide receiver position, cutting DeVante Parker and failing to make any additions to the room. That should have a major impact on how they approach the draft, as the only way they’ll find a bonafide No. 1 wideout is by trading away one of their picks, or hitting the lottery during the draft.
Texas’ Adonai Mitchell, LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. and Georgia’s Ladd McConkey could all be immediate upgrades, but you can’t count on them being available by the time No. 34 rolls around. The Patriots will draft multiple wideouts. They don’t have a choice. The inability to obtain Calvin Ridley could prove to be a major turning point in their offseason, though.
If you’re looking for a position where the Patriots made clear upgrades, we’ve got one for you. Hunter Henry was retained on a new three-year deal, while Austin Hooper was brought in to work with some coaches he’s familiar with from his days as a member of the Cleveland Browns. Hooper, at the very least, will be an upgrade over Mike Gesicki.
They’ll likely still draft someone to develop for the future.
Who is going to play left tackle?
Mike Onwenu was retained, which is awesome, but New England still has a major hole to fill on the left side. The Patriots have options to fill it, but can’t wait much longer if they hope on keeping Brissett and the presumed rookie upright. New England will be drafting someone it believes has enough upside to start, it’s just a question as to whether that comes in the second, third or fourth round.
Chukwuma Okorafor and Nick Leverett were signed to provide depth, but shouldn’t be counted on as anything more.
The Patriots released Lawrence Guy, and while his steady presence will be missed, they added depth in Armon Watts to help fill the void. If Christian Barmore continues playing the way he did to end last season, they’ll be just fine on the interior.
Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings were also retained, which should help on the edge against both the run and pass.
Mack Wilson is out. Sione Takitaki is in. That’s a wash, folks.
Jalen Mills joined the New York Giants, while J.C. Jackson and his exorbitant cap hit were let go. It’s expected Jackson will have an opportunity to return, however, which essentially means the Patriots have retained the majority of their defensive backfield.
Kyle Dugger likely will obtain a new contract with the team thanks to the transition tag, while surprise standout Alex Austin will return to compete for rotational snaps. The Patriots don’t need to do much more here, though a couple depth signing/picks certainly won’t hurt.
It doesn’t appear that this regime intends on using as many resources on special teams as Bill Belichick.
Chris Board was released from his contract, and all the guys who only practice once a week (we know your game kickers, punters and long snapper) are set to return. New England shouldn’t waste any capital here in the draft, though one more season worth of struggles from Chad Ryland will change that.
]]>With a win over the Canadiens on Wednesday night, the Bruins have snapped their four-game overtime losing streak.
Danton Heinen got the B’s on the board in the first period and earned his twelfth goal of the season.
Jake DeBrusk’s game-winning goal was netted in 25 seconds, which is the sixth-fastest overtime goal scored in Bruins franchise history. This was DeBrusk’s 16th goal of the season.
For more, check out the video above for the Ford F150 Final Five Facts from the Bruins win over the Canadiens.
]]>Robert Kraft remained loyal to Tom Brady even after he left the Patriots in 2020, and the New England owner didn’t hold back on Bill Belichick in “The Dynasty.”
NFL fans believe the Apple TV+ docuseries is a “hit piece” toward the former Patriots head coach. It’s an idea the author of the book the docuseries is based on and the director has pushed back on. However, talking heads like Danny Amendola weren’t afraid to air out lofty praises for Brady and offer backhanded remarks to Belichick.
The Krafts arguably threw Belichick under the bus, specifically in the Aaron Hernandez episode. It doesn’t help that the future Pro Football Hall of Fame head coach doesn’t offer much in his interviews in the docuseries.
Kraft laid it on thick in the final episodes of “The Dynasty,” which focused on the final two Super Bowls the Patriots won in the 2010s and the fractured relationships between Kraft, Brady and Belichick during that era. Super Bowl LII was an epic clash between New England and the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium. And while the loss could have been seen as Nick Foles and company making the right plays at the right time, Kraft had one sole person to blame.
“Tommy is the greatest in the 100-year history of the game. And I think he represented a threat to Bill’s full power,” Kraft said on “The Dynasty.” “He didn’t want Tommy there. And so, when you come to the decision, Brady or Belichick, I thought back to the Eagles Super Bowl. Tommy threw over 500 yards, but Bill made a tremendous error. I credited Bill with that loss. To be honest, my head coach is a pain in the tush, but I was willing to put up with it as long as we won. So for the next Super Bowl, I wanted to keep an eye on him.”
Brady’s Super Bowl record of 505 passing yards certainly was an extraordinary accomplishment, and the Patriots defense that gave up 41 points to the Eagles could have played better, it might not sit well with fans that Kraft blamed Belichick for losing Super Bowl LII and missing out on back-to-back titles.
The Patriots did go on to win Super Bowl LIII, but the franchise’s sixth Super Bowl served to further build cracks in the relationship of the key figures in the franchise.
]]>It’s been long enough that the shock factor regarding Tom Brady’s departure from the Patriots has worn off.
Brady has even explained the decision a time or two, but it’s been hard for fans in New England to fully accept the reasoning behind it. It’s no longer shocking, but when hearing that the greatest dynasty in sports history ended due to Brady’s unwillingness to continue working with Bill Belichick, it’s gotta hurt, right?
“The Dynasty” docuseries on Apple TV+ wrapped up Friday, and in the final episode we got down to brass tacks regarding Brady’s departure. Patriots owner Robert Kraft was left with a choice, and chose Belichick.
“I thought, what an amazing job our staff did under the leadership of Bill,” Kraft said of his thoughts following Super Bowl LIII. “If I had a thought that Bill was losing it as a head coach and couldn’t perform, he had reestablished himself. At that point, Tommy understood Bill would be the head coach for a number of years moving forward.”
Brady understood it, but wasn’t going to continue working in an environment he’d no longer enjoyed being in.
“Me and Coach Belichick, we did what we loved and competed for 20 years together, but I wasn’t going to re-sign another contract, even if I wanted to play until 50,” Brady said. “I knew that, based on how things had gone, I wasn’t going to sign up for more of it.”
Belichick, to his credit, held no ill will following Brady’s decision.
“I would say that’s kind of what I expected, but you know, there’s always kind of the, you know, saying goodbye is always hard, um, and I loved coaching Tom, loved having him on our football team,” Belichick said, choosing his words very carefully. “At that point in time, I think he made the right, and the best, decision.”
“Life is very imperfect. Relationships are imperfect, but I’m very proud of our journey,” Brady said, tying things up in a neat bow. “It was hard, but, um, it was great.”
]]>Mike Vrabel reportedly will have a new NFL home this season.
The Browns will hire the New England Patriots Hall of Famer as a coaching and personnel consultant, according to multiple reports. Vrabel was with the team at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. And the former Tennessee Titans head coach hired current Cleveland defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz as a senior defensive assistant in 2021.
Vrabel’s reported homecoming comes after he was fired by the Titans after six seasons. The 48-year-old was linked to multiple head coach openings, including the Patriots, but, similar to Bill Belichick, Vrabel went without a head job.
The Browns brought on Vrabel “to act as a sounding board for Kevin Stefanski, but also as a resource for a coaching staff with a lot of youth and turnover,” according to The Athletic’s Robert Mays.
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell hoped Vrabel would help his program in an “informal” process. But it looks like Vrabel will spend most of his time at the NFL level as Cleveland hopes to improve after losing in the wild-card round to the Houston Texans.
]]>The NFL saw another future Pro Football Hall of Famer retire.
Aaron Donald on Friday announced his retirement after 10 seasons in the league. It came in the same offseason Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox and Matthew Slater announced the end of their NFL careers.
Donald was selected to the Pro Bowl in every season he played in and was an eight-time First-Team All-Pro. The 32-year-old was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2014 and was named Defensive Player of the Year three times. The Pittsburgh product was integral to the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl Bowl LVI win over the Cincinnati Bengals and will go down as one of the most dominant players in NFL history.
New England was well aware of that dominance heading into Super Bowl LIII as a Patriots legend can attest to.
“I can still remember Bill (Belichick) in the meetings before Super Bowl (LIII) saying … “He will single-handedly destroy the (expletive) game” @AaronDonald97 was a beast.”
The Patriots had their hands full with Donald in the notoriously low-scoring Super Bowl. But Donald was held to zero sacks, four tackles, two pressures and only one quarterback hit. It’s why McCourty also endorsed former offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
It would be a shocker if Donald was not a first-ballot choice, and his departure will be a huge loss for the Rams and the NFL.
]]>The Patriots reportedly cleared some cap room Friday, restructuring cornerback Marco Wilson’s contract to take $750,000 off their books.
It’s never a bad idea to clear room, but in case you’ve been living under a rock, it should be pointed out that New England is the last team in the NFL that needs the money. The Patriots currently have more than $55 million to spend in free agency, according to salary cap expert Miguel Benzan. So, why did they do it?
There’s one notable answer, but it isn’t too intriguing.
It’s likely the Patriots were just doing their due diligence with this one, as Wilson’s cap hit carried more than his current value to the team. New England acquired the 25-year-old off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals late last season, and likely view him as someone who needs to earn his way onto the roster. His spot is by no means secure, despite being a former fourth-round pick.
Wilson’s new contract details, which were shared by the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed, help paint the picture a bit, as his total money is spread across guaranteed money, a signing bonus, per-game roster bonuses, a workout bonus and incentives. If he wants to earn the full deal, he’ll have to make the team and make an impact.
It’s smart business from the Patriots, who always have been leaders in “middle-class” contracts. Wilson’s new deal helps illustrate that it could stay that way in the shift from Bill Belichick to Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf.
]]>The 2024 NFL Draft could be really interesting, with calls flooding in to the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots.
Minnesota on Friday traded picks 42 and 188 to the Houston Texans in exchange for the 23rd and 232nd overall picks. As a result, the Vikings control the No. 11 and No. 23 picks in the first round of this year’s draft, and with Kirk Cousins’ departure to the Atlanta Falcons and Sam Darnold on a one-year deal, it seems like Kevin O’Connell’s side is primed to trade up in the draft.
There’s a “strong expectation” around the NFL that four quarterbacks could go in the top 10 in the draft, according to NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah. That means the Vikings would lose out if they waited things out until the 11th pick.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah likely will be calling the Patriots to try to get a deal done, and there seems to be a quarterback they’re especially interested in. Bucky Brooks highlighted on “Move The Sticks” this week that new Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown coached Drake Maye in high school. (McCown’s son served as Maye’s backup.) Jeremiah then added that he believes Minnesota “will put forth a strong effort” to try to draft the North Carolina product.
Maye met with McCown and the Vikings at the NFL Scouting Combine, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. But the Vikings are doing their homework on all the QBs in the class, per the Star Tribune’s Andrew Krammer.
The Vikings’ speculated interest in Maye adds more intrigue as to who the Commanders prefer with the No. 2 pick. Their signing of Marcus Mariota and trading of Sam Howell signals they’re likely to select a quarterback. But it’s unknown if Washington prefers Jayden Daniels or Maye.
A deal with the Commanders could be more likely, as Jeremiah and Brooks on “Move The Sticks” laid out a scenario where Washington falls in love with either Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix and chooses to trade down to acquire more assets.
That would affect hypothetical trade talks, but there likely will be other teams interested in trading up; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce has known Daniels since high school and helped recruit him to Arizona State.
The draft rumors when it comes to Maye and Daniels will be important to keep an eye on and will determine which teams could be in talks about a trade, and that could include the Patriots.
]]>It’s likely already been decided that USC quarterback Caleb Williams will be selected by the Chicago Bears with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It remains to be seen what happens after that, though.
We now appear to have a pretty good idea.
The Minnesota Vikings made a trade with the Houston Texans on Friday, acquiring an extra first-round pick in this year’s draft that gives them enough ammunition to possibly move up. The New England Patriots have been floated as a possible team to trade with, though the expectation has been they’re looking to select a signal-caller at No. 3. We’ve got teams jockeying for position at the top of the draft, though, and it’s all for an opportunity at taking one of the top four quarterbacks.
“The STRONG expectation around the NFL right now — (four) of the first (six) picks will be QBs,” NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday.
Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels have been the consensus top three options for months, but Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy reportedly has teams that are “enamored” with him. That’s why a franchise like Minnesota is looking to move up as far as it can to ensure a shot at selecting the National Champion.
2024 NFL Draft
1.) Chicago Bears (from Carolina)
2.) Washington Commanders
3.) New England Patriots
4.) Arizona Cardinals
5.) Los Angeles Chargers
6.) New York Giants
7.) Tennessee Titans
8.) Atlanta Falcons
9.) Chicago Bears
10.) New York Jets
11.) Minnesota Vikings
Williams, then Daniels, then Maye, then McCarthy appear to be the order in which QBs will be selected.
The Giants and Vikings appear to be the two teams most likely to take whoever is left standing after the first three picks, which long have been expected to be signal-callers, meaning Minnesota would have to jump New York in order to ensure itself an opportunity at a QB.
There’s just over four weeks remaining until the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off from Detroit, and there are sure to be moves made prior to then. It remains to be seen whether they involve the Patriots, though.
]]>The New England Patriots have a golden opportunity to draft their quarterback of the future, and the only reason to forsake that goal is if an offer of a lifetime is presented to them.
Minnesota seemed to be gathering resources for that potential offer when it acquired the Nos. 23 and 232 overall picks in exchange for 42 and 188 in this year’s NFL draft. The Vikings now control the Nos. 11 and 23 picks in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
J.J. McCarthy might be available at No. 11, but the Vikings could offer a deal similar to what the San Francisco 49ers offered to the Miami Dolphins for the third pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
De factor general manager and director of scouting Eliot Wolf reportedly wants to acquire as many resources as possible, and a trade down would do just that for a team that has multiple needs. However, the signing of Jacoby Brissett signals New England will draft a quarterback with the third pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and it’s an opportunity the Patriots might not have again.
It’s also the correct path. Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye are expected to be franchise difference-makers. Maye might have more questions given how Chris Simms and Dan Orlovsky view the North Carolina product, but Field Yates was confident he could be the franchise guy for the Patriots if he’s selected at No. 3.
But there’s only one reason why New England should entertain an offer from Minnesota to trade down: Justin Jefferson.
The All-Pro wide receiver enters the final year of his contract, and he’s expected to be paid like the top wideout in the NFL that he’s displayed in his four seasons with the Vikings. Minnesota reportedly does not plan on trading Jefferson, but if general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is interested in tearing everything down after Kirk Cousins left for the Atlanta Falcons, he might pull the trigger and start over. The Vikings could decide to start anew with a rookie quarterback, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and a late-round rookie wideout. The Patriots could take a flier on someone like Spencer Rattler, and Jefferson has proven he can produce with anyone under center.
Is this a silly idea? Yes, but so is trading down when you have a franchise quarterback staring at you. Two or three first-round picks sound great. They could give you a franchise quarterback, or you can just draft either Daniels or Maye, especially if you already have a high opinion of them.
Jefferson has proven to be one of the most valuable non-quarterbacks in the NFL, and he’s the type of player the Patriots could afford and would lessen threats of a riot at One Patriot Place if you traded the third overall pick.
Even though the Patriots haven’t done a whole lot of interesting things during the first week of free agency, it does seem clear Wolf is hinging on the draft as a barometer for success, and that should start with taking a quarterback with the No. 3 pick.
]]>Bill Belichick wrote a letter to Donald Trump during the 2016 United States presidential election, and it was a gesture not well received by leaders of the Patriots locker room.
The ninth episode of “The Dynasty” dove deep into the unraveling relationships between Belichick, Tom Brady and Robert Kraft. Current and former New England players never hesitate to shower Belichick with praise, but Tedy Bruschi perfectly described in the Apple TV+ docuseries how it can be tough to play for the future Pro Football Hall of Fame head coach.
That included off-the-field matters when Trump, on the eve of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, read what Belichick wrote to him in his letter.
“My relationship with Donald Trump isn’t political,” Belichick said on “The Dynasty. I knew him long before he got into politics. Donald is a friend, and I wrote a personal letter.”
It was a gesture met with confusion in the New England locker room.
“When the letter came out, I felt kind of like, we got kind of bamboozled,” Devin McCourty said in the Apple TV+ docuseries. “Bill always said things like, ‘We don’t have to be in the media talking about these different things.’ I had some opinions I might have wanted to share, but out of respect to the team, I didn’t.”
Adam Vinatieri revealed Belichick threatened to fine Matt Light if he spoke too much to the media, which spoke to how the former Patriots head coach wanted to keep a tight ship. However, players felt Belichick went against his word when his letter to Trump was revealed.
“I personally thought it was very hypocritical,” Matthew Slater said on “The Dynasty. “‘The Patriot Way’ starts with respecting the men you’re working alongside and putting the team first. That’s the foundation for this place. I don’t think he was connected enough with his players at that time to realize that was going to have an impact on the locker room.”
The Patriots went 14-2 and accomplished the largest comeback in Super Bowl history in their win over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI, but there still were tough periods during the 2016 season.
“That was a trialing year, not just cause of what’s happening behind the scenes and in the building but what’s going on socially all over the country,” Slater said. “It felt like there was tension everywhere.”
Martellus Bennett and Devin McCourty raised their fists during the national anthem before a matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016, and a year later, multiple players kneeled and locked arms during the national anthem. The protests came while it was publicly known Belichick, Kraft and Brady had friendly relationships of differing degrees with Trump, who criticized NFL players for peacefully protesting during the national anthem and spreading awareness of police brutality.
“The things that Trump would say, it would make me angry,” McCourty said. “But here we were, we were seen as like ‘Team Trump.’ Trump was either friends or friendly with the top three people of our organization. Kraft’s relationship with him, they were friends. Tom had a hat in his locker. Bill wrote a letter to him. When the faces of the team support something individually that has nothing to do with a team, that gets thrown on a team and we all have to take that. When Trump called us “sons of b–ches,” the whole locker room is talking about what are we going to do during the anthem.
“You felt the impact right away. You heard the boos, and this is what we think most of our Patriots fans feel. They don’t know us as players. Those men they come and cheer for, the jerseys they buy, they don’t know us. Everyone went to work worn down, we were like, ‘Man, this is hard.’
“The one thing is when you play for the Patriots, every year we felt like we had an opportunity to win a championship. when you feel that, everyone says to themselves let’s just try to win a championship. you do your job.”
New England went to two more Super Bowls after the 2016 season, but it was after Super Bowl LIII that marked the end of the legendary run led by Belichick and Brady.
]]>The Vikings are maneuvering around the 2024 NFL Draft board, and with no end in sight, many are wondering if they’re targeting the New England Patriots next.
Minnesota reportedly completed a trade with the Houston Texans on Friday, acquiring the 23rd and 232nd overall picks in exchange for 42 and 188 this year, and a second-round selection in 2025, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.
How does this involve New England? Let us explain.
The Vikings now own the No. 11 and No. 23 picks in April’s draft, giving them plenty of ammo to make a trade with the Patriots for No. 3 — if that’s something New England is interested in.
Minnesota lost Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency and appears ready to make a move for a quarterback. It’s been connected to Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy throughout the draft process but could find itself in position to select either North Carolina’s Drake Maye or LSU’s Jayden Daniels with No. 3 if they’re able to obtain the selection.
If the Patriots aren’t in love with Maye or Daniels, perhaps they could slide back to No. 23 and acquire a stud wide receiver in Justin Jefferson. They could also push for both No. 11 and No. 23, which in total account for more points (603) on Rich Hill’s trade value chart than No. 3 (514). New England holds all the power in this situation.
What do you think Patriots fans? Would you be willing to trade down?
]]>Before the start of the 2024 season, NESN.com is evaluating several noteworthy prospects in the Boston Red Sox organization, using insight and analysis from industry experts to gauge each player’s outlook for the upcoming campaign. Next up: Wikelman Gonzalez.
Developing pitching internally has been a major theme of the offseason for the Boston Red Sox.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow leads a new regime on the mound alongside pitching coach Andrew Bailey and director of pitching Justin Willard. Those developments for the Red Sox are not limited. In fact, the roots for improvement have to be laid in the farm system.
While the Red Sox affiliates are currently loaded with position-player talent, there are a few arms with intriguing potential. Wikelman Gonzalez fits in that category.
Could Boston have another young starter on a path to the big leagues in the near future?
Here’s everything you need to know on the soon-to-be 22-year-old pitching prospect for the Red Sox.
Background
Gonzalez joined the Red Sox in 2018 as an international free-agent signing, rising as a potential productive arm in the years since.
The right-hander did not pitch much until 2021. That season, he offered a solid preview of what he could become, striking out 66 hitters in 52 2/3 innings between rookie ball and High-A.
After an inconsistent 2022 season where he posted a 4.21 ERA, Gonzalez made significant progress in 2023 in a year where he reached Double-A. Despite posting an ERA over 5.00 in 15 starts with High-A, the Red Sox showed faith in his growth and still promoted him to Double-A with the Portland Sea Dogs. The righty rewarded Boston for the promotion, recording 2.42 ERA in 10 starts while striking out nearly 12 batters per nine innings.
Gonzalez’s shining moment came in July when he tossed the first six innings of a combined no-hitter, showing the potential of his electric stuff on the mound.
Likely starting the year in Double-A, Gonzalez looks to pick up where he left off in his Red Sox development.
Scouting Report
Gonzalez certainly has the stuff to compete with a high-velocity fastball and a quality mix of secondary pitches. For the Red Sox prospect, strike-throwing is priority No. 1 in 2024 to take the next step.
“He doesn’t need to be in-zone all the time, he just has to be closer to the zone,” Baseball America’s Geoff Pontes told NESN.com. “Less non-competitive pitches is the big thing for him. He can take that step.”
“I think Wikelman made some really nice in-season adjustments, especially when he got up to Double-A, which allowed him to take that step forward,” Ian Cundall of SoxProspects.com told NESN.com recently. “… How many strikes are you throwing? What is the quality of your strikes? That’s going to be the limiting factor, especially with Gonzalez. He’s got that big fastball. He’s got a solid curveball. He’s got that changeup that was a little better. He started mixing in a cutter last year, too. So, he’ll show four pitches.”
Gonzalez is going to be high-strikeout arm for the Red Sox as his development progresses as his swing-and-miss ability is by far is best trait on the mound. Ultimately, being a consistent strike-thrower will decide the ceiling on Gonzalez. Over the last two seasons, Gonzalez has walked 4.9 and 5.7 batters per nine innings respectively. If he can find the plate on a more consistent basis, his stuff will take care of the rest.
“That’s the area where he’s going to need to take the biggest step forward,” Cundall added. “Because the raw stuff is there. The bat-missing ability is there.”
Most-likely scenario: Bullpen arm
Gonzalez does not have a big frame, standing at six-foot and weighing under 170 pounds. As a result, he may not have the physical durability to be a starter in the long term. If that ends up being the case, his stuff could dominate in the bullpen in a more specific role.
“I think thus is a big year for him to show that if he can get his control to even fringy to average, that gives him a a decent chance to start,” Cundall said. “If not, you’re looking at a potential bullpen weapon.”
Best-case scenario: Mid-rotation starter
If Gonzalez can throw strikes consistently and stay physically durable to shoulder a starter’s workload, he absolutely has the raw potential to compete as a starter against MLB hitters.
He may not be the arm in the rotation that consistently pitches deep into games, but Gonzalez can certainly dominate for the innings he does provide for the Red Sox.
“If he goes five innings and gives you good strikeout numbers, I think he’s got that in him,” Pontes shared.
Fenway forecast:
Pontes believes that Gonzalez is in a similar position to where Brayan Bello was to start the 2022 season. Bello eventually progressed through the final two levels of the minors that year to make his big-league debut with the Red Sox that summer.
Gonzalez may need some more time to hone his command, so reaching the majors before the end of 2024 may be a stretch. With that said, Gonzalez could fight for a roster spot next spring and is likely a year ahead of fellow prominent pitching prospect Luis Perales in terms of development, as Cundall discussed.
“Wikelman’s definitely further ahead,” Cundall assessed. “He obviously spent a decent portion (of the season) in Double-A last year, and I would say he will get up to Triple-A this year.”
SoxProspects ranking: No. 9
Gonzalez could be higher on this eventually. For now, Boston’s influx of talented position players that will be the future core of the franchise dominate the list in front of Gonzalez for the Red Sox.
For now, the quality of Gonzalez’s stuff keeps him among the top 10 as one of the most coveted pitchers in the Red Sox system.
]]>It’s only been a few days since they’ve had an opportunity to start making upgrades, but the Patriots’ inactivity in the wide receiver market has been concerning.
It’s also been enough for the reality of the situation to set in.
New England isn’t a place where talented wide receivers want to go. It’s a place where (if all goes to plan) they’ll end up.
The Patriots have spent nearly half of the record-setting amount of cap room they entered the offseason with retaining their priority in-house free agents and making minimal upgrades on the margins. They’ve gotten slightly better at tight end. They added front-seven help to an already stout defense. And Jacoby Brissett’s and upgrade over Mac Jones, whether you like it or not.
You can’t be too upset with the sensible and helpful moves that have been made, but the Patriots actually have gotten worse at wide receiver. That’s unacceptable.
New England quickly fell out of contention for the top wideouts on the open market, though it was reportedly relatively close to striking a deal with Calvin Ridley before he joined the Tennessee Titans. The guys who could have served as solid upgrades without being considered a true No. 1 receiver? They’re all gone, too.
Marquise Brown joined the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year pact. Curtis Samuel joined the Buffalo Bills, which was their way of replacing Gabe Davis, who joined the Jacksonville Jaguars. Darnell Mooney is joining the Atlanta Falcons, prompting the Chicago Bears to swing a trade for Keenan Allen to replace him.
The Patriots? They cut DeVante Parker. That’s pretty much it.
It would be disingenuous to claim New England can’t still make slight upgrades at the position, with the free agent market still housing some nice players. Tyler Boyd’s always been solid with the Cincinnati Bengals, while a guy like Michael Thomas might be able to return to form being featured in an offense. Mike Williams is on the open market, and if the price is right, at least represents a talented wideout when he actually stays on the field. The Patriots might not be the ones who decide whether any of them join the roster, though. It’s not all that attractive of a situation for these guys.
The 2024 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and that could very well be where Patriots de-facto general manager Eliot Wolf looks to rebuild his receiving corps. We just can’t forget about their nonexistent left tackle and the likelihood that their No. 3 pick is used on a quarterback.
If the Patriots hit on the QB, subsequent seasons will give them an opportunity to surround him with talent. The Bills did it with Josh Allen. The Bengals pretty much did the same with Joe Burrow. The Ravens are still trying to find the right formula around Lamar Jackson. It’s a process, and this rebuild was never going to happen in one offseason, but right now there’s one thing that’s become clear.
The Patriots still have a long way to go, and if they’re going to successfully build a winner, Wolf and company are going to have to have a great batting average.
]]>The Patriots reportedly “checked in” with the Los Angeles Chargers this week on players who could have been cut before the new league year began, but a star wide receiver seemingly wasn’t a topic of conversation.
It was speculated that New England would make efforts to upgrade their pass-catching corps. It signed new deals with Kendrick Bourne and Hunter Henry, and it added Austin Hooper. But the Patriots missed out on Calvin Ridley, who took a better offer with the Tennessee Titans.
New England also seemingly missed out on Keenan Allen when the Chicago Bears on Thursday reportedly acquired the Los Angeles wide receiver for a fourth-round pick. But the Patriots might not have been interested in the Pro Bowl wideout anyway.
The Patriots didn’t ask the Chargers about Allen in their call with Los Angeles and instead focused on other players, according to The Athletic’s Chad Graff on Friday. It’s unknown who these “other players” were, but the Chargers released Mike Williams to free up cap space and chose to retain Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, who could have been cut to free up even more money.
It can only be left up to speculation if there were players outside of the cut candidates that New England might have been interested in, but the Patriots’ reported lack of interest in Allen could signal where head coach Jerod Mayo and de facto general manager and director of scouting Eliot Wolf want to go this offseason.
]]>Before the start of the 2024 season, NESN.com is evaluating several noteworthy prospects in the Boston Red Sox organization, using insight and analysis from industry experts to gauge each player’s outlook for the upcoming campaign. Next up: Luis Perales.
It’s no secret the Red Sox farm system is thin on starting pitching prospects.
A new infrastructure, led by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, could change that in the coming years, but the evolution, much like the development of prospects, doesn’t happen overnight. Patience is required.
That said, there are a few hurlers down in the minors who stand out. And that group includes Luis Perales, a 20-year-old right-hander from Venezuela.
Here’s everything you need to know about Perales before the 2024 season.
Background
It’s not easy to spot talent on the international market, where players are so young and so raw in their development that organizations must sift through boundless uncertainty to pinpoint positive traits they think might translate to long-term success on the baseball diamond stateside. Still, there are some players who pop, for one reason or another, and Perales didn’t exactly fall into that bucket right away, signing for $75,000 in July 2019.
Yet the investment looks better with each passing day. One could argue Perales is the best pitching prospect in the Red Sox system, an ascent that began in the Dominican Republic’s Tricky League that summer and progressed to Single-A Salem and High-A Greenville in 2023.
It hasn’t been a straight-line trajectory. Perales was limited to one pitching appearance (two innings) in 2021 — the season after the pandemic-induced minor-league shutdown — and had a limited workload in 2022 that included no more than three innings per start. But the talent is apparent.
In fact, the Red Sox are so high on Perales they added him to their 40-man roster this offseason to protect him from the MLB Rule 5 Draft. And he subsequently participated in the Rookie Development Program, another indication he’s very much on the radar as Boston plots its path forward.
Scouting report
Perales misses bats at a high clip, evident by the 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings he recorded last season in 21 starts (89 2/3 innings) split between Salem and Greenville. The problem? He also issues a ton of free passes.
Perales walked five batters per nine innings in 2023, a continuation of the command and control issues he showed in 2022 and the main cause for concern as the hard-throwing righty enters 2024.
“Perales has some elite fastball metrics, when it comes to shape and everything,” Ian Cundall, director of scouting for SoxProspects.com, recently told NESN.com. “But what’s going to happen with his command? He had a high walk rate last year, and then he gave up a ton of home runs, too. And that’s a bad combo. If you’re doing that in High-A, you have concerns about how that’s going to happen against better hitters. He’s got to really tighten up the command and control, and then find more consistency with his secondary pitches.”
Don’t get it twisted, though. Perales jumps off the page from a pure stuff standpoint. As Cundall noted, Perales’ fastball — which sits at 94-96 mph and tops out at 99 mph — has a ton of vertical break, a characteristic the young pitcher can lean on to generate swinging strikes, particularly up in the zone.
Perales also throws a slider and a changeup, both of which are works in progress but nevertheless could become weapons down the road with more refinement. After all, most pitchers can’t live solely on their fastball.
“It’s easy to get swing-and-miss, it’s easy to get outs in Low-A when you throw a fastball 70 percent of the time,” Red Sox director of player development Brian Abraham told MassLive last summer. “But the reality is probably that they are outliers — the few pitchers in the big leagues that are able to do that, they are probably Hall of Famers if we actually looked at similar fastball profiles that throw it that much or they’re bullpen arms. So, I think getting him to get off his fastball more, work his secondaries in, work on a cutter that can complement his slider.”
Perales, who turns 21 in April, is listed at 6-foot-1, 160 pounds, so he’s not the most physically imposing force. Just don’t sleep on the arm speed or his athleticism on the mound.
“Perales has some elite fastball metrics, when it comes to shape and everything.”
Ian Cundall, director of scouting for SoxProspects.com, on Luis Perales
Most-likely outcome: Late-inning reliever.
We’re dealing with a lot of variance here, as it’s a profile that lends itself to a high ceiling and a low floor at the major-league level. Perales needs to demonstrate he can handle a starter’s workload — we just haven’t really seen it yet — while cutting down on the walks and fine-tuning his secondary pitches. Absent that step forward, it’s hard to say definitively he’ll stick as a starter, even though the Red Sox will continue to groom him as such.
“There’s definite reliever risk with both,” Cundall said of Perales and fellow Red Sox pitching prospect Wikelman Gonzalez.
Even if Perales ultimately transitions to the bullpen, he could do so in meaningful fashion, either as a multi-inning weapon or a high-leverage, late-game stopper.
“Perales has an alien fastball. Slider is pretty good, too. He just needs to command it,” Baseball America’s Geoff Pontes recently told NESN.com. “If he throws enough strikes, I think he’s going to be a great reliever. I don’t really think he’s a starter. I’d love to see it. I hope he proves me wrong. You’re probably living with a 70-80 grade fastball and a good breaking ball. He’s got a good enough changeup that maybe he fools some guys with it. I look at him more as a closer than a starter. There’s no reason to kill the starter stuff yet. He’s going to learn a lot in that role that is going to help him. He’s a big-league arm, though.”
Best-case scenario: Mid-rotation starter.
Perales and Gonzalez seemingly are neck and neck as far as Red Sox pitching prospects go. So, what separates the two up-and-coming right-handers? It could be the former’s potential to blossom into a rotation piece.
“I think Perales has a slightly better chance to start. He’s a little bit bigger, and I think the fastball has a little more going for it than just throwing hard,” Cundall said. “Gonzalez is more like a stuff fastball, whereas Perales has those good metrics. Whereas Gonzalez obviously on raw stuff, he just throws harder. He’s got that better secondary pitch, too, with that breaking ball. So, I would say it’s easier to dream on him as a two-pitch reliever. Perales, I think, has a slightly better chance to start, just due to his size.
“But it’s all going to come down to command and control for both. That’s where the similarity is. If they’re not throwing consistent strikes and quality strikes, it’s not going to matter how good the stuff is in regards to a starter.”
SoxProspects ranking: No. 7
Gonzalez is further along in his development, having reached Double-A Portland in 2023. MLB Pipeline ranked him No. 7 in the Red Sox system, four spots ahead of Perales.
But SoxProspects.com is slightly higher on Perales, thanks to the aforementioned long-term outlook, slotting him in at No. 7, with Gonzalez checking in at No. 9. (Outfielder Wiley Abreu is ranked No. 8.)
“I think it shows how much they value Perales that they were willing to put a guy like that on the 40-man who probably won’t even start (the season) in the high minors,” Cundall said.
Fenway forecast
Perales probably will start the season in Greenville, with the chance to advance to Portland at some point in 2024. After that, a possible big-league promotion will start to crystalize a little bit more. Just don’t expect to see him pitch in Boston until 2025 or 2026.
The Patriots need to upgrade their wide receiver corps, but they also don’t seem to be in any rush to do so.
New England reportedly is interested in adding Tyler Boyd, who also has been linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chiefs. Kansas City might be out on the former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, though, after reportedly landing a new wideout.
The Chiefs on Thursday agreed to sign Marquise Brown to a one-year, $11 million contract, according to multiple reports. The details of the reported deal were not disclosed, but “Hollywood” would link up with the defending champs, and the allure of playing with Patrick Mahomes likely enticed the 26-year-old.
However, after the reported Keenan Allen trade to the Chicago Bears, the wide receiver pool in the free-agent market continues to dwindle for the Patriots. They still can sign Mike Williams, who is coming off a torn ACL from last season. And they have the trade market, with names like Tee Higgins and Brandon Aiyuk potentially available.
But it’s starting to seem more and more as though head coach Jerod Mayo and de facto general manager and director of scouting Eliot Wolf might be more interested in this year’s draft class than in any of the wide receivers in free agency, especially after missing out on Calvin Ridley to the Tennessee Titans.
]]>If you were hoping “The Dynasty” docuseries on Apple TV+ was going to reveal any huge secrets on why former Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler was benched in Super Bowl LII, we’re sorry to inform you that it doesn’t.
It’s subject matter that most certainly is broached, but given the folks involved, you could probably guess where those conversations went. We’re left with an icy interaction between series director Matt Hamachek and former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, a relatively short explanation from Butler’s side and a surprising amount of people placing blame on the testy coach’s shoulders.
“In the 2017 season, Malcolm Butler had played 98 percent of the snaps. Why was he only on the field for one play during the Super Bowl?” Hamacheck asked Belichick.
“Yeah, Matt, we’ve talked about that,” Belichick responded.
“I didn’t ask you about it,” Hamacheck fought back, trying and failing to elicit any sort of explanation from the 71-year-old.
That’s all we really get from one side, and on the other, Butler seems suspiciously quiet about it the situation as well.
“I was very emotional,” Butler said. “I didn’t feel like I was being treated right because I didn’t find out until the game that I wasn’t going to play. … The thing about it, I really don’t know. I really don’t. Just to, like, leave me watching my team suffer when I know I can help them. Like, not one rep. Not one rep.”
Butler pretty much leaves the ball in Belichick’s court with that response, perhaps knowing it’ll stay there untouched for a very long time.
It’s a pretty disappointing realization that neither Belichick or Butler dive deep into what happened back in February 2018, but that probably could have been expected. The more surprising aspect of “The Dynasty’s” foray into the subject was how Butler’s teammates and a few Patriots leaders responded. It range from diplomatic (hello, Devin McCourty and Matthew Slater), to deflective of all blame (hi, Robert Kraft), to downright bitter (oh look, Danny Amendola is back).
We’ll leave you with all their words, in succession.
McCourty: If you would have told me going into that game, Malcolm Butler’s not going in, do you think that helps you win? I’d say no. That year, 98 percent of the time, Malcolm is on the field playing with us on defense. Three years before, in Super Bowl 49, he saves the game.
Slater: As players, I know we all felt strongly that Malcolm should have been out there. But that’s not our call. At the end of our day, we trust our coach. Seeing how the game transpiring, it was kind of like, we need him in there right now. Can we get him in there to stop the bleeding?
Josh McDaniels: I don’t have one bit of information about that to this day.
McCourty: I talked to coaches, other players, none of us ever heard what happened or why it happened.
Kraft: What has been told me was that there was something personal going on between Bill and Malcolm that was not football-related. I always felt that every decision Bill had made had been to put what was in the best interest of the team first and put emotion aside, but with Malcolm, he did just the opposite.
Danny Amendola: I remember walking off the field that night just really confused. That was the biggest game our lives at the moment, and Malcolm’s not on the field, that shit still kind of pisses me off still today. I mean, we played our asses off. Tom threw for 500-plus yards, which in the Super Bowl has never been done. We’re out there literally putting our bodies on the line, our heads on the line for our friends, family, teammates. To not get an explanation, like, I felt we got cheated a little bit, honestly, and I don’t feel bad saying that.
What do you think, Patriots fans? Satisfied with the explanation?
]]>BOSTON — Jaylen Brown has been red-hot since the All-Star break and paced the scoring for the Celtics in a 127-112 win over the Phoenix Suns in a quick stop at TD Garden on Thursday night.
From draining three-pointers to throwing down a thunderous dunk over Grayson Allen, Brown tallied 37 points and elevated Boston’s defensive efforts against a capable scoring group that featured Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker.
“I think it’s been all season,” Brown told reporters after the win. “I just feel like I improved a lot of the stuff I’ve needed to work on. Overall, (it’s) just improving my mentality and attacking my weaknesses. I feel like a lot of the stuff you can say about me last year, you can’t say about me this year. I’m looking forward to the playoffs to keep it going.”
In his last five games, Brown has been on a tear, averaging 30.6 points with 6.2 rebounds, shooting 50% from the field and 36.% from three.
“He’s been playing so well at both ends of the floor,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters when asked about Brown’s night. “He’s just really processing the game. He’s really taken an emphasis to being a well-rounded player. Everything with him starts with his defensive intensity.”
Mazzulla credited Brown’s ability to make better reads against opponents offensively in his recent hot stretch. Additionally, Mazzulla believes that Brown’s defensive tenacity has set up extra energy for his scoring abilities.
“I’ve been doing it all year and I’m going to keep doing it,” Brown added. “Before the season, I made a commitment that I wanted to be First-Team All-Defense. I feel like I’ve been a playmaker.”
Brown has scored 30+ points in five different games since the All-Star break. The Boston star made a personal mission to self-improvement after the Celtics came up short in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat. Brown has answered the call to push the Celtics to the league’s first playoff berth.
“People can go one of two ways,” Brown said. “… Nothing in this world is going to break my spirit. For me, there was only one way I could go.”
The Celtics now prepare for a back-to-back starting on Sunday against the Washington Wizards.
]]>Kendrick Bourne can make an extra $13.5 million over the course of his three-year deal contract with the New England Patriots if he hits all his incentives.
Bourne likely will want to hit those marks, but he has his eyes on other accomplishments than putting more money in his pockets.
Bourne joined the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan on the “Pats Interference” podcast Thursday and discussed what he’s looking to achieve the most, which has nothing do with how much he produces on the field.
“I’ve grown here in the first three years, rapidly; just in my personal life, as a football player, and now I want to be a captain. That is my biggest goal this year,” Bourne said, as transcribed by Callahan. “I want to be a leader. Having the young guys out here has shown me that I am impactful. The energy I carry is impactful.”
Bourne, who is rehabbing from a torn ACL and said he will be ready to go by training camp, took a leadership role already this offseason. He has been working out with teammates DeMario Douglas, Tyquan Thornton and Bailey Zappe on the West Coast.
Bourne also told Callahan he spent part of this offseason watching the “The Dynasty” docuseries on the Patriots’ two-decade-long run of dominance, which included winning six Super Bowl titles.
That helped sparked other goals for the veteran wideout.
“These next three years, (winning the) Super Bowl is in there, captain, Comeback Player of the Year, different things personally,” Bourne told Callahan. “But ultimately just being the best teammate I can be, just working and helping others.”
Winning a Super Bowl certainly is a lofty goal for Bourne, especially with the Patriots being nowhere near playoff contention last season.
But if the Patriots do get into the postseason, Bourne has proven he can deliver in those big moments. Bourne recorded seven receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns in his only playoff game with the Patriots.
]]>When the Boston Bruins signed Danton Heinen to a professional tryout back in September, he was coming off a rather disappointing campaign with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The 28-year-old forward was rewarded for his hard work in training camp and preseason action when the Bruins signed Heinen on a one-year NHL contract with a cap hit of $775,000 in October.
What Heinen has done since reuniting with Boston has already eclipsed last season with Pittsburgh.
In 60 games for the Bruins this season, Heinen has tallied 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points, compared to eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points in 65 games for the Penguins in 2022-23.
The Langley, British Columbia native has been rewarded by Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery on the ice, having Heinen skate on a line with David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha.
“I think it’s getting better as we get a little more time together,” Heinen told reporters after Boston’s overtime win against the Montreal Canadiens. “(…) Those guys are so good with the puck, so I try to get it in their hands and try to get to the net. I think we’re just trying to build, and I try to listen to those guys and see what they want because they’re two high-end guys.”
Heinen compliments Pastrnak and Zacha with his defensive skills when the trio is in the neutral or defensive zones.
“I think I got to be responsible,” Heinen said. “Those guys are obviously a little better offensively than me, so I think that’s definitely part of my job in that line is to be solid defensively. It’s something I was trying to work on and get better at.”
Not only has Heinen been a constant in the Bruins lineup, but the versatile forward has seen time on the penalty kill and power play while averaging over 14 minutes of ice time.
“I always believed in myself,” Heinen told reporters. “But it’s a fun group to be a part of. It’s special here.”
Heinen has proven he still has plenty of game left in the tank and if the Bruins don’t decide to sign him to an extension, he has probably played himself into a contract on another franchise in the league.
Being paid the NHL’s league minimum this season, Heinen’s play would most likely warrant a raise, but he would probably get a deal without signing another PTO.
]]>It’s been three years since the Boston Celtics made the front office switch from Danny Ainge to Brad Stevens, however, in that short period of time, one things become abundantly clear: Stevens was the guy all along.
Prior to being promoted to president of basketball operations, Stevens was the playbook mastermind behind turning a subpar Celtics roster into an easy-to-root-for, Eastern Conference overachiever. He inherited the mess left behind after the Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen big three separated and was at the helm for Boston’s transformation from a No. 12 seed tank (25-57) squad in 2014 to a legitimate contender once Jayson Tatum was drafted, Gordon Hayward was signed and Kyrie Irving was acquired in 2018.
Long story short, Stevens paid his dues. The assumption was Stevens would remain seated at the coach’s chair for the long run, but after the Celtics were swept by the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the 2021 playoffs, Boston made one of its most critical decisions in moving Stevens up, which has paid off tremendously throughout the team’s 2023-24 run at Banner 18.
“He’s done an amazing job,” Ainge, now of the Utah Jazz, said of Stevens in December, per NBC Sports Boston. “They have good coaching, great management, great ownership, great players. The Celtics, top to bottom, are sitting pretty in this league right now. They have shooting — maybe the best shooting in the NBA. … I like their team a lot.”
Ainge will always be remembered as the guy who — seemingly overnight — transformed the Celtics from a laughingstock with cause to fire then-head coach Doc Rivers. Boston finished at the bottom of the East with a 24-58 record, the second-worst in Celtics history, and in the blink of an eye became one of the most dominant offensive forces after Ainge unleashed his inner “Trader Danny” and acquired Allen and Garnett to join Pierce and defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2008 NBA Finals.
But soon after those three split from Boston, Ainge’s magic touch began to fade and the former Celtics guard himself became an outdated piece holding the organization back.
To be fair, yes, Ainge pulled the most important two triggers in drafting Jaylen Brown third overall in 2016 and Tatum third overall in 2018, but at that time, “Trader Danny” became “Hoarder Danny” and draft picks seemingly became Ainge’s primary obsession. It wasn’t as if Ainge had the greatest draft history either. In 2011, he drafted JaJuan Johnson, who might’ve been the worst pick of the Ainge era. In 2013, Kelly Olynyk was selected 13th overall by the Celtics — two picks ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The issue became most apparent when Ainge concealed his aggressive touch and became content with allowing Tatum and Brown to figure it out as the team’s up-and-coming co-leaders. Irving’s time didn’t age well and the Kemba Walker signing should’ve never happened. Not to mention, the Celtics hadn’t had a reliable center since Garnett and Ainge’s conservative side deferred to Greg Monroe, Enes Freedom, Daniel Theis, Tristian Thompson and Tacko Fall while waiting for Robert Williams III to develop.
Ainge took a shot in the dark with flyer acquisitions like Jabari Parker and Evan Fournier — neither of which provided any value.
With Stevens, the Celtics don’t need to worry about depth urgency. He’s self-aware and, more importantly, proactive when it comes to Boston’s needs.
After the Celtics allowed last season’s No. 8-seeded Miami Heat to win the conference finals after taking a 3-0 series lead, Boston had enough. Stevens was thrown at the forefront of ensuring that the end of last season wouldn’t repeat itself. And based on the front office work, Stevens has done everything in his control, architecting an NBA-best 52 wins in 66 games played that became the first team to clinch a playoff spot after Thursday night’s 127-112 win over the Phoenix Suns.
“I walked in and met with Joe (Mazzulla) and Brad and said, ‘I know one thing: we’re not bringing this team back,'” Celtics governor Wyc Grousbeck told Duke Castiglione of WCVB in February. “That was over the summer. It was two years in a row with really good teams that fell short and I knew they were inconsistent. We were hot and cold, high and low.”
Marcus Smart, a well-established fan favorite but incomplete point guard, was packaged in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis — the current best No. 3 option on an NBA roster. Robert Williams, who never reached his ceiling fully, was traded with Malcolm Brogdon for Jrue Holiday — who leads the league in corner three percentage, shooting 61.1% while tied for second in rebounds among guards (5.6).
Those are two trades that revitalized the Celtics, which Ainge didn’t have the creativity or bold trigger to pull off during the tail-end of his tenure with the organization. There’s no point in home-growing Tatum and Brown if they won’t be supported with the necessary supporting cast investment needed to excel once the playoffs commence. Stevens has no issue understanding that.
Both those trades, along with Stevens’ 2022 acquisition of Derrick White, have allowed Tatum and Brown to take their biggest maturity leaps. Tatum, averaging 27 points, and Brown, averaging 22.9, aren’t recording the same offensive outputs as last season, but that sacrifice has opened the door for everyone else to pitch in. That’s become a staple in the 2022-23 roster’s identity, and it’s made the Celtics a lethal offensive unit.
It’s hard to imagine with Ainge, the Celtics would’ve skyrocked this season.
]]>BOSTON — The Celtics embrace a defensive identity arguably better than any other team in the NBA and that mindset isn’t exclusive to the players in uniform.
Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla calls upon his players to elevate their efforts defensively. To make his point, Mazzulla holds himself, as well as his coaching staff to the same standards. If there is a shot from an opponent, someone better contest it.
On Thursday night, that’s exactly what Mazzulla did.
With the Celtics leading the Suns by 18 points late in the fourth quarter, Phoenix forward Royce O’Neale launched a shot at the basket after the whistle. Mazzulla saw the attempt out of the corner of his eye, pivoted from high-fiving Al Horford and leaped to contest the shot.
The video from the TNT broadcast has certainly picked up steam since the end of Boston’s 127-112 win. While it may be a humorous clip to fans, Mazzulla explained his move with a serious message in mind for his team.
“I saw a guy going in to try and get a shot,” Mazzulla told reporters after the win. “He hadn’t made one. I didn’t want him to feel good about himself going to the bench. I got asked about that a month ago. That’s a bench rule. Guys don’t shoot shots in front of our bench to go back to their bench feeling good about themselves. If I’m going to ask the guys to contest, the staff has to do the same.”
Mazzulla’s attempt certainly caught the media by surprise as a new aspect of his coaching regime. With that in mind, have players picked up on it?
“I’m not even sure that they even know,” Mazzulla said. “They might know now. I’m not sure they knew up until now. I think it’s important. I think it’s a small detail in the game. It’s a little gamesmanship, but you can’t have guys going back to the bench feeling good about themselves.”
Mazzulla’s players certainly do know of his undervalued in-game tactic. For the Celtics’ stars, they’d expect nothing less from the head coach they’ve come to know in his second season leading Boston.
“I’ve definitely seen him do it in the past,” Jaylen Brown said postgame. “If the guy keeps trying to shoot, Joe will just keep playing defense. He’ll take it as far as he needs to. I missed that one. I wish I had seen it, though.”
Mazzulla shared that the concept began during his first season as the Celtics head coach. His intentions spread throughout the coaching staff and he will surely stay committed to upholding his end of the bargain moving forward.
“I did it last year,” Mazzulla recalled. “I’ve done it multiple times. I don’t care. At the end of the day, it’s about the approach and the mindset that we bring. It’s within the rules of the game.”
Mazzulla continued: “One of the biggest pet peeves is just thinking that a guy is going to get a free shot. That’s just not the way it works. If we’re going to hold our team to a standard, we’ll hold the staff to the same thing. There’s been times where we’ve missed it and I’ve held the staff accountable to it.”
As the Celtics continue toward a championship run, Mazzulla showed that he’s willing to set the standard on the floor.
]]>There’s an NFL team with a top-three pick in this year’s draft that is surrounding its soon-to-be quarterback of the future with premier offensive talent.
Sounds like that could be the New England Patriots, right? Wrong.
A day after standout wide receiver Calvin Ridley chose to sign with the Tennessee Titans over the Patriots, New England lost out on the chance to acquire another impactful wideout.
FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reported Thursday night that the Chicago Bears obtained Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers for a fourth-round pick.
The Patriots had called the Chargers about Allen, according to the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed. Los Angeles was looking to get out from under Allen’s $18.1 million base salary.
The 31-year-old Allen notched the sixth Pro Bowl appearance of his career in 2023. He totaled 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in just 13 games. Allen has recorded at least 100 catches in five out of his last seven seasons. The Patriots haven’t had a receiver hit the century mark in receptions since Julian Edelman notched 100 catches exactly in 2019, which was Tom Brady’s last season with New England.
After not being able to seal the deal with Ridley, it was reported that the Patriots plan to target a wide receiver through the draft instead of in free agency.
New England hasn’t added much in terms of playmakers this offseason to one of the worst offenses in the league in 2023. The Patriots re-signed Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne and Jalen Reagor while bringing in running back Antonio Gibson, tight end Austin Hooper and bridge quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
It was expected that Eliot Wolf and the Patriots’ brass were going to do more, like find a way to get Allen, in an effort to “weaponize” the offense.
]]>The Boston Bruins were pushed to the edge once again, playing in their sixth overtime contest in the last 14 games played Thursday night against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell.
Outside of the first period, in which Boston and Montreal exchanged goals to get on the board, there wasn’t much of any offensive firepower. The Bruins and Canadiens combined to go 0-for-7 on power-play opportunities which, to no surprise, sent both teams into overtime.
At that point, it was up to Boston to find the desperately needed answer.
“I went in the locker room and I got a lot of trust and a lot of belief in our group, especially (in) our leaders,” Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery said after Boston’s 2-1 overtime victory, as seen on NESN’s postgame coverage. “I let (David Pastrnak) and (Charlie McAvoy) talk and I thought their words and the way they led was appropriate. … It felt good because our checking skills got us the turnover that led to the 2-on-1 that ended the game.”
Linus Ullmark wasn’t put to a major test, responsible for keeping 18 Montreal shots off the net, but did Boston’s bid justice. Ullmark held the Canadiens scoreless throughout the second and third periods to keep the Bruins within striking distance — patience which came rewarded by Jake DeBrusk in a timely fashion in overtime.
Just 25 seconds into overtime, DeBrusk capitalized on a 2-on-1 Bruins advantage from a Montreal turnover and netted the game-winner.
“I think it’s one of those games where we just stay with our game,” DeBrusk said postgame, per NESN. “Obviously, it was a little sloppy at times, and games this time of year usually are, but we found a way to win. And to be honest with you, it’s always nice to get an overtime win. It seems like we’ve had 45 overtimes, so hopefully, we can even it out.”
Maintaining poise and defensive focus opened the door for DeBrusk at the perfect time, although that’s easier said than done considering how routinely Boston has undergone an overtime test this season.
Nevertheless, closing out an overtime period in less than a minute signals Boston’s self-awareness of being proactive and urgent as soon as possible to avoid encountering another late-game disaster.
Here are more notes from Thursday night’s Bruins-Canadiens game:
— DeBrusk recorded his third-career overtime game-winner. It was also the sixth-fastest overtime goal scored in Bruins history, just eight seconds behind Glen Murray’s, which took 17 seconds in November 2006.
“It was a great pass and just happy to finish it for the boys,” DeBrusk added.
— In DeBrusk’s last six games, the seven-year veteran has scored three goals and four assists, totaling 17 shots and a plus-four rating.
— Boston’s win improved the team’s record to 39-14-15 and closed a regular-season series win with a 3-0-1 record over the Canadiens.
— The Bruins have played 35% of their first 68 games played this season in overtime, according to NESN’s Adam Pellerin.
— Boston will get two off days before returning to action to host the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night. Puck drop from TD Garden is set for 7 p.m. ET, and you can watch the game, along with an hour of pregame coverage, live on NESN.
]]>Mac Jones spent a turbulent three seasons with the New England Patriots.
But the 25-year-old quarterback is onto the next chapter of his NFL career with New England’s trade of Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2024 sixth-round pick becoming official Thursday.
But before Jones sets his eyes on the future, he took one last look at his past with a thankful farewell message to the Patriots on social media.
You can read his entire post here:
“The last three seasons with the New England Patriots are years I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will always be grateful for my time in New England and for the opportunity to start my career in the NFL.
To Mr. Kraft and the Kraft family, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to make my dream of playing in the NFL come true. To Coach Belichick and all the coaches and support staff who helped me each and every day, including training, equipment, strength, video staff, and everyone in between, thank you for all that you did to help prepare me over the years. I truly appreciate each and every one of you.
To my teammates, it was an honor to play alongside you these last three seasons and I will always cherish the friendships that we built.
And finally, thank you to the fans for always showing up and supporting me and the Patriots. It has been a blessing to be a part of the Patriots organization and I will always have love for the New England community.
With that being said, I am thrilled to go home and to get to work in Duuuuval! Thank you to the Jacksonville Jaguars organization for the opporutnity. Let’s go! #DTWD.”
Jones’ tenure started with plenty of fanfare as the Patriots selected the Alabama product with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft — it was the highest the franchise had drafted a quarterback since taking Drew Bledsoe No. 1 overall in 1993.
Jones put together a promising rookie campaign in which he made the Pro Bowl, but it quickly deteriorated after that. Jones and the Patriots offense floundered in his second season with Matt Patricia becoming the de facto offensive coordinator.
Things didn’t get much better for Jones this past season. He completed 64.9% of his passes for 2,120 yards with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was benched multiple times until Belichick decided to sit him for good for the final six games of the season.
Jones finished his time with the Patriots with an 18-24 record. Jones reflected on his time with New England during his introductory press conference with the Jaguars on Thursday, but said he leaves with no regrets.
All that’s left for Jones to do now is move on and try to start fresh with his new team
]]>BOSTON — Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant are among the best scorers in the NBA, pacing the Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns in their respective playoff races.
Durant has been a standard of excellence throughout his 16 NBA seasons, dominating the game and earning two MVP honors in the NBA Finals. He’s been a star for Tatum to challenge and their meetings rarely fail to impress the audience.
Entering their most recent matchup on Thursday, Tatum has gone 5-4 against Durant in both the regular season as well as the playoffs. Tatum scored 50 points in the Celtics’ lone win when Durant’s Brooklyn Nets eliminated Boston in five games during the 2021 postseason. The Boston star stepped up again with a game-winning layup at the buzzer in Game 1 to spark a sweep of the Nets in the first round of the postseason when the Celtics marched to a NBA Finals appearance the following season.
During their years of competition, it’s impossible to say that Durant and Tatum have not impacted each other. Tatum has described the now-Phoenix Suns star as an older brother while Durant recently predicted that the Boston forward could keep dominating the league for the next decade.
Thursday night offered more competition on the court with the two stars consistently challenging each other. Both players came to play from the opening tip as Durant drained a mid-range jumper over Tatum to start the scoring. The forwards combined for 29 points in the first quarter and kept the intensity into the second.
Tatum got the best of Durant in the final minutes of the first half, burying a pair of left-corner 3-pointers over the 6-foot-11 defender. The two followed each other defensively most of the night, daring each other to elevate their play.
Neither player made a major impact in the second half as the Celtics cruised behind 37 points from Jaylen Brown in a 127-112 victory. Tatum finished with 26 points while Durant tallied 20 points. While it wasn’t a career night for either star, the impact showed once again between them.
Tatum got the best of Durant in the latest star-studded showdown, adding another chapter to an elite sharpening of skills.
]]>The Boston Bruins defeated the Montreal Canadiens, 2-1 in overtime, at Centre Bell on Thursday night.
With the win, the Bruins improved to 39-14-15 while the Canadiens dropped to 25-30-11 on their campaign.
Check out the full box score here.
ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
Boston went head-to-head with Montreal until the very end in search of a bounce-back win after Monday night’s lopsided 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues.
However, as has been the case for the Bruins recently, closing the contest out in regulation proved to be a major challenge yet again.
The Bruins survived three critical Canadiens power play opportunities but, at the same time, failed to capitalize on four chances of their own. The defensive will was present, consistent and showed up at just the right moments to keep Boston’s window open for a much-needed go-ahead goal to help seal a victory and prevent consecutive losses.
But with the offense much more stagnant than the defense, Boston and Montreal were sent to overtime — the sixth time the Bruins have gone to overtime in their last 14 games.
And just 25 seconds into overtime, Jake DeBrusk sported the heroes cape and delivered the game-sealing answer, burying the goal that closed Boston’s season series win over Montreal to 3-0-1 this season.
STARS OF THE GAME
— DeBrusk ensured the Bruins would be rewarded for shutting down Montreal’s offense after the first period, courtesy of the 27-year-old’s 16th goal of the season.
— Linus Ullmark was at the forefront of Boston’s defensive game, holding Montreal scoreless for the second and third periods after surrendering the Canadiens’ first goal. Ullmark finished with 18 saves in 60:25 minutes.
— Montreal’s Sam Montembeault was also elite, recording 23 saves but coming up short.
WAGER WATCH
FanDuel Sportsbook set the odds of Danton Heinen scoring a goal at +410. The 28-year-old lit the lamp at 4:49 of the first period to open the scoring in the game with his 12th tally of the season. A $100 wager placed on Heinen would’ve netted a $510 total payout.
UP NEXT ON NESN
The Bruins will get a few off days before returning to the ice to host the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night. Puck drop from TD Garden is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, and you can catch the game, plus an hour of pregame coverage, live on NESN.
Kendrick Bourne throughout the offseason was adamant that he wanted to come back to the New England Patriots in free agency.
Well, Bourne got exactly what he wanted.
The Patriots reached an agreement Sunday with Bourne on a new contract before the veteran wideout could fully test the open market. Bourne received a three-year deal worth $19.5 million that can go up to $33 million with incentives.
Bourne, who spent the last three seasons with New England, opened up about his decision to return to the Patriots when he joined the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan on the “Pats Interference” podcast on Thursday.
“Not really stressing, just knowing what I’m worth, but knowing that’s somewhere I wanted to be. So if that’s what the Patriots felt I was worth, then I was OK with it. (It’s) just negotiating,” Bourne said, as transcribed by Callahan. “So I was really kind of in the unknown, not really calling and stressing. I was just being calm and going through my normal day.”
The Patriots got good value on Bourne’s deal as he showed, when healthy, he can be a key piece in New England’s offense. Bourne, who is on track for training camp after tearing his ACL in Week 8 this past season, put together a career-best campaign in 2021 during his first season with the Patriots by accumulating 55 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns.
Bourne certainly was willing to accept a more modest deal, knowing that he’s not completely motivated by money.
“(My agent) read it down to me, and I said, ‘I like the deal,'” Bourne told Callahan. “I’m not really chasing a billion dollars. I’m chasing legacy.”
And with his new contract, Bourne will try to build that legacy with the Patriots.
]]>The Boston Bruins bounced back with a big 2-1 overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night in big thanks to some offensive help from the B’s defense.
The Bruins allowed just 19 shots on goal all game, and the defense was responsible for blocking 10 shots during the contest. Rookie F-man Mason Lohrei played a part in the Bruins defensive effort, as he had zero giveaways during the game.
For more on the B’s defense check out the video above, presented by Rodenhiser.
]]>After a disappointing season, that included being benched four times and not knowing what his future entailed, Mac Jones spent his offseason completely focused on the sport he loves.
“It’s all about the evaluation process after the season,” Jones said during his introductory press conference with the Jacksonville Jaguars. “What can I get better at? How can I improve? I feel like I did that this year already. I went down to Texas and stayed in a sports barn for a month and just focused on football — just all football.”
Jones added: “What can I do better? Every day, five days a week, weekends, all that. How can I watch tape? What can I do better? That’s important to me, as it is with any player. They’re trying to find what they can do better. That’s what I do every year.”
The former Patriot took the high road when he reflected on his tremulous time in New England and how the trade to his hometown team was a “dream come true.”
“I have all the respect in the world for those guys (in New England),” he said. “My first team, drafted me in the first round, can’t thank them enough. … For me, it was just about moving on and getting back home, and I can’t be more excited. For them, it’s about moving forward and turning the page. So, really, that’s kind of what we decided, and I think it’s a great decision.”
Jones is expected to battle with the Jaguars’ regular No. 2 C.J. Beathard to become Trevor Lawrence’s backup in Jacksonville. Jones’s overall record with New England was 18-24 across three seasons. His best season in New England was his rookie campaign in 2021 when he led the Patriots to a 10-7 record but lost his lone playoff appearance to the Buffalo Bills.
]]>BOSTON — Joe Mazzulla has immersed himself in different experiences as a coaching leader, which led him to the helm of the Boston Celtics.
That experience continues to accumulate whenever Mazzulla has the chance to study other coaches in games as a spectator. He got that chance over Boston’s most recent road trip, which included a stop in Utah. Mazzulla and other members of the Celtics staff watched the Salt Lake City Stars’ game during G League action, which included playing time for a former Boston fan-favorite.
While taking in the game, Mazzulla embraced the opportunity to prepare himself for future scenarios with the Celtics.
“You study coaching tendencies,” Mazzulla told reporters Thursday prior to facing the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden. “You study players and situations. …You put yourself in that other coach’s shoes and watch how they adjust to it. I enjoy that a lot.”
As a former G League coach with Boston’s affiliate in Maine, Mazzulla appreciated the extra grit that shows up on the court in such contests.
“It goes (back) to the love of the game,” Mazzulla explained. “When I went from Division II to the G League, it wasn’t much different because it was a bunch of people in the same situation. There’s a higher level you’re trying to get to.”
With Boston well on track for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, Mazzulla hopes to stay prepared for anything that will come the Celtics’ way down the stretch.
]]>The Boston Bruins head into the final month of the regular season as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, and they are gearing up for the playoffs.
Prior to the NHL trade deadline on March 8, Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark heard his name floated around rumors that Boston was shopping him. Whether or not Ullmark vetoed a potential trade with the 16-team no-trade clause in his contract remains to be seen, but regardless he’s “happy” to be with the Bruins.
With arguably the best goalie tandem in the NHL, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery has had the luxury of rotating Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman through the entire regular season.
With only 15 games remaining, the Bruins might try and give the goalies back-to-back starts instead of the traditional one-in, one-off Boston has adopted.
“We have a bit more rest now in our schedule after a heavy load of games,” Montgomery told reporters before the Bruins took on the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night, per the team. “Might make more sense a little bit, but we also worry then that a goalie might not get in for almost six to seven days.”
If the Bruins do opt to give goalies two consecutive starts down the stretch, what does that mean for the playoffs? Montgomery said at this time, the team hasn’t made the decision.
“I don’t have a definitive answer on that,” Montgomery told reporters ahead of Boston’s matchup with the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night, per the team. “You might go two games in a row with one goalie if we keep doing it and rotate after that.”
Montgomery added: “When you start winning in the playoffs, it makes it harder to switch; lineup and goaltender, but that’s something we’re going to have to discuss internally. We know if you go with a platoon the whole year, switching in and switching out, you can’t expect one guy to ride the emotions of the playoffs by themselves.”
The second-year bench boss recognizes how different the postseason differs from the regular season.
“You can’t emulate the intensity and the emotional drainage of the playoffs,” Montgomery explained. “That’s what makes it difficult. We can sit here and say we’re going to ride one guy, but you got to get into battle and see how guys are doing.”
The Bruins utilized the tandem during their record-setting regular season in 2022-23 but rode Ullmark in the first round of the playoffs against the Florida Panthers. Boston squandered the 3-1 series lead and the Panthers moved through the Eastern Conference, ultimately falling to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.
It might bode the Bruins well to stick with the formula that’s been successful in two regular seasons instead of trying something new.
]]>BOSTON — Frank Vogel knows what the Celtics are capable of, having hosted them at Footprint Center in Phoenix just five days ago in a 117-107 win over the Suns.
Against a team that can shoot efficiently from 3-point range and make plays inside the paint, Phoenix’s head coach knows that his defense has to present multiple looks.
“All those guys need to stay ready,” Vogel told reporters at TD Garden on Thursday before a rematch with the Celtics. “We’re trying to match up with a unique opponent. You need perimeter defense to slow down the Boston Celtics.”
Vogel added: “Multiple efforts is what it comes down to. They average 47 points in the paint and we gave them 60.”
The Suns currently are the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference with 38 wins. Each game against a contender is a welcomed test for Phoenix, though playing the best team in the league can always create extra energy.
“I think there’s always a little extra juice when playing against the team that has the best record in the NBA,” Vogel explained. “A team a lot of people feel will be in the NBA Finals. At the same time, we’ve really got to focus on ourselves.”
Beyond the contest at hand, Vogel always appreciates the chance to return to Boston, a city where he build his adult life at the turn to the 21st century. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Vogel worked as a video coordinator and an assistant coach with the Celtics.
“It’s where I got my start,” Vogel shared. “Boston will always be special to be. I got my first job in the NBA here with Coach (Rick) Pitino. I met my wife here. I had my first daughter here. (This city) will always be special to me.”
]]>The New England Patriots already fell short in the Calvin Ridley sweepstakes this offseason, but the options list for remaining free agents to fill the team’s void in receiving depth was trimmed down again on Thursday.
Curtis Samuel, who could’ve been a potential backup plan for the Patriots, signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Buffalo Bills, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The contract includes $15 million in guaranteed salary plus the opportunity to earn $30 million.
Now two days into the official free agency period, the Patriots have made minimal progress in recruiting new offensive weapons to pair with whoever New England names its starting quarterback. Ridley was the home run option for all teams involved, however, in the case of the Patriots, getting on base with a start is the ideal course of action.
Before New England presumably uses its No. 3 pick in April’s upcoming NFL draft, the front office needs to get proactive in bolstering the roster’s receiving core. Last season, there wasn’t much reliability, and the decision to allow homegrown wideout Jakobi Meyers to walk in free agency while replacing the 27-year-old with a washed-up JuJu Smith-Schuster backfired on the Patriots massively.
There’s a sliver of room for error this offseason, especially considering New England hasn’t won a playoff game since 2018 when Tom Brady delivered Foxborough its sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Samuel, 27, made 13 starts in 16 appearances last season with the Washington Commanders, his third and final season with the team. He recorded 613 receiving yards and four touchdowns off 62 receptions.
With roughly $50 million in cap space remaining for the Patriots to work around, the free agency market could still be explored to address one of several critical needs ahead of draft night. Mike Williams, Marquise Brown and Odell Beckham Jr. are among the top remaining receivers up for grabs.
]]>The Boston Bruins are back in action as they travel over the border to take on their oldest rival, the Montreal Canadiens.
The Canadiens have been struggling as of late, losing seven out of their last 10 games, and currently sit in seventh place in the Atlantic Division with just 60 points.
For more, check out the video above from “Bruins Face-Off Live,” presented by Echostor Technology.
]]>Ninja Turtles? Harry Potter? “Max Keeble’s Big Move?” You’d be surprised which movies defined these Boston Bruins’ players childhood and live on in their memories to this day.
NESN’s Sophia Jurksztowicz sat down with the players and asked them what their favorite films from their childhood was.
Check out what the players had to say in the video above from the “Ultimate Bruins Show,” presented by Bud Light.
]]>The Red Sox farm system has a clear top tier ahead of the 2024 season.
Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel are consensus top-100 prospects on national lists and seemingly represent Boston’s next core.
Even a second tier is coming into focus, comprised of players who’ve already debuted with Boston (Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu), prospects on the cusp of reaching the majors (Nick Yorke and Chase Meidroth) and lower-level minor leaguers primed to make noise (Miguel Bleis and Yoeilin Cespedes).
But sometimes, a breakout can come from someone off the radar, to the point where we’re forced to reevaluate their standing in the system. And that kind of development can have implications on the organizational depth chart.
So, which unheralded Red Sox prospects will boost their stocks this season? Here are a few candidates.
Allan Castro, OF
SoxProspects ranking: No. 15
The international free agent market produced a couple of Red Sox franchise cornerstones in Rafael Devers and Brayan Bello. A couple more could follow a similar trajectory, with Bleis and Cespedes, in particular, showing considerable upside. But don’t sleep on Castro, a 20-year-old Dominican Republic native who joined the organization as a middle infielder back in 2019. He’s coming off a mostly solid 2023 split between Single-A Salem and High-A Greenville, and eventually could factor into Boston’s outfield plans.
“That guy’s got some thump in that bat,” Greenville manager Iggy Suarez told MassLive. “Quick. Quick twitch. Fast runner. Good defender in the outfield. Good arm.”
Castro, the Latin Program Position Player of the Year in 2021, is a switch-hitter who’s listed at 6-foot, 170 pounds. He’s an average-over-power guy for now, with the ability to pepper the gaps, but his in-game pop could increase as he progresses through the system. Castro hits the ball hard and has a solid approach, evident by his exit velocities and strikeout/walk rates.
Franklin Arias, SS
SoxProspects ranking: No. 32
Cespedes isn’t the only player from the Red Sox’s 2023 international free agent class worth keeping an eye on over the next several years. Arias has the potential to climb prospect rankings, as well, with MLB Pipeline already listing him No. 15 in the Red Sox system heading into 2024.
The 18-year-old Venezuelan shortstop is considered a slick defender, which could allow him to carve out an MLB career even if his offensive game never fully materializes.
“He’s someone who is a long way away — he was on that (Dominican Summer League) team last year, too — but he’s got a really good approach at the plate. Really strong contact skills. I think there’s a good chance to hit,” Ian Cundall, director of scouting for SoxProspects.com, recently told NESN.com. “He needs to add strength. That’s the biggest thing. He’s very skinny at present. But there is some projection in the frame there and he’s a really good defensive shortstop, potentially. So, I think that raw tool set from the DSL can translate stateside pretty quickly.”
Arias is listed at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds. He posted a .350/.440/.453 slash line with one home run, 15 RBIs and 19 walks to just 14 strikeouts in 37 games (159 plate appearances) in the DSL last season.
David Sandlin, RHP
SoxProspects ranking: No. 13
Sandlin is new to the system, arriving in the trade that sent reliever John Schreiber to the Kansas City Royals. But there’s a lot to like about the 23-year-old hurler. For one, he has starter upside.
“Fastball as an amateur was kind of low 90s. In pro ball, it’s been up to 98-99 (mph),” Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow told reporters after the February trade. “Pitches probably at 95-97, good breaking ball and a (changeup) that we see room to optimize. And so, it was a combination of raw stuff, projection and a chance to tweak the usage just a little bit and improve performance.”
Sandlin, an 11th-round pick in 2022, went 4-2 with a 3.51 ERA, a 1.215 WHIP and 11.7 strikeouts per nine innings in 14 starts (66 2/3 innings) last season split between Single-A and High-A. But his winter improvements suggest he’s just scratching the surface.
“He’s very interesting, especially if what he’s shown this offseason is legit,” Cundall said. “TBD if that can translate in-season, but if he’s throwing 100 (mph) with good shape and a good slider, that’s a pretty big change from what he was last year, when he was like 92-96.”
Sandlin is listed at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds. So, there’s a solid frame to work with as he starts to navigate the upper levels of the minors.
Nicholas Judice, RHP
SoxProspects ranking: No. 59
Another fresh face. Another intriguing arm. Judice joined the Red Sox system in the trade that sent Alex Verdugo to the New York Yankees. He’s a big dude — listed at 6-foot-8, 230 pounds — but he’s very much a wild card, having yet to throw a single professional pitch.
That said, why not?
“No one’s seen him pitch because he hasn’t pitched since college,” Cundall said. “But he’s 6-8 and he throws 100 miles per hour, reportedly. I think there’s more upside than a normal college guy there with him.”
Judice, who turns 23 in April, pitched for four years at Louisiana-Monroe. The Yankees drafted him in the eighth round in 2023, and he could profile as a back-end reliever for Boston down the road.
]]>The New England Patriots officially traded Mac Jones to the Jaguars on Thursday, and by doing so, sent him back to his hometown of Jacksonville.
It’s a move that came with mostly positives.
Jones, for instance, is familiar with the area. He grew up down the road from the Jaguars’ facility, and played his high school ball at The Bolles School, which is about a 20-minute drive from EverBank Stadium. That’s probably why his mom picked him up from his introductory press conference Thursday.
No, we’re not kidding.
“I don’t think I’ll be staying with my parents, but maybe, we’ll see,” Jones cracked, per team-provided video. “My mom is coming to pick me up in about 30 minutes, so it’s kind of nice when your mom can come pick you up from work. It’ll be good.”
It’d be quite the surprise if that becomes a regular occurrence, of course. Jones has what they call “first-round quarterback money,” which means he could take a new car to work each day of the week if he truly wanted to. It’s a nice reminder that if there ways anywhere for Jones to end up, he probably would have picked Duval County.
He better get to house shopping quick, though. You can’t be an NFL QB living in an in-law apartment.
]]>It’s clear where Mac Jones is positioned on the depth chart now that the former New England Patriots quarterback is with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jones, who the Patriots shipped this week to the Jaguars for a 2024 sixth-round pick, will serve as a backup alongside C.J. Beathard to Jaguars star quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
That will be a much different experience for the 2021 first-round pick. He started 42 games over his three seasons with the Patriots, but was a broken version of himself last season, which led to him getting benched for the final six games.
But as Jones gets set to hold a clipboard and enter a new chapter of his career, does he still view himself as starting quarterback material? The 25-year-old sidestepped the question during his introductory press conference with the Jaguars on Thursday, but did seem willing to accept his reserve role.
“It’s about confidence. It’s about putting in the work and doing everything right that you can, and I felt like I did that and I’m going to continue to do that,” Jones told reporters, per team-provided video. “The results may have been there some days and may have not been there the others. But I think the important part for me is sticking to that process like I’ve always done and just trying to get back to that.
“But at the same time, just knowing my role, knowing where I’m at, understanding that this is a great spot for me in my hometown.”
Jones and Lawrence entered the NFL at the same time after sterling collegiate careers. Lawrence was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft class.
Jones said he has a friendly relationship with his fellow quarterback, but he doesn’t sound like someone gunning for Lawrence’s job.
“I’ve known Trevor for a little bit of time here, since high school. We have a few mutual friends and stuff,” Jones said. “I’ve always kept up with him. I have a lot of respect for his game and I’m here to just learn from him, like I said. He’s obviously the captain and he’s a great player and he’s done a lot of good things here. Really, I just want to win.”
The odds of becoming a starter with the Jaguars this season are incredibly slim for Jones — outside of an injury to Lawrence — but it isn’t entirely out of the question for his future.
Jones is entering the final year of his rookie contract and could hit the free-agent market next offseason in hopes of enticing a quarterback-needy team to give him a second chance.
But Jones certainly will have to turn around his career, starting with the Jaguars.
“I always say be where my feet are and this is a great opportunity for me, like I said, to learn from coach (Doug) Peterson and the staff that he assembled here a few years ago and Trevor and C.J. and guys that have played a lot of football and played really well,” Jones said.” I’m going to do everything I can, like I said, to get the train back on the tracks and get it moving in the right direction.”
]]>When it was first rumored that Mac Jones would be traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Patriots fans praised the football gods that he would no longer be in New England.
After the trade was officially completed on Thursday, the Patriots immediately posted a “Thank You” message on the social media platform X. New England fans quickly expressed their thoughts on the matter.
With more than 500 comments under the post, fans had a mixed response to the post as well as Jones himself, while others simply made a joke, much like the Patriots’ 2023 season.
Here are some of the best:
Jones is expected to be Trevor Lawrence’s backup in Jacksonville with the Jaguars’ regular No. 2 C.J. Beathard battling injuries. Jones’ best season in New England was his rookie campaign in 2021when he led the Patriots to a 10-7 record but lost his lone playoff appearance to the Buffalo Bills. His overall record with New England was 18-24 across three seasons.
The Patriots are reportedly reuniting with veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The 31-year-old will most likely serve as New England’s bridge quarterback for at least one season, allowing the Patriots not to rush their next franchise signal-caller. All signs are pointing toward the Patriots selecting a quarterback No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The draft is still more than a month away, beginning on April 25, but in the latest mock draft, the Patriots selected Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the No. 19 pick.
]]>The New England Patriots and quarterback Mac Jones went their separate ways this offseason, which opened the door for the 25-year-old to bring a childhood dream to life.
Jones, who New England picked 15th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, didn’t work out after a promising rookie season with the Patriots. Instability in the team’s coaching staff and roster dragged Jones to rock bottom in 2023. So when the offseason came around, as New England owns the No. 3 overall pick in April’s upcoming draft, it made sense to sever ties.
But to get traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team Jones grew up rooting for as a kid, adds the cherry on top of his clean slate in 2024.
“Love this place, it’s my hometown,” Jones told reporters during Thursday’s introductory press conference with the Jaguars, per team-provided video. “… Obviously coming to the games and growing up as a fan, and seeing all the good times and some of the bad times, obviously it was important for me to fulfill my dream of playing in the NFL and obviously had a great opportunity in New England and can’t thank them enough, but happy to be here. As a kid from Jacksonville, it’s a dream come true.”
The Patriots traded Jones to the Jaguars in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick, which became official Thursday.
Jones played high school football at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida. During his senior season, Jones threw for 1,532 yards with 29 touchdowns, leading the school to a Florida 4A title before heading off to Alabama.
Although Jones is slated to take a back seat and play backup to starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Jones believes the right choice was made — both for him and the Patriots moving forward.
“Obviously, we kind of just decided the mutual parting of ways was the best decision for both of us. For me, it was just about moving on and getting back home, and I can’t be more excited,” Jones added, per the Jaguars. “And for them, it’s about moving forward and turning the page. So really, that’s kind of what we decided, and I think it’s a great decision.”
Jones played 11 games, throwing for 2,120 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions during his final campaign in New England.
]]>The Boston Red Sox have built quite the young core in the minor leagues, mostly comprised of position players who will have an impact on the big-league club in the near future.
With one of the best systems in baseball, the Red Sox could get reinforcements from some of those top prospects as early as this season. While it may take until 2026 for that full core to emerge in Boston, impact players may start making the jump one by one.
So, who could be making their MLB debut with the Red Sox in 2024?
With the season just two weeks away, four candidates seem to be leading that path to Boston.
Kyle Teel
Boston’s 2023 first-round draft pick could pave his way to the show if he can continue his hot introduction to pro ball last year. After being selected No. 14 overall by the Red Sox, Teel hit .363 with a .977 OPS in 26 games in the minor leagues. The catching prospect jumped three levels with the Red Sox aggressively promoting him from rookie ball to Double-A by the end of the year.
Teel will likely start the year in Double-A after ending 2023 with the Portland Sea Dogs. Given how fast Boston has moved him so far, seeing Teel as a call-up down the stretch would not be a total surprise. As a well-rounded player with the bat and behind the plate, Teel could certainly play himself into regular reps alongside Boston’s starting catcher Connor Wong.
Chase Meidroth
Meidroth has shown a solid progression throughout his time in the Red Sox minor league system. Boston’s fourth-round draft pick in the 2022 MLB Draft has built his stock on a great approach at the plate and improving defensive versatility around the infield.
With the ability to hold down second and third base with the glove, Meidroth consistently put together quality at-bats in his career, posting an on-base percentage over .400 in both of his minor league seasons.
Meidroth should make the jump to Triple-A sometime during 2024. If he can do more damage with the bat and maintain his infield versatility, he could offer value off the bench for the Red Sox.
Nick Yorke
Like Meidroth, Yorke could be a depth addition to the big-league club in Boston toward the end of the season if the need arises for another infielder.
Yorke was the start of the farm system turnaround as the Red Sox’s first-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. He was fantastic in 2021, battled through injuries in 2022, and found some middle ground in 2023.
Boston’s starting infield is likely set for 2024. If Yorke can elevate his game this season, it will be up to him to hit his way to the big leagues for the Red Sox.
Bryan Mata
This pick is a total wild card for the Red Sox.
Mata is out of minor league options entering his age-25 season, though he is currently shut down in spring training with the injury. His high-velocity fastball has always created intrigue around the right-hander. That still exists entering the 2024 season where he could find a role in the bullpen if he is healthy.
2024 could finally be the year where Mata shows the Red Sox what he is made of.
]]>The Boston Bruins take the ice against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night in hopes of putting together a bounce-back performance.
The Bruins are coming off an underwhelming 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Monday night. It snapped a streak in which Boston had won three of its previous four games. Montreal is coming off a win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, as the Black and Gold have extra day of rest.
Linus Ullmark is expected to return between the pipes for the Bruins. John Beecher, who was recalled Wednesday, is projected to enter the lineup in place of James van Riemsdyk, who wasn’t present at practice Wednesday. Beecher is set to play on Jesper Boqvist’s left wing with Jakub Lauko on the opposite side. Defenseman Andrew Peeke, who Boston acquired at the deadline, is expected to make his Bruins debut.
Puck drop from Bell Centre is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, and you can watch it live on NESN after an hour of pregame coverage.
Here are the projected lines and defensive pairings for both teams.
BOSTON BRUINS (38-14-15)
Brad Marchand — Charlie Coyle — Jake DeBrusk
Danton Heinen — Pavel Zacha — David Pastrnak
Trent Frederic– Morgan Geekie — Justin Brazeau
John Beecher — Jesper Boqvist — Jakub Lauko
Mason Lohrei — Charlie McAvoy
Hampus Lindholm — Brandon Carlo
Parker Wotherspoon — Andrew Peeke
Linus Ullmark
MONTREAL CANADIENS (25-30-10)
Cole Caufield — Nick Suzuki — Juraj Slafkovsky
Joshua Roy — Alex Newhook — Joel Armia
Josh Anderson — Jake Evans — Brendan Gallagher
Tanner Pearson — Colin White — Rafael Harvey-Pinard
Mike Matheson — Kaiden Guhle
Arber Xhekaj — David Savard
Jordan Harris – Johnathan Kovacevic
Sam Montembeault
Presented by Berkshire Bank, the official bank of NESN’s Boston Bruins coverage.
]]>The Patriots officially parted ways with Mac Jones on Thursday, as New England announced the terms of their trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
It signaled the end of a rough tenure in New England for Jones, where the former first-round pick saw a promising rookie campaign devolve into back-to-back disastrous seasons. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone to argue that moving on wasn’t best for both sides, including Jones himself, who is looking forward to new challenges in Jacksonville.
Jones made sure to show the Patriots some love before discussing his new goals with the Jaguars, however.
“I worked with a great head coach, one of the greatest of all time. I’ve been fortunate to work with some great head coaches and learned a lot,” Jones said at his introductory press conference Wednesday, as shared by the Jaguars. “I’ve played a lot of games. I started a lot of games, and obviously things went the way they did, but my goal is to kind of get the train back on the tracks.
“I think I can do that (in Jacksonville) and the coaches have talked to me about that, about how I can help the room and how I can learn from Trevor (Lawrence) and everybody here.”
Jones likely won’t do that as a starter, of course, but he should have an opportunity to grow as a quarterback and teammate behind Lawrence. It’ll be the first step in his climb back to what he hopes is a long career as a starting quarterback.
]]>Chris Sale won’t be the only member of the 2023 Boston Red Sox playing for the Atlanta Braves this season.
The Braves announced they added outfield depth Thursday by signing Adam Duvall to a one-year contract worth $3 million.
The Red Sox, who traded for outfielder Tyler O’Neill in the offseason, have a surplus of outfielders on their roster, but there were rumors that Boston was interested in bringing back Duvall and his right-handed bat. The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier poured cold water on those rumors Thursday, though, when he reported the Red Sox “didn’t make a push” at re-signing Duvall.
That allowed Duvall to join the Braves, where he spent parts of five seasons from 2018 to 2022. Duvall was with Atlanta when it won the World Series in 2021. That season was a career year for Duvall, who split the campaign between the Miami Marlins and Braves and totaled a .228 batting average with 38 home runs and 113 RBIs in 146 games.
That’s the only time Duvall played over 100 games in the last five seasons as the 35-year-old has dealt with a litany of injures. Duvall came close to hitting the century mark with the Red Sox last season when he suited up in 92 games but a fractured wrist suffered in April caused him to miss two months. He finished the season hitting .247 with 21 home runs and 58 RBIs.
Duvall will now bring his experienced bat to Atlanta but will have to fight for playing time in a loaded Braves lineup. Reigning National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and the talented Michael Harris II already have control over right field and center, respectively, leaving Duvall to battle it out in left with Orlando Arcia and Jarred Kelenic, who the Braves traded for this offseason.
Duval could also serve as a designated hitter option behind Marcell Ozuna.
]]>The Washington Commanders made their stance clear on Thursday: the organization will be using its No. 2 overall selection in April’s NFL draft to select its quarterback of the future.
Washington traded last season’s starting signal-caller Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, plus a 2024 fourth- and sixth-round selection in exchange for a 2024 third- and fifth-round pick.
That’s enough to connect the dots in understanding what the Commanders will do moving forward, now owning six of the top 100 picks in this year’s draft, including the second overall — presumably reserved for a quarterback.
With the Chicago Bears opening up the draft with the No. 1 overall pick, Washington too is in great shape to reload on young talent. The Commanders might miss out on Caleb Williams (USC), but could still sit back and choose from Jayden Daniels (LSU), Drake Maye (UNC) and J.J. McCarthy (Michigan) in search of Howell’s replacement.
The Commanders signed veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota, who will expectedly play backup to whoever the team chooses on draft night. That was the indication that Howell would become Washington’s odd man out after finishing at the bottom of the NFC East last season (4-13).
Meanwhile, the Seahawks still have Geno Smith at quarterback after committing to the 33-year-old for the past two seasons, which could put Howell in a back-seated position. Last season, Howell was entrusted by then-Commanders head coach Ron Rivera as the No. 1, which didn’t pan out. Howell threw 21 touchdowns with 21 interceptions, recording a 63.4 completion percentage, making Thursday’s decision a no-brainer.
]]>Mac Jones’ time with the New England Patriots surely wasn’t as long nor as successful as he might have hoped, but the fourth-year quarterback isn’t looking back with any regret.
The Patriots decided to move on from Jones and traded the 2021 first-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones called it a mutual agreement. The trade became official Thursday, the second day of the league year, after initially being reported Sunday.
While speaking with reporters in Jacksonville on Thursday, Jones struck an optimistic tone regarding his time with the Patriots.
“Every experience is a good experience if you learn from it,” Jones responded when asked if he has any regrets, per the Jaguars. “The games that we lost, the things that happened, obviously you don’t ever want to lose, you want to win every game you play in. But I understand that’s sometimes really hard to do in the NFL.
“I don’t have regrets. I feel like I put everything out there, gave a lot to that organization and they gave a lot to me. So I’m going to do the same thing here, in a good way, and be myself, be Mac. And learn from Trevor (Lawrence) and CJ (Beathard) and the coaches here that have a lot of offensive background. That’ll be important to me and that’s a big reason why I feel like this is a good fit.”
After helping the Patriots to a 10-7 record his rookie season, Jones’ development came to a screeching halt. He worked under former defensive play-caller Matt Patricia and Joe Judge in 2022, though the hiring of offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien didn’t help much in 2023.
Jones went 18-24 as a starter with New England. He was benched multiple times in 2023 before he ultimately lost his job to Bailey Zappe before Week 13. Jones was criticized for his on-field frustrations and poor body language the last two years.
“A lot of the great learning experiences,” Jones said about what he’ll remember most. “Learned from a great head coach, obviously one of the greatest of all-time. Been fortunate to work with some great head coaches and learned a lot. Played a lot of games, started a lot of games.
“Obviously things went the way they did, and my goal is to get the train back on the tracks. I think I can do that here.”
Jones will compete for the backup job behind Trevor Lawrence, who was drafted No. 1 overall in the same 2021 draft. Jones will become a free agent after the 2024 campaign, the final year of his rookie contract.
]]>Mac Jones officially became a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, and he’ll always maintain his respect for the New England Patriots despite how things ended.
New England traded Jones for a 2024 draft pick, which reportedly is a sixth-round choice. The Patriots reportedly hoped to fetch a fifth-round selection out of the reported four teams who also were in the mix.
The Patriots reportedly informed Jones at the NFL Scouting Combine of their intent to trade him, and the 2021 first-round pick is expected to compete for the backup job with C.J. Beathard behind Trevor Lawrence. It was that openness that Jones seemed to take away in his first news conference as a Jaguar on Thursday.
“I have all the respect in the world for those guys up there. They’re my first team,” Jones told reporters, per Jaguars video. “They drafted me in the first round, can’t thank them enough. Obviously, we decided a mutual parting of ways was the best decision for both of us. For me, it was about moving on and getting back home, and I couldn’t be more excited. And for them, it’s about moving forward and turning the page. Really, that’s kind of what we decided, and I think it’s a great decision.”
Jones’ former teammate Bailey Zappe seemed to take a shot at him after the report of the trade was released last Sunday. It caused a stir with Patriots fans who still support the 25-year-old despite how poorly his last two seasons went.
The fourth-year quarterback continued to express praise for New England and was ready to start a new chapter with his hometown team.
]]>It didn’t end up being the worst-case scenario, but Lucas Giolito’s spring training elbow injury was quite a morale hit for the Red Sox.
Boston expected their newest signing to be an innings eater, but will instead wait a calendar year before seeing Giolito take the mound in a Red Sox uniform. That’s a bummer, not only for the team, but the player.
Giolito was looking forward to being counted on.
“I’d say the biggest mental hurdle is that feeling of letting people down,” Giolito said Thursday, per Sean McAdam of MassLive. “I signed here to throw a lot of innings for this club and it’s very unfortunate that I experienced this injury. I came into camp and everything was really clean. I felt really good, everything looked really good. It was just one of those things. I guess the (Tommy John) only lasted for so long.”
If there’s a silver lining to this season-ending injury, it’s that it isn’t expected to bleed into 2025. Giolito had an internal bracing procedure, which doesn’t involve drilling into bone or extracting torn ligaments and comes with a much shorter recovery time.
The 29-year-old feels he’s got what it takes to be ready to go next season.
“I’ve spoken to a number of guys in the clubhouse who’ve gone through Tommy John, internal brace… all those different type of procedures,” Giolito said. “But everyone’s case is a little individualized, right? Knowing myself, I’ve always been able to heal well, (including some) little things that I’ve had the last two years.
“Obviously, this is recovering from a surgery, but I’m very confident that if I stick with the protocol, the training and medical staff here is excellent. They’re going to do everything in their power to get me back strong. So, yeah, just stay on that track.”
The Red Sox will look toward returning pitchers to help make up for Giolito’s injury, with a freshly extended Brayan Bello and Nick Pivetta competing to start on Opening Day.
]]>Eliot Wolf attracted the attention of Patriots fans in his first press conference after becoming New England’s decision-maker in the personnel department. Wolf did so with one simple, yet eyebrow-raising, remark.
“We need to weaponize the offense,” Wolf told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine.
It lured Patriots fans in, many of those fans having spent years blaming Bill Belichick for New England not having exciting playmakers on offense. It’s been a difficult product to watch the last few seasons.
But the reality is Wolf and the Patriots’ new regime is dangerously close to failing the goal they set for themselves. Because while there remain options in free agency and in the draft, they don’t qualify under the “weapon” criteria first-year head coach Jerod Mayo established himself.
“It just looks like putting people on the offensive side of the ball that the defensive side has to prepare for,” Mayo told reporters during the NFL Scouting Combine. “Whether that’s double teaming or anything like that. That’s what he means by that.”
Free-agent wideouts like Mike Williams, Hunter Renfrow, Tyler Boyd and others don’t stand out as players who keep defensive coordinators up at night. And given the Patriots likely will be targeting a quarterback with their top draft pick and a receiver in the second or third round, it wouldn’t be fair to put that level of pressure on a rookie.
Instead, it feels like the Patriots will have to settle for more depth pieces. Maybe they sign a player who falls into the WR2 or WR3 bucket. With Kendrick Bourne and Demario Douglas already headlining the depth chart, New England has those sorts of players. They don’t have a WR1. They don’t have a game-changer who dictates how defenses defend.
Calvin Ridley would have fit Mayo’s definition. He at least could have served as a low-end WR1. But after reportedly offering $22 million per year, the Patriots lost Ridley to the Tennessee Titans.
The Patriots could get creative to address the void. Tee Higgins, who reportedly has requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, surely would fit the billing. As would a receiver like Brandon Aiyuk, who remains in trade speculation despite the San Francisco 49ers wanting to keep him in the Bay Area. Perhaps the Patriots make an offer too good to pass up?
That would accomplish Wolf’s goal, no doubt.
Or perhaps the Patriots pull off a stunner and land one of the top wideouts in the draft class. That surely would come at a steep cost, too. But it’s possible.
The more likely outcome, though, is a veteran still available in a bad free-agent class and a Day 2 selection that could take a season or two to develop.
Chances are that’s not exactly what Wolf had in mind when he made the weapon comment. It’s surely not what excited Patriots fans.
]]>The New England Patriots need to upgrade their wide receiver room, and they could be competing with an AFC rival in the free agent market.
Jets insider Connor Hughes revealed on SNY on Wednesday night New York’s plans after Calvin Ridley signed with the Tennessee Titans. Hughes said co-owner Woody Johnson was not willing to spend big on a player like Ridley, so they were never going to be in the running for the 29-year-old, unlike the Patriots.
Hughes added the Jets are “monitoring” the wide receiver market. He floated names like Mike Williams, Odell Beckham Jr. and Tyler Boyd as possible options. New York was high on Williams two seasons ago, according to Hughes. Aaron Rodgers and Beckham are close friends, and Boyd has a close relationship with Garrett Wilson. So there are reasons why the Jets could have an advantage to sign those players.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers also are interested in Boyd, along with the Patriots. And Williams arguably is the top receiver on the market after Ridley inked his deal.
New England has other options to upgrade at wide receiver, and it appears it might need to act quickly if it wants to secure the remaining top players on the market.
]]>The Boston Celtics have been so dominant throughout the regular season, they’ve got dudes writing books.
It’s a children’s book, but nevertheless.
Jayson Tatum announced the publication of his new book “Baby Dunks-a-Lot” on Wednesday, a children’s book that was co-written by author Sam Apple and illustrated by Parker-Nia Gordon.
If you’re wondering what the book is about, take a look at the description on its Amazon listing.
When a big kid teaches his little brother how to play basketball for the first time, something unusual happens . . . baby bro flies through the air for a monster dunk! Before long, every professional team wants the incredible dunking baby on their roster. Baby Dunks-A-Lot is poised to become a basketball legend—that is, until he misses his bedtime.
Inspired by Jayson Tatum’s life as both an NBA superstar and a loving dad, this laugh-out-loud picture book is the story of what happens when a tot becomes an NBA teammate.
How many times do we think Deuce Tatum reads this? It’s either two, or 200, right?
The Celtics will soon turn their attention to the postseason, but likely not before Tatum receives his share of flak for authoring a Boss Baby/Like Mike spinoff. You can pre-order the book now on Amazon, with the official release scheduled for Aug. 27.
]]>It would have been nice if the Patriots signed tackle Jonah Williams on Wednesday, as it would have addressed a significant need and allowed New England to shift its focus toward other positions ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
That didn’t happen, though.
Williams is headed for Arizona, and while we’ve already complained about how that sets New England up for a more challenging rebuild, it isn’t the end of the world. It’s similar to the Calvin Ridley situation, where the Patriots missed out on the top-flight option, but still have plenty of opportunities to upgrade their roster.
It’s important to remember, the likelihood of this rebuild being any shorter than two seasons was extremely low in the first place. It’s just about taking the first step forward.
How can the Patriots do that? Why not start by building up some depth at tackle?
New England reportedly already retained Michael Onwenu, giving itself an undoubted starter at right tackle. Trent Brown has had one foot out the door since December, however, which means the Patriots still need an option on the left side. Chukwuma Okorafor was signed prior to the start of free agency, but he’s not exactly that guy.
The Patriots need bodies to compete for a spot, and these three names could not only do that but possibly win it.
Yosh Nijman is the first one we’ll start with, as he comes from a Green Bay Packers organization that Patriots director of scouting Eliot Wolf has tons of familiarity with. Nijman was always good when given the chance in Green Bay, but never took hold of a starting spot. He’s a swing tackle who made 13 starts in 2022 and could be looking to compete for an opportunity at being a starter.
Josh Jones was stuck behind Houston Texans star Laremy Tunsil last season, but is an undoubted starting option at left tackle. He’s a former third-round pick who has versatility to move inside but is at his best protecting the blindside.
Andrus Peat, on the other hand, has always been a guard but thrived when moving outside last season. He’s on the wrong side of 30 but might be looking for an opportunity to stick on the outside. New England could give that to him while developing a future starter behind him.
Who do you think should be the Patriots’ left tackle next season? Let us know in the comments.
]]>The Titans going all out to land Calvin Ridley was a bit of a head-scratcher.
That’s not a knock on Ridley, who was the best receiver available on the NFL open market and masterfully handled his free agency to earn a monster payday. It was just a somewhat surprising move by the Titans, who found themselves at a similar juncture only a few years ago.
Tennessee didn’t want to pay up for A.J. Brown, who received the four-year, $100 million ($57 million guaranteed) deal he wanted from Philadelphia after he was traded to the Eagles during the 2022 draft. Ridley, who’s not as productive as Brown, ended up fetching a similar agreement: four years, $92 million and reportedly only $7 million less in guaranteed cash.
So after Ridley broke the bank, countless NFL fans couldn’t help but make note of the Titans’ confusing decision-making.
The Titans do deserve some credit. Tennessee clearly made a mistake by not locking up Brown when it had the chance, and it did what it had to do in an attempt to amend that lapse in judgment. Brian Callahan’s side is in a better spot than the New England Patriots, who entered the offseason flush with cap space but haven’t brought in any offensive game-changers.
You have to pay a lot to land the best players — that’s just how it works. And the Titans made sure they didn’t make the same error twice.
]]>Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery remain free agents two weeks ahead of Opening Day, but a longtime MLB writer speculated they are “extremely unlikely” to find a home with a Boston Red Sox rival.
The New York Yankees suffered a blow this week when Gerrit Cole went down with a right elbow injury. The 2023 American League Cy Young winner reportedly will miss multiple months, which means the Bronx Bombers could try to sign someone to fill his role in the rotation.
However, ESPN’s Buster Olney on Thursday examined the options the Yankees have on the table and believed that due to the price of Snell or Montgomery, a deal would be “extremely unlikely.”
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow did not shut the door on signing either of the top free-agent pitchers on the market. The Scott Boras clients waited out the initial free agent frenzy, and it’s unknown how long they’re willing to wait to be locked up with a club.
Boston fans can be reassured at least with the prospect of facing neither Snell nor Montgomery in a Yankees uniform this season. The Red Sox suffered a blow in their rotation when Lucas Giolito was forced to have elbow surgery.
]]>Those outside the Titans organization might have been shocked by the reported signing of Calvin Ridley on Wednesday evening. But details that have surfaced since the two agreed to terms indicate Tennessee’s interest did not come out of nowhere.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Wednesday night the Titans had been working behind the scenes to put themselves in position to land Ridley. Tennessee was in contact with the 29-year-old wideout Tuesday night, the second day of the legal tampering period.
Russini reported general manager Ran Carthon, president of football operations Chad Brinker and first-year head coach Brian Callahan all were focused on landing the best receiver available ahead of free agency.
Ridley agreeing to sign with the Titans still caught many off guard. The New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars were reported to be the two contenders for Ridley throughout the legal tampering period, and Jacksonville was said to be Ridley’s preference. Tennessee’s interest was not reported.
Ridley reportedly landed $92 million over the four years, an average annual value of $23 million per season. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported the Patriots offered $22 million AAV while Jacksonville presented $20 million AAV. The guaranteed money the Patriots offered, however, might have been a sticking point in negotiations.
]]>The Patriots had a solid first few days of free agency, locking up a number of important internal free agents and external depth options.
What’s with the lack of splash moves, though?
No, this isn’t us using this platform to complain about the lack of big moves made by New England. It’s more of an acknowledgment that the Patriots might have painted themselves into a corner. If they want to make noticeable improvements to the roster, they’re going to have to be perfect the rest of the way.
New England did a tremendous job of retaining internal free agents and did it while keeping the cost relatively low. Mike Onwenu, Kendrick Bourne, Hunter Henry, Anfernee Jennings and Josh Uche are all back, and seemingly at a discount. Kyle Dugger is likely to return after receiving the transition tag, as well, which means the Patriots keep the majority of their stout defense from last season intact.
That’s great and all, but what about those gigantic holes on the offense?
The Patriots have failed to fully address any of them. They essentially swapped Mac Jones for Jacoby Brissett as they wait to find their quarterback of the future. Onwenu was retained, and a depth signing was made at tackle, but the Patriots still don’t have a reliable option to protect the blindside. Kendrick Bourne is back, but the wide receiver room literally has less now than it did before.
It appeared as though the Patriots’ best option entering the offseason was to sign a legit starting left tackle or top-flight wide receiver in free agency while addressing the remaining hole along with quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. New England likely now will be forced to fill all three spots in April, as anyone who could have made a major difference is off the market.
Calvin Ridley? He spurned the Patriots in a familiar way. Jonah Williams? He seemed like an option at tackle but will be playing on the opposite side of the country. This isn’t MLB. New England’s options are dwindling, though moves can still be made.
Is it impossible for the Patriots to fill out the rest of their roster with high-impact rookies? No, in fact, they could go and draft three studs that completely revamp the offense.
It’s foolish to expect that, though.
]]>If the New England Patriots are indeed interested in free-agent receiver Tyler Boyd, they’re not alone.
The Athletic’s Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly reported Wednesday that Boyd and Pittsburgh had shown mutual interest. Kaboly doubled down on his report Thursday morning and said the “biggest hurdle” to Boyd landing in Pittsburgh is the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets.
The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt reported the Jets have been trying to recruit Boyd, as well. Kaboly referred to Gang Green as a “dark horse.”
Where do the Patriots land in all this?
MassLive’s Mark Daniels on Wednesday referred to Boyd as a player to watch for the Patriots. Daniels reported New England is expected to continue to explore the veteran receiver market. That report differed from CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, who reported the Patriots will transition to the draft.
The two developments came after the Patriots lost out on Calvin Ridley, who reportedly agreed to sign a four-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. New England badly needs to improve its weaponry, despite re-signing receiver Kendrick Bourne and tight end Hunter Henry.
There are a handful of players the Patriots could turn to via the trade market or free agency, especially after a pair of cap casualties were released Wednesday.
Boyd’s longtime teammate in Cincinnati, Tee Higgins, also is viewed as a potential option. Higgins reportedly requested to be traded by the Bengals after the franchise used its franchise tag on the 25-year-old last month.
The 29-year-old Boyd spent the last eight years with the Bengals. He’s totaled 5,172 receiving yards on 437 catches and 28 touchdowns over the last six years, carving out a role despite Cincinnati’s receiver group being led by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins the last few seasons.
]]>A pair of moves the Patriots made — and a few they didn’t — at the turn of the new NFL year offered a pretty good idea of what New England plans to do with its highest draft pick in decades.
The Patriots officially ended the Mac Jones experiment when they traded the 2021 first-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Instead of making a strong push for a legitimate starting signal-caller in free agency, New England decided to reunite with Jacoby Brissett, a journeyman who’s in line to be a bridge starter with the team at best.
So, all signs point to the Patriots going quarterback at No. 3 next month. But Field Yates believes the same goes for the Chicago Bears and the Washington Commanders, and the ESPN insider thinks they will roll with Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Thus, Yates sees New England taking the presumed best signal-caller available: Drake Maye.
“There is no consolation prize among the three top quarterbacks in this class. They are all really good,” Yates wrote in a column published Thursday morning. “And if I were in the Patriots’ draft room, I’d be banging the table to just take whomever — Williams, Daniels or Maye — is available at No. 3. But Maye has immense upside with his terrific arm, idyllic 6-foot-4 stature and dual-threat ability. He has 62 passing TDs and 16 rushing TDs over the past two seasons.”
Patriots fans might not be thrilled with that projection. Chris Simms believes Maye is more of a “talented project” than a franchise starter, while Dan Orlovsky thinks the North Carolina product needs to sit for a while before he tops a depth chart.
How Maye actually fares in the NFL is anyone’s guess. But Yates’ projection — and the developments that inspired it — should encourage Patriots fans, as it doesn’t sound like New England will overcomplicate things when it goes on the clock in Detroit.
]]>The Patriots’ pursuit of a game-changing wide receiver hit a snag Wednesday, and it appears that might be enough to deter New England from continuing its search.
Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo need to get back on the horse, though.
Calvin Ridley rejected the Patriots’ advances on the first day of free agency, reportedly opting to join the Tennessee Titans on a four-year, $92 million deal, with $50 million guaranteed. New England reportedly had a strong offer on the table, but guaranteed money seemed to be the primary breakdown.
No big deal, the Patriots have been in this (almost exact) spot before. They’ll just shift their attention to another proven wide receiver available on the free agent or trade market, right?
It doesn’t look that way.
The Patriots have “moved on” after Ridley’s denial and reportedly will turn their attention toward the 2024 NFL Draft in hopes to find a No. 1 wideout, according to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson. It’s an extremely deep class at wide receiver and all, but is that really the best course of action for New England? We certainly don’t think so.
New England did a tremendous job at locking up internal free agents and doing so on relatively advantageous contracts. It entered the offseason with three major needs, however, and has failed to fully address any of them. The Patriots essentially swapped Mac Jones for Jacoby Brissett, but still haven’t found their quarterback of the future. They also retained Mike Onwenu and made a depth signing at tackle, but don’t have a reliable option to protect the blindside. Kendrick Bourne is back, but the wide receiver room literally has less now than it did before, and that’s saying something.
How does New England expect to fill all three holes in the draft? Is Wolf some kind of miracle worker?
It would be absolutely irresponsible for the Patriots to try and address their biggest needs through the draft alone, especially when there still are options on the open market.
Mike Williams and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown are free agents, and while they might not necessarily be top-flight options, they’re still upgrades when healthy. Tee Higgins could be available through trade and, given his talent and youth, is worth the expected asking price of a second-round pick. Brandon Aiyuk might just find himself on the trading block, as well, and the same that we said about Higgins applies to him.
Tyler Boyd, Hunter Renfrow, Curtis Samuel, D.J. Chark, KJ Osborn and Josh Reynolds are also available wideouts who could serve to help upgrade the position while allowing the Patriots to wait and still select a quality wideout in the draft.
It’s going to cost more than just straight cash, which is what made Ridley so enticing. But the Patriots still have an opportunity to go find a No. 1 wideout. That, or they can find smaller upgrades by spending.
They just can’t sit and wait any longer.
]]>Matthew Judon took it upon himself to try to help recruit top players for the Patriots, but he’s had a very low success rate.
His pitches to Josh Jacobs and Calvin Ridley seemingly went unheard as the running back signed with the Green Bay Packers and the wide receiver rejected New England to sign a lucrative deal with the Tennessee Titans.
A Patriots fan on social media admitted they loved the star pass rusher but called him the “worst GM in the league.” The post caught the attention of one of Judon’s teammates.
“No Lies Told,” Ja’Whaun Bentley posted on X on Wednesday.
It’s very possible Bentley was throwing shots at Judon just as a lighthearted joke. But the sentiment also might be why Patriots fans took Judon’s alleged call with Tee Higgins, who reportedly requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, with a grain of salt.
The Patriots still have options on the table even after whiffing on their pursuit of Ridley, and, likely, Judon won’t let his misses deter him from shooting his shot toward other star players.
]]>Calvin Ridley was not the only speculated target the New England Patriots missed out on during the first day of NFL free agency.
Offensive tackle Jonah Williams is expected to sign with the Arizona Cardinals, as first reported by NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport on Wednesday. The 26-year-old Williams received a two-year deal worth $30 million with $19 million guaranteed, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
An average annual value of $15 million per season, if it indeed is structured that way, would mean Williams ranks tied for 11th among left tackles. It feels like a reasonable deal for a 2019 first-round pick who started all 64 games he played with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Given New England’s glaring need at offensive tackle, Williams was speculated to be a potential target and good fit for de facto general manager Eliot Wolf and company.
The Patriots retained Mike Onwenu on what’s reported to be a three-year, $57 million contract with $38 million guaranteed. It was a smart decision by the Patriots to make sure the versatile Onwenu, who’s expected to play right tackle, didn’t reach the open market.
New England, however, still has a hole on the opposite side of the line. And one of the top players at the position — ESPN ranked Williams 30th on its top 50 free-agent list — reportedly is headed to the desert.
]]>In celebration of the Boston Bruins’ 100th season, NESN is dedicating an episode of the “Ultimate Bruins Show” to each member of the Bruins All-Centennial team. Tune in Thursday at 6 p.m. ET as we honor Bobby Orr.
The Boston Bruins have had an impressive group of elite defensemen don the Spoked-B in their 100 years in the NHL.
There’s elite, and then there’s Bobby Orr, the greatest ever to play the position. Given how he changed the way defensemen play the game, you can even argue that Orr is the greatest player in league history.
Known for his two-way play, Orr could beat you to a loose puck with his speed and then turn up the ice and score at the other end. His offensive skills influenced more defensemen in their style of play during his years of playing in the league through today’s NHL blueliners.
He remains the only defenseman to have won the Art Ross trophy twice for leading the league in scoring. He first did it in the 1969-70 season when he tallied 33 goals and 87 assists for 120 points. He would become the top scorer in the league again five seasons later when he amassed 45 goals and 89 assists for 135 points.
Orr won a record eight straight Norris Trophies as the NHL’s best defenseman from 1967-68 to 1974-75. he holds the record for the most points, 139 in 1970-71, and assists, 87 in 1969-70, in a single season by a defenseman.
Orr skated in 631 games for the Bruins lighting the lamp 264 times and adding 624 assists for 888 points over 10 seasons. He won two Stanley Cups (1970 and 1972) with Boston and recorded the series-clinching goals in both. None more famous than the iconic “flying goal” on the feed from Derek Sanderson against the St. Louis Blues in 1970.
Hampered by knee injuries, Orr hung up his skates in 1979 after an illustrious 12-year NHL career, 10 with the Bruins.
“I was one of the lucky ones to get a chance to play in the NHL and play for the Bruins, and I wouldn’t trade one thing. I wouldn’t trade anything,” Orr told NESN. “And the question that I’ve often been asked, with my leg problems, ‘Do you wish you had changed your style?’ No. I don’t think I could have played any other way.
“When you play a contact sport like hockey and you handle the puck a lot, you’re gonna be hit a lot, and I handled the puck a lot. Hockey’s a contact game and it certainly didn’t help my problem, my leg problems. But I wouldn’t trade anything.”
Orr was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979, and his No. 4 was raised to the rafters in Boston that same year.
Orr joins Brad Park, Ray Bourque, Aubrey “Dit” Clapper, Eddie Shore and Zdeno Chara to complete the six defensemen named to the Bruins All-Centennial Team.
]]>Calvin Ridley no longer is an option for the Patriots, but there still are ways New England can dramatically improve its receiving corps this offseason.
Jerod Mayo and company could take a wide receiver with one of their top picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, which features a very deep pool of talent at the position. But if the Patriots are looking for more of a sure thing at wideout, they might survey the trade market.
Tee Higgins would be an obvious target if New England chooses that path. The 2020 second-round pick reportedly asked out of Cincinnati after receiving the Bengals’ franchise tag, and the Patriots have the salary cap space to give Higgins a new long-term deal if they acquire him. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer believes the Bengals “really do intend” to hang onto the 25-year-old, but he sees a blockbuster on the horizon.
“It’s not hard to see how this could turn into an A.J. Brown situation, where the team gets an offer close to the draft that it can’t refuse,” Breer wrote in a column published Wednesday. “So my guess would be eventually Higgins gets dealt.”
To add more smoke to this situation, New England reportedly has already been in contact with Cincinnati about potential trades, though it’s unclear if Higgins was the point of emphasis in those conversations.
The Patriots should make a strong effort to acquire Higgins or another top-level receiver. New England currently features one of the weakest wideout groups in the league, and that would be troublesome if the franchise plans to start a rookie quarterback from Day 1 this fall.
]]>The Patriots came into this offseason as one of the teams with the most cap space to utilize, but New England started free agency flat.
New England accomplished its goal of retaining key internal free agents and “core” players like Mike Onwenu. However, potential targets like Michael Pittman Jr. and Baker Mayfield were franchise-tagged or chose to re-sign, respectively.
The way the franchise tag market played out left Calvin Ridley as the top wide receiver on the market. It meant he had plenty of leverage to get the best deal possible. New England reportedly presented a competitive offer, but the Tennessee Titans reportedly had a better framework that enticed the 29-year-old.
On one hand, the Titans overpaid for a wide receiver who projects to be a low-end No. 1 or a quality No. 2 option. But on the other hand, the Patriots whiffed on not adding high-end talent to the roster. It’s a tricky situation the team finds themselves in. There’s a lack of quality on the market, but they also have a lot of money to spend. New England must avoid the errors of the 2021 offseason where money was spent on mediocre free agents. But if the team doesn’t spend money on marquee names, the offseason will be seen as a failure.
The Patriots’ moves do hint that their plans hinge on the 2024 NFL Draft. Jacoby Brissett’s signing likely means a quarterback will be selected at third overall, and the hope is that more talent can be acquired. It’s a risky gamble, but New England still has moves it can make before next month’s draft.
Losing out on Jonah Williams is tough, but Tyron Smith still is available. His injury history isn’t ideal, but the former Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle still is among the best in the league when healthy. Justin Simmons is a high-end defensive player the Patriots can target. And as for free-agent wide receivers, New England reportedly is eyeing Tyler Boyd, and Mike Williams has the skillset to be a No. 1 option if he’s fully recovered from his ACL injury from last season. D.J. Chark and Hunter Renfrow also are solid options to round out the receiver corps.
The trade market also is an option for the Patriots. Brandon Aiyuk’s name has been floated given his uncertain future with the San Francisco 49ers, and Tee Higgins reportedly requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals. New England could have two lockdown corners if it acquired L’Jarius Sneed from the Kansas City Chiefs. Justin Fields’ stock seems to be low based on the lack of interest in him, but he’s still an option the Patriots should consider. Remember how multiple teams, including New England, last offseason decided Lamar Jackson wasn’t worth the price and then he had an MVP season?
Christian Barmore is set to be a free agent next season, so the Patriots could be proactive and re-sign him after he finally showed his potential to be a disruptive force in the interior. Players like David Andrews, Matthew Judon, Jahlani Tavai, Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger, who was given the transition tag, also are candidates for a contract extension. Trent Brown could decide to come back if the offer is right, too.
But Jerod Mayo and de facto general manager Eliot Wolf could decide it’s better to fight the good fight next season. Teams can roll over their cap space, and the Patriots could decide it’s not worth spending money just to spend it.
Mayo walked back his bold declaration of stating New England could “burn some cash,” and we’re starting to see why after Ridley rejected the Patriots’ deal. The best names often re-sign with their respective team and mediocre players get overpaid due to scarcity in the market. It should not be an excuse after the disaster of a season the Patriots are coming off, which is why they should try to exhaust all options before going all in on the 2024 NFL Draft.
]]>The initial framing of the Calvin Ridley sweepstakes was a bit complicated, as there seemingly was a scenario where the wide receiver was going to leave money on the table to stay in Jacksonville.
Not only did the star wide receiver not take any sort of discount, but he ended up raking in more dough than anyone expected.
Ridley reportedly is set to join the Titans on a four-year, $92 million deal with $50 million guaranteed. According to Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard, the locked-in cash was what separated Tennessee from the New England Patriots, who reportedly made a competitive offer of their own.
“My sense is the breakdown came on the guaranteed money,” Bedard wrote in a column published Wednesday night. “I don’t think the Patriots would ever go to $50 million for a 30-year-old receiver who sidelined himself with mental health issues in 2021 and was suspended for the 2022 season for gambling. The belief is the Patriots were around $40 million in guaranteed money, but we’ll have to see if that holds up.”
So, where does New England go from here? Jerod Mayo reportedly quickly “moved on” from the Ridley situation and shifted its focus to the upcoming draft. The Patriots reportedly have also been in contact with at least two teams about potential trades, though the specifics of those calls are unclear.
One thing is certain, however. New England needs to exhaust all options to improve this offseason, as the roster it featured on the first day of the NFL’s new league year wasn’t very competitive.
]]>The Patriots entered the NFL offseason with enough salary cap space to be a major player in free agency, but they apparently aren’t ignoring the trade market.
New England might have to focus on swaps given how things shook out leading up to the start of the new league year. Yes, the Patriots can and likely will address a variety of needs in next month’s draft, but they absolutely should look into possibilities of bringing in proven commodities.
Where could Eliot Wolf and company find trades? The Athletic’s Chad Graff provided some insight in a column published Wednesday.
“In the last two weeks, the Patriots made preliminary calls to check in on trades with at least the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Chargers, according to a team source,” Graff wrote. “That doesn’t mean a deal is imminent, but it signals the Pats are willing to go down that road.”
New England’s talks with Los Angeles were previously reported, and they make plenty of sense. The Bolts are in salary cap hell and might need to part ways with some great, high-priced players in order to create space. LA got the ball rolling Wednesday when it released wide receiver Mike Williams, the seventh overall pick in the 2017 draft.
One has to imagine Tee Higgins was mentioned in the Patriots’ reported conversations with the Bengals. The talented wideout, according to multiple reports, requested a trade after receiving the franchise tag. Higgins, if acquired, would immediately become New England’s No. 1 wideout, a distinction he will never have in Cincinnati as long as Ja’Marr Chase is around.
The Patriots shouldn’t shell out assets left and right, as draft capital is of the essence to a rebuilding team. But the free agent market isn’t robust, and pressure is on for New England to improve.
]]>The Calvin Ridley sweepstakes appeared to be down to two teams: the Jaguars and the Patriots.
But when the star wide receiver made the decision for his next contract, he opted to take his talents somewhere other than Jacksonville or New England.
Ridley reportedly is set to join the Titans on a four-year, $92 million deal with $50 million guaranteed. The 2018 first-round pick entered free agency as the best wideout on the open market, and he cashed in with a team that was hell-bent on improving after an ugly 6-11 season in 2023.
The 29-year-old kept his plans under wraps across the NFL’s two-day legal tampering period, but he broke his silence once the decision was released to the masses.
“Chess not checkers love all Ridley,” he posted to X shortly after 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
Ridley also responded to NFL writer Marcus Mosher, who argued Tennessee paid “way too much” to land the Alabama product.
“Naw the right amount,” Ridley replied.
The Patriots apparently thought Ridley was worth a hefty contract, too. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer claimed New England made an offer that had “right around $22 million” in annual value.
But now, the Patriots will have to change course and find ways to bolster an offense that is in dire need of improvement.
]]>Jayson Tatum’s progressively grown each season spent with the Boston Celtics, both in skills and maturity while having been in the NBA for only seven seasons.
Tatum has undergone a multitude of experiences from setting an NBA record by scoring 55 points in the All-Star Game to losing in the NBA Finals despite holding a 2-1 series lead. And while watching the former Duke prospect who was passed on twice before Boston drafted him third overall in the 2018 draft, Kevin Durant has formed his verdict: Tatum is the future of the NBA.
“Man, I’ve been in this league a long time now and I know when it’s a passing of the guard,” Durant told reporters at Wednesday’s practice, per Duane Rankin of AZCentral. “I know when the young dudes are going to come in and do the same thing the older guys are doing. So he’s one of those guys I feel like he’s gonna control the league for the next 10, 12 years and be a staple in our game and history of our game. It’s just about competing and trying to go out there and be the best individual you can be because you can see the game pushing forward when you’re on the court with somebody like that.”
Durant’s gone head-to-head on multiple occasions since Tatum first stepped on an NBA floor.
In 2021, Durant, then a member of the Brooklyn Nets, defeated Tatum and the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. Then the very next season, Tatum took revenge and swept the Nets en route to Boston’s first Finals appearance in 14 years.
In the summer of 2016, the Celtics were hopefuls to sign Durant as the ex-Oklahoma City Thunder star tested the free agency market and considered Boston after a meeting. Fast forward eight years later and the Celtics have that franchise star they spent years hunting in Tatum. At just 26 years of age, Tatum’s established himself as a legitimate MVP candidate and now leads an NBA-best 51-14 Celtics team on the cusp of another run at Banner 18.
Most recently, Tatum and Durant squared off in Phoenix last Saturday night where the Celtics and Suns met for the first time this season. Tatum entered the night fresh off back-to-back subpar performances in losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets. But amid yet another tight contest that nearly came down to the wire, Tatum asked Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla to play in the entire second half, finishing with 29 points to Durant’s 45 while — more importantly — preventing Boston from suffering a third straight loss for the first time all season long.
“The game was starting to get competitive and things like that. I just wanted to stay in,” Tatum told reporters after Boston’s 117-107 win over Phoenix, per CLNS Media video. “I don’t really say that many times but I just told Joe I wanted to stay in the rest of the game. It’s not like I do it all the time — this might’ve been, like, the second time I’ve done it all season. So it’s a feel thing. We trust each other, things like that.”
Tatum will be put to the ultimate test of applying everything that’s made the Celtics a significantly better team compared to last season’s once the playoffs commence. With 17 games left and Boston holding a convincing 9.5-game lead over the Cavaliers atop the Eastern Conference, the soon-to-be battled-tested Celtics will need to lean on Tatum to avoid another playoff collapse.
]]>The youth softball program in Cambridge, Mass., used to play some of its games at Glacken Field.
That isn’t the case anymore, but Cambridge Girls Softball League treasurer and coach Steve McAuliffe, who has been with the organization since its inception in 1995, wished that opportunity was available now.
Glacken Field got a multi-million dollar renovation a few years back. It was transformed not for softball, though, but for a Little League complex featuring plenty of pristine amenities. For the girls ranging in age from seven to 13 who are a part of the Cambridge Girls Softball League, their home location is a secluded and rundown field on top of a hill in Danehy Park.
It’s not hard for McAuliffe to see the inequity in it all.
“It’s disheartening,” McAuliffe said. “It sends such a message to the girls that the boys are more valued. That’s the thing that bothers me. We don’t want more than them. … I just want the girls to feel that they’re treated equal. That’s all I ask for.”
McAuliffe’s advocated for improvements in the the girls’ facilities for years now, but seeing the overhaul made for boys at Glacken Field threw him into overdrive in his fight.
It hasn’t been easy to enact change, but McAuliffe said some enhancements finally came recently to the Danehy Park softball fields, with new benches and better dugouts. McAuliffe added that the infield was dug up, which he hopes will help with a drainage problem.
But those improvements still put McAuliffe’s youth softball diamond well behind Glacken Field. McAuliffe recalled a brother of one of his softball players remarking how his field got a new scoreboard. The fields at Danehy Park don’t even have one to marvel at.
“Here’s this little boy who’s seven, knows he’s treated better than his sister, who’s 10,” McAuliffe said. “It’s that privilege that a boy gets and a girl doesn’t get, and it starts at such a young age. You talk about all these issues of women not being equal and here it is, right here.”
Chris Minton, who is in his second year as the president of Melrose Youth Softball, faced similar issues and became an advocate for better girls’ facilities.
The league’s home field on Lebanon Street needed a facelift a few years ago and Minton said the town made “marked improvement” compared to what the field used to look like. Minton said new bleachers were put in at the field and some structural changes were made to help with drainage, but fortified dugouts that Minton hoped would be there never came.
“What I certainly want our girls to know is we’re doing everything we can to give them a great, positive experience in softball,” Minton said. “… We have to keep advocating for better funding and more resources.”
Pressing for improvements is a personal endeavor for Minton, who has a daughter who plays softball at the youth level and another daughter who plays the sport in high school.
Minton understands that broad changes to improve girls’ facilities aren’t going to happen with a snap of a finger. But it’s a cause still worth undertaking.
“We want girls to have pride in the league No. 1 and their facilities,” Minton said. “We don’t want them to think that they’re getting any less of an experience than their brothers, friends, or whoever else plays.”
The disparity between the facilities for boys and girls can also be found in high school athletics. Henry Ching watched one of his daughters, who is currently a senior captain of the Needham High softball team, play for the Rockets at a less-than-stellar Claxton Field.
Claxton Field, which had no covered dugouts, a worn-down batting cage and no pitching lanes, according to Ching, was scheduled to receive an upgrade prior to the COVID-19 pandemic but the project met several hurdles and never reached completion.
The Rockets will move away from Claxton Field for the upcoming spring season and find a new home at DeFazio Park’s McLeod Field. The field, once utilized for baseball, received substantial funding from the town to be converted into a softball diamond.
Ching, who is the vice president of softball operations for Needham Baseball and Softball, said the field will offer new perks, like a fully fenced-in field, that the high school team didn’t have before.
Ching called it the “only premier softball field that the high school girls can play at” in town.
“It’s going to be a great experience, a showcase for the girls, their senior season to be able to have that field,” Ching said.
Ching knows his daughter will get the chance to play only on this new and improved diamond for one season. He has a younger daughter at the high school level who will get more use out of the field.
But for Ching, advocating for better facilities is an initiative that will benefit not only his daughters, but all the girls in Needham who will put on cleats and continue playing after them.
“We’ve always thought of this as long term, we’re bettering it for all the girls in the future,” Ching said.
]]>Before the start of the 2024 season, NESN.com is evaluating several noteworthy prospects in the Boston Red Sox organization, using insight and analysis from industry experts to gauge each player’s outlook for the upcoming campaign. Next up: Nazzan Zanetello.
The Red Sox drew strong reviews for landing Kyle Teel with their first-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
But don’t sleep on their second rounder.
Nazzan Zanetello, the 50th overall selection last July, is an intriguing prospect in his own right and certainly has the potential to make noise in the Red Sox farm system over the next several years.
So, what exactly stands out about the 18-year-old? Here’s everything you need to know about Zanetello ahead of the 2024 season.
Background
Zanetello already has a Boston connection: He played basketball for Jayson Tatum’s father, Justin, at Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis.
Random? Sure. But a nice perk should Zanetello ultimately reach the majors with the Red Sox. The Celtics star is beloved in Boston.
“Justin was my basketball coach. He actually texted me this morning and said, ‘I’ll hook you up with Jayson. He’ll take care of you,’ ” Zanetello told The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier after being drafted. “That was sick.”
Zanetello’s multisport prowess speaks to his athleticism, which was a significant factor in the Red Sox’s decision to pick him despite taking a high-school shortstop in the first round of each of the previous two drafts (Marcelo Mayer in 2021 and Mikey Romero in 2022).
Zanetello was named MVP of the MLB Breakthrough Series in 2022, a testament to both his talent and his makeup.
“This award means a lot to me, because this week at the Breakthrough Series we talked a lot about playing the (Jackie) Robinson way,” Zanetello said. “If you look around the walls in the building, there’s a lot of keywords: excellence, teamwork, integrity, courageousness. That means I represented all of that, so that means a lot that they noticed that.”
Zanetello decommitted from Miami and later committed to play baseball at Arkansas. He never suited up for the Razorbacks, though, as he signed an over-slot bonus with Boston upon being drafted in 2023.
Scouting report
Zanetello is physically gifted. Plain and simple.
“He’s an insane athlete,” Ian Cundall, director of scouting for SoxProspects.com, recently told NESN.com. “He’s another ceiling guy. We don’t know what he is, but there’s the raw tools that you look for.
“It’s a great frame. He’s insanely athletic. He was one of the best athletes in the class last year in the athletic testing models. So, he’s got that ceiling. It’s just a question of how good a baseball player is he? And that’s what I don’t know. We need to see that this year.”
Zanetello struggled in his first taste of pro ball, slashing .139/.311/.222 with 15 strikeouts in 45 plate appearances in the Florida Complex League last season. And there are no guarantees his hit tool will develop. He’s very raw and will need to make offensive adjustments as he climbs the organizational ladder.
But the upside is eye-opening. The Red Sox took a calculated risk that he’ll someday put everything together, at which point they’d have a legitimate five-tool contributor on their hands. Power, speed, the works.
“It’s just going to be a question of how does his explosive athleticism translate on the field to baseball actions, both defensively and offensively,” Cundall said. “How does it translate at the plate with his approach? Obviously, the bat speed is going to be there. But what’s the feel like? What’s the approach like? What is his pitch recognition? Is he chasing too much? What is the feel for contact? Those are the questions there.”
Zanetello, a right-handed hitter, is listed at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. He turns 19 in May and could fill out as he ages. If so, that might affect his profile, both offensively and defensively. There’s just so much unknown.
Zanetello played exclusively shortstop in the FCL and in his lone game with Single-A Salem last season. Will he stick there? It’s hard to say. The outfield remains an option, and team need could factor into his long-term home.
“It’s definitely a fun pick,” Cundall said.
“He’s an insane athlete.”
Ian Cundall, director of scouting for SoxProspects.com, on Nazzan Zanetello
Most-likely outcome: Versatile MLB regular.
Again, there’s such a wide range of outcomes with Zanetello — high floor, low ceiling and everything in between. So, it’s nearly impossible to set baseline expectations at this stage of his career. The 2024 campaign — his first full professional season — is important in that regard.
Without the luxury of waiting, let’s assume Zanetello eventually refines his skills to the point where he becomes a viable big leaguer. Will he be the next Mookie Betts, the player he aspires to emulate? Probably not. That’s a 99th percentile outcome for anyone. But it’s not farfetched to think he could make an impact at several positions while flashing both power and speed.
Fellow Red Sox prospect Ceddanne Rafaela, though more akin to Betts in physical stature, might be a reasonable comparison from a versatility standpoint. (Rafaela’s long-term outlook remains up in the air, as well.)
“With Rafaela, I think he’s a good example,” Cundall said. “He’s a very good shortstop, but also, with someone with his athleticism and speed and range, it made sense to try him in the outfield. And he’s turned into a potential Gold Glove-caliber center fielder, which is very fortunate for the Red Sox.
“So, with Zanetello, obviously you’re not going to project that level of defensive ability immediately. But you try him at a bunch of spots and see what clicks the most, I guess. Unless you have conviction immediately that he’s best suited at a certain position, then you just go with that.”
Best-case scenario: Dynamic center fielder.
Having a good defensive center fielder is valuable. Having a good defensive center fielder who can hit, too? That’s a total game-changer.
It’s a scenario that’s very much on the table with Zanetello, even if the Red Sox initially groom him as a shortstop. There’s two-way talent there. And Boston basically is banking on his tools and his work ethic — along with the right structure/coaching — creating a total package down the road.
The hit tool could be the real differentiator. If he supplements his power and speed with a disciplined approach and solid bat-to-ball skills, the Red Sox can dream on a future All-Star. Or, at the very least, someone worth keeping in the lineup at a premium position on a consistent basis.
“If you can be even like 75 percent of Mookie Betts, you’re going to make nine figures in your career, so…,” Cundall joked.
SoxProspects ranking: No. 12
We’ve written in this space about how Miguel Bleis and Yoeilin Cespedes are candidates to someday become the Red Sox’s top prospect once the “big three” — Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel — graduate to the majors. Zanetello probably belongs in that conversation, as well.
Fenway forecast
Zanetello’s underwhelming pro debut shouldn’t sound any alarms. He’s young. It was a small sample size. Growing pains are to be expected.
But it nevertheless was a reminder of how difficult the transition can be for even the most talented prospects, especially those whose current strengths are rooted more in physical tools than baseball mastery.
Zanetello has a long way to go in his development, with peaks and valleys inevitable. He’ll likely spend this season in Single-A and probably won’t debut with Boston until 2027 or so.
]]>PWHL Boston had its momentum halted Wednesday night by PWHL Minnesota with a 4-0 shutout loss at Xcel Energy Center.
Boston’s record dropped to 4-3-2-7 while Minnesota improved to 7-3-3-4.
Check out the full box score here.
ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
The first period was a missed opportunity for Boston.
Boston recorded six of the first seven shots and went on the power play, too, midway through the frame. But despite dictating play early, Boston wasn’t rewarded for its effort.
Things got turned upside down on Boston when Minnesota scored near the end of the first period. Boston played catch up the entire way after that, never able to beat Minnesota netminder Nicole Hensley.
Boston certainly had their chances in the first half of the opening frame and not capitalizing on them ended up being the difference. It was the first time this season that Boston was shut out.
STARS OF THE GAME
— Kendall Coyne Schofield put together a strong performance with Minnesota with two points. She opened the scoring late in the first period off a terrific feed from Taylor Heise, who also scored an empty-net goal, and later assisted on Minnesota’s second tally.
— Megan Keller continues to be rock solid for Boston. The star defenseman led the team with 22:57 time on ice and also recorded three shots.
— Hensley was immense in net for Minnesota. The first goalie taken in the PWHL draft stopped all 20 shots she faced.
UP NEXT
PWHL Boston will play at an NHL venue Saturday when it takes on PWHL Ottawa at Little Caesars Arena, which is home to the Detroit Red Wings. Puck drop for the contest is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.
Jayson Tatum spent four seasons with Grant Williams, getting an up-close look at how the now-Charlotte Hornets forward interacted in the locker room with the Boston Celtics.
Williams certainly became a player that Boston’s stars liked to joke with, though his toughness and hustle on the court stood out with the Celtics. Williams also came up with a clutch performance during the 2022 run to the NBA Finals, leading the Celtics with 27 points in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The 25-year-old made headlines this week for not-so-great qualities as a player, such as excessive trash talk to ex-Dallas Mavericks teammate Luka Doncic, setting the franchise star up to dominate Williams in practice. Celtics play-by-play broadcaster Mike Gorman followed that up on Wednesday, offering that Williams was not a quality teammate in the locker room.
With Williams’ image up in the air, Tatum looked to clear the air and defend his former teammate.
“Grant Williams = Great Teammate!” Tatum shared on the X platform on Wednesday in response to Gorman’s analysis.
Despite the rumors, Tatum decided to still defend Williams after a busy year away from Boston.
While Williams moves on in Charlotte, Tatum and the Celtics are engaged in their latest quest for Banner 18.
]]>The New England Patriots swung and missed out on Calvin Ridley in the free agency market on Wednesday, but the team isn’t done exploring the market in search of wideout depth just yet.
Several options remain available if the Patriots elect not to rely on April’s upcoming NFL draft in hopes of adding a premier target alongside whoever New England names its starting quarterback by Week 1 of the 2024 season.
Tyler Boyd, 29, reportedly has begun garnering interest in Foxborough, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive. Boyd, who recorded consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2018 and 2019, has spent his eight-year career playing only for the Cincinnati Bengals since being drafted 55th overall in 2016.
Boyd wouldn’t be a bad backup option after the organization finished behind the Tenessee Titans in the Ridley sweepstakes. Ideally, the Patriots should target a slot receiver and the team’s track record of adding wideouts in recent years through the draft — Tyquan Thornton, N’Keal Harry, Aaron Dobson — isn’t a favorable one.
Last season, Boyd totaled 667 receiving yards off 67 receptions with two touchdowns. Primarily, Boyd served as Cincinnati’s No. 2 or No. 3 receiving option, behind Ja’Marr Chase in the depth charts the past three seasons. However, there’s plenty of upside for both Boyd and the Patriots if both sides could reach an agreement.
Boyd would instantly be one of New England’s go-to slot options, paired with Demario Douglas. It’s no secret that the Patriots desperately need to upgrade their receiver’s core and Boyd, coming off a four-year, $43 million contract with the Bengals, wouldn’t be a bad start.
]]>Matt Bailey grew up playing traditional football from Pop Warner through high school, but his life changed when he started playing flag football in the early 2000s.
After some of his buddies invited him to a pickup game, he knew he had found a new passion.
“I immediately fell in love,” Bailey told NESN.com. “Since that point, I’ve been playing consistently through the leagues, traveling to play, and I’ve just developed such a love for the game after the first time I played it.”
His passion has turned into a new career.
Bailey is the head coach of New England’s newest professional sports franchise — the Boston Brigade, one of the four teams fledging the American Flag Football League. The AFFL launches its inaugural season in April with teams from Boston, Nashville, Dallas and Las Vegas.
Being from New England himself, becoming the Brigade coach was that much more special to Bailey.
“I wake up every day and I’m like, ‘I’m a professional coach. I’m a professional coach.’ And then, I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m Boston’s professional flag coach,'” Bailey said. “There’s a lot of greats in this area that I kind of have to step up to and see if I can replicate what they did. I look forward to the challenge, but certainly a dream come true.”
The AFFL plays seven-on-seven across four 15-minute quarters with a running clock, except for the final two minutes of the second half. The field itself is divided into four 25-yard boxes, with first downs awarded to the offensive team when they reach the next box. Blocking is a no-no with a rush count of two seconds, or four seconds for a quarterback to release the ball if there is no rush.
“In the NFL, having that NFL quarterback that can run and throw is certainly a good thing to have. … In flag football, it’s hugely beneficial,” Bailey explained. “In standard football, you don’t really see handoffs to double quarterbacks, as we call them in flag football, it’s very uncommon.”
Bailey continued: “A lateral and then a pass down the field maybe happens two or three times a season (in the NFL). In the flag football game, you’re gonna see that happen 50 to 60% of the time. … It’s exciting because there’s plays that you will never see on a traditional football field that you’ll be able to see in a flag football game.”
I’ve just developed such a love for the game after the first time I played it
Boston Brigade head coach Matt Bailey
The Brigade’s 12-man roster is almost complete with the type of athletes Bailey was looking for — on and off the field.
“We need to be very team-orientated,” Bailey said. “We need to be out there in the community getting involved, going to youth camps offering up our time as volunteers. I think that’s very important to the AFFL and to the Brigade. That needs to be on everybody’s mind, and the guys that I’ve been picking are all about that.”
Like the other professional sports franchises in Boston — the Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots — Bailey is hoping to build a winning culture in the Brigade locker room.
“Boston is probably going to be considered the underdog,” Bailey said. “That’s just how we are, and Boston has been so successful in its professional sports team history … they just do a lot of winning. We’re going to have to try and come in there and step into those shoes and do a lot of winning ourselves. With the team that’s created, the staff that I have, and the support … I think that we’re going to do very, very well.”
The Brigade is set to kick off their season at Cashman Field in Las Vegas on April 27. Boston’s home field is Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy, Mass. They will host two doubleheaders on May 11 and June 1.
“Quincy is a city right in the heart of everything,” Bailey said. “It has the Boston skyline attached to it. It’s just another arm of Boston and the stadium itself is gorgeous. It’s stunning. It’s the perfect atmosphere for these flag football players to play in. … The atmosphere in that location was absolutely perfect.”
]]>Nick Leverett became the latest addition for the New England Patriots, signing with the team on Wednesday, with the offensive line staying as an area of need this offseason.
Leverett has played just 16 games in his first three seasons in the league, all of which coming with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 27-year-old got his first consistent chance to play while learning from the quarterback he blocked for in 2022.
Tom Brady also joined the Buccaneers for three years following six championships in a 20-year run with the Patriots. As Leverett progressed in a starting role due to several injuries up front for Tampa Bay, Brady took on more responsibility to have younger players in better chances to succeed.
“Great players need to go out and execute well,” Brady said during the 2022 season, per Buccaneers senior writer Scott Smith. “Guys that are in there, their first year or two – (like) Nick (Leverett)… – it’s hard to put too much on those guys. That’s the reality. They’re getting used to playing. They haven’t played a lot of football. So the guys that have played a lot of football, we’ve got to do a better job, and that’s part of what leadership is all about. It’s pushing people in practice, and it’s trying to get a bigger sense of urgency.”
Leverett now joins Brady’s former team with the experience he takes from his time playing with the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Leverett arrives as the Patriots look to put a 4-13 season behind them, building up the roster under a new regime headlined by Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf.
]]>The Tennessee Titans just keep getting the better of the New England Patriots when it comes to big free-agent decisions.
The Patriots lost out to the Titans in the Calvin Ridley sweepstakes Wednesday with Tennessee reportedly inking the standout wide receiver to a four-year, $92 million contract. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported New England’s offer to Ridley was extremely close to what he got from the Titans.
That should make Ridley choosing the Titans over the Patriots sting even more. But Tennessee made another move Wednesday that should also feel like a small knife twist to the Patriots.
According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, the Titans are re-signing veteran kicker Nick Folk to a one-year, $3.755 million contract with incentives to bring the contract up to $4.13.
The Patriots trading Folk prior to the start of last season to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick was viewed somewhat as an afterthought. Folk was incredibly reliable during his three-plus seasons with New England, but with him in his late 30s, the franchise was ready to turn the kicking game over to rookie Chad Ryland, who the Patriots moved up to select in the fourth round.
The move in hindsight was a clear mistake as the Patriots desperately missed Folk’s greatest asset: his consistent right leg. It didn’t help that Ryland struggled mightily, making just 16-of-25 field goals. Folk converted field goals at a league-best 96.7% rate last season as he connected on 29-of-30 attempts.
Tennessee certainly got the better of the trade and by bringing back Folk, the Titans now go into next season with a kicker they can rely on. The Patriots are obviously in a much different situation with plenty of doubt surrounding Ryland.
The news of Folk returning to the Titans came just minutes after the reported signing of Ridley, and it served as a reminder to the Patriots that the Titans continue to make better moves than them.
]]>The New England Patriots leaned on the free agent market in search of a depth booster for the team’s offensive line and found just that.
On Wednesday, the Patriots signed guard Nick Leverett, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Flower, closing the door on the 27-year-old’s three-year debut run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Leverett, who joined the Buccaneers in 2020 as an undrafted free agent out of Rice University, underwent a rocky stint in Tampa Bay. He first began as a member of the team’s practice squad but was briefly waived in 2021. That prevented Leverett from partaking in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl LV victory over the Kansas City Chiefs as he wasn’t on the active roster.
Last season, Leverett made three appearances for the Buccaneers and didn’t register a single start. That was a major dip from when Leverett made 10 starts in 11 games and played in 94% of Tampa Bay’s snaps in 2022.
In New England, Leverett will presumably get a chance to compete for a starting role, perhaps sliding in for guard Mike Onwenu who could return to playing tackle again in 2024.
]]>Trevor Story is on a mission this season to give the Boston Red Sox the production they hoped to find when they signed him to a free-agent deal before the 2022 season.
Story was an All-Star during his tenure with the Colorado Rockies, providing quality defense and impacting the game offensively with his combination of power and speed. His deal with Boston seemed to be the next step in helping the Red Sox return to the World Series after coming within two wins of a pennant in 2021.
“That’s the reason that I chose to come here, to play in the playoffs and win world championships,” Story told The Athletic’s Tyler Kepner in a recent column.
Instead, Story’s first two seasons were derailed by injuries, which have prevented him from fulfilling that potential. The 31-year-old devoted himself to taking advantage of a normal offseason, stepping up as a veteran leader while working to restore his swing. Story hopes that his improvement, which he has started to show in spring training, can be the first step in getting his Boston dreams back on track.
“When I signed up (before the 2022 season), I remember watching Fenway in the playoffs,” Story added. “I was like, ‘Damn, that’s a special place, man.’ You always knew it was, but the prospect of it just finally became real. I fell in love with that, so we’re all super eager for it. We have some work to do, but I feel good about it.”
If the Red Sox are set to defy expectations in 2024, Story will be a big reason why.
]]>The New England Patriots are still in the market for an upper-echelon wide receiver after they lost out on their pursuit of Calvin Ridley, who reportedly signed with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday evening.
The cupboard is pretty bare when it comes to top receivers on the open market, but it did receive a slight re-stocking with the Los Angeles Chargers releasing veteran wideout Mike Williams as a cap casualty.
But the Patriots won’t have a free lane toward possibly signing Williams. Like Ridley, New England will face competition if they want to obtain his services with two other teams reportedly in the mix for Williams.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones didn’t rule out Williams returning to the Chargers as Los Angeles has a “desire to bring him back.” Jones also noted that Williams would be a good fit for a certain NFC North team.
“One landing spot that could make sense is Chicago,” CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones posted on the X platform. “The Bears have the money, and there’s familiarity there with former Chargers WR coach Chris Beatty now leading that position in Chicago.”
Williams, who has two 1,000-yard receiving seasons in his career under his belt, certainly would bolster New England’s wide receiver corps, but the Patriots might not want to invest heavily in the oft-injured wideout.
Williams, 29, played only three games last season due to a torn ACL. He also missed four games during the 2022 campaign due to an ankle injury and also sat out the Chargers’ playoff game that season because of a back ailment.
The Patriots have a gaping hole at the receiver spot in their offense, but apparently will focus more on finding a playmaker at that position through the draft, per CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson.
If the Patriots follow that path, it would take them out of contending for Williams before a bidding war even happens.
]]>The New England Patriots have missed out on Calvin Ridley, who reportedly agreed to join the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday.
While there remain NFL-caliber options for the Patriots both via trade and in free agency, especially after two cap casualties became available Wednesday, CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson reported New England won’t go that route.
Anderson reported the Patriots instead will turn their attention to the 2024 NFL Draft.
“They’ve ‘moved on,'” Anderson posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, approximately 20 minutes after the Ridley news.
New England does have the means to address the receiver position in the draft. However, after trading Mac Jones and reportedly signing Jacoby Brissett in free agent, the Patriots figure to select their quarterback of the future with their top pick.
Fortunately for the Patriots, draft evaluators have praised the depth in the receiver class. NFL draft expert Daniel Jeremiah previously said its one of the deepest position groups with high-end talent, including Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers. Jeremiah recently included a dozen receivers in his top 50 prospects.
The Patriots were on hand to watch Ladd McConkey at Georgia’s Pro Day on Wednesday, perhaps making the shifty pass-catcher a viable Day 2 target.
]]>Calvin Ridley will be staying in the AFC, choosing a four-year contract with the Tennessee Titans over the New England Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ridley got the money he worked for, setting up a deal worth up to $92 million with Tennessee, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, as free agency officially opened Wednesday. The Titans earn another big-ticket receiver in as many years, this time taking him away for a division rival in Jacksonville.
Not only do the Titans make an impactful wideout addition for the second straight season, they beat out the Patriots for said player for the second straight season.
DeAndre Hopkins hit the open market last summer and seemed to make all of the sense in the world for the Patriots to finally bring in the No. 1 receiver the team has needed for years. Hopkins visited New England, interacted with could-have-been teammates and seemed to have the Patriots in the running. Ultimately, Hopkins chose a multi-year deal with the Titans while the Patriots struggled through a 4-13 season.
This time around, the Patriots were in right in the running financially to the end, to the point that their offer to Ridley may have been even more competitive than Tennessee. Whether it be more supporting offensive weapons or the absence of state income tax in Tennessee, the Titans once again persuaded a top receiver on the market away from the Patriots to come play in Nashville.
The Titans also pulled off a similar victory signing in 2019. After the Patriots won Super Bowl LIII and looked to re-tool the offense, wide receiver Adam Humphries turned down a better offer from the Patriots to join the Titans. Ironically enough, the Titans eliminated the Patriots in the AFC Wild Card round that year on their way to the AFC Championship Game, though Humphries was inactive for the contest.
Ultimately, the Patriots have tried multiple appeals, both on personal levels and with respectable financial commitments, to land impact receivers for an offense that has needed them for years. The Titans continue to beat out New England, a trend that the Patriots have to reverse with Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf competing to acquire marquee talent.
It’s safe to say that Hopkins, Ridley and Humphries are certainly in three different categories of receiver talent. With that being said, all three were fits for the Patriots at their respective times of availability that could have elevated the production of the offense. Instead, the Patriots were forced to head in a different direction.
With Ridley off the board, the Patriots will have to pivot again. Luckily for them, plenty of receiver talent can be targeted on the trade market and through a deep class in the NFL draft.
]]>The Patriots reportedly had a strong offer on the table as they tried to land Calvin Ridley.
But it still wasn’t enough to seal the deal with the standout free-agent wide receiver.
The Tennessee Titans swooped in and beat out both the Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars on Wednesday evening, signing Ridley to a four-year, $92 million deal with $50 million guaranteed, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
That’s a hefty contract for Ridley, but it appears New England wasn’t far off from those figures as Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer provided insight into what the Patriots offered.
“We’ll see where the final numbers come out — but at $23 million per, this shapes up as an incredibly strong deal,” Breer posted on the X platform. “I’d heard yesterday the Patriots were at right around $22 million per, and the Jags were just shy of $20 million per. Tennessee, like Florida, has no state income tax.”
While Breer reported the Patriots were well within the vicinity in terms of the average annual value, it’s unclear how much guaranteed money they offered. That could have been a determining factor in Ridley’s decision.
Ridley will become the 10th highest-paid wide receiver in the league now thanks to the Titans.
Ridley is coming off the second 1,000-yard receiving season of his career. The 29-year-old also totaled 76 receptions with eight touchdowns in 2023. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Atlanta Falcons, who selected the Alabama product 26th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. Ridley missed the entire 2022 season as he served a year-long suspension for betting on NFL games.
Ridley would have immediately stepped into the role as New England’s No. 1 wide receiver, but instead, the Patriots have to go back to the drawing board knowing they just missed out on acquiring a premier talent that’s desperately needed in their offense.
]]>The New England Patriots seemed to be competing with the Jacksonville Jaguars to obtain Calvin Ridley’s services, but reportedly lost out to a previously unmentioned team.
The Tennessee Titans beat them to the punch, again.
Just like they did last offseason with DeAndre Hopkins (and a few years ago with Adam Humphries, if you remember that), the Titans grabbed a free agent receiver from out under the Patriots’ noses Wednesday. New England fans seemingly really wanted Ridley, but quickly pivoted.
There was also a fair share of people to dunk on the Patriots, as well.
It remains to be seen how New England pivots, but if it moves on as quickly as fans do, we might be in for a quick response.
]]>Calvin Ridley reportedly will not be joining the New England Patriots.
Ridley shockingly decided to sign a four-year contract with the Tennessee Titans, as first reported by NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport on Wednesday at 5 p.m.. Ridley was expected to join either the Jacksonville Jaguars or Patriots. The two teams were heavily linked to the veteran receiver during the legal tampering window and first hour of NFL free agency Wednesday.
It means the Patriots still have a huge void to fill.
De facto general manager Eliot Wolf and company set out to weaponize the offense this offseason. The first phase of the offseason came and went without the team doing so. The return of receiver Kendrick Bourne and tight end Hunter Henry are fine moves. As are the signings of Austin Hooper and pass-catching running back Antonio Gibson. But they don’t move the needle after a 4-13 campaign.
The Patriots still could address the situation in the NFL draft. Just about everyone praises the receiver depth in the class.
But given that it looks like New England will draft a quarterback with its first pick — and thus not land high-end wideouts like Marvin Harrison Jr. or Rome Odunze — the Patriots could transition to the trade market or add a cap casualty.
Here are five wideouts who make sense:
Tee Higgins
Higgins reportedly has requested to be traded by the Cincinnati Bengals, who used their franchise tag on the receiver last month. It’s not always a good idea to give up draft capital for a player who you then have to sign to a long-term contract, but this should be an exception for the Patriots. Higgins, given both his age (25) and production as Cincinnati’s WR2 behind Ja’Marr Chase, would give the Patriots a true top wideout. It was known the path to Higgins would be more difficult than signing a free agent like Ridley, but it’s always been worth pursuing.
Brandon Aiyuk
The 49ers have said they plan to keep Aiyuk, who enters the final year of his rookie contract after San Francisco picked up his fifth-year option. But perhaps Aiyuk could grow tired of contract negotiations and ask to be sent elsewhere. Aiyuk, similar to Higgins, is younger (25) and fits the mold of a legitimate WR1. It might take a second-round pick to pry him from San Francisco, but after back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Aiyuk is worth it. It’s an investment in your young quarterback, after all.
Courtland Sutton
Sutton didn’t appear too thrilled the Denver Broncos traded Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns over the weekend. Perhaps his distaste for the move and Denver’s impending rebuild causes Sutton to be a trade candidate himself. Sutton likely would come cheaper than either Higgins or Aiyuk, which makes him a viable candidate despite the fact it would mean New England is banking on receiver depth rather than high-end WR1 talent. The 28-year-old finished the 2023 campaign with 59 catches on 90 targets for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s set to become a free agent in 2026 with cap hits of $17 million each of the next two seasons.
The below candidates will be available on the open market.
Hunter Renfrow
Renfrow has been linked to the Patriots ever since he was snatching ankles at Clemson. And now the 2021 Pro Bowler will be released by the Las Vegas Raiders as a cap casualty, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. While Renfrow doesn’t offer the same WR1 upside as Higgins or Aiyuk, unlike those two, the Patriots wouldn’t need to give up anything to land him. The 28-year-old caught 103 balls for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns during that Pro Bowl campaign. He fell down the depth chart after Las Vegas acquired Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, totaling 61 catches for 555 yards and two touchdowns in his last two seasons (27 games).
Mike Williams
The veteran receiver will hit the open market as a cap casualty, as confirmed by the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday. Williams didn’t make sense as a trade candidate given his finances and injury history. But now that he’s available, the Patriots could do much worse than landing the 29-year-old. Perhaps they could even add him on a team-friendly deal since he’s coming back from a torn ACL in September 2023.
The New England Patriots reportedly lost out on the Calvin Ridley sweepstakes, but it wasn’t to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ridley reportedly decided to sign with the Tennessee Titans, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. Ridley will receive a four-year, $92 million deal with the Titans, with $50 million guaranteed, according to Rapoport.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer issued a follow-up report and said he heard the Patriots offered around $22 million per season. At first glance, it looks as if Ridley will earn $23 million per year in Tennessee.
The Patriots and Jaguars were viewed as the two teams fighting for Ridley. The Titans had not been mentioned in Ridley rumors, save for the fact Tennessee was known as a team who could use help at receiver.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that Ridley preferred to sign with the Jaguars rather than the Patriots. Ridley not agreeing to a deal during the legal tampering period also was believed to be a benefit to the Jaguars, and thus caused many to think he would re-sign in Jacksonville.
A first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Ridley played last season in Jacksonville and caught 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns.
]]>The New England Patriots’ first reported move on the first official day of free agency saw them poach a former Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher named Watts.
No, not Watt. Watts.
The Patriots are signing free agent defensive lineman Armon Watts to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million, according to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. Is that not the guy you thought we were talking about?
Watts is a depth signing for the Patriots, who desperately needed to add bodies on the interior defensive line after releasing Lawrence Guy in February. The 27-year-old widely is regarded as a better pass-rusher than run defender, recording 8.5 career sacks to just seven career tackles for loss. He played just 28% of defensive snaps in Pittsburgh last year, recording 15 total tackles, three quarterback hits and a half-sack.
Watts spent the first three seasons of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, who selected him in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He broke out in 2021, starting nine games and recording 46 tackles, 5.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and 10 QB hits, but was released prior to 2022 — which he eventually spent with the Chicago Bears.
It’s expected that he can provide versatility, as well, working on the interior and edge.
The Patriots have plenty of moves left to make, but Watts’ arrival signals a desire to build defensive depth entering draft season. He joins a defensive tackle room in New England that already consists of Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Deatrich Wise, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Daniel Ekuale and Keion White.
]]>Grant Williams spent four seasons with the Boston Celtics, playing a minor role off the bench that wasn’t valuable enough to earn a bypass from the Dallas Mavericks this season for one main reason: locker room conduct.
Williams was on record as a chatterbox with the Celtics. However, that reputation turned into an issue during his time with Dallas. So much so that at February’s trade deadline, despite having signed Williams to a four-year, $53 million deal last offseason, the Mavericks cut ties and traded the 25-year-old after just 47 games with the organization.
In hindsight, while fans might’ve resonated with Williams in Boston, behind the scenes, the Tennessee product also didn’t rub everyone within the Celtics organization the right way either.
“Yeah, he was annoying. He was annoying to everybody,” Celtics play-by-play announcer Mike Gorman told 98.5 The Sport Hub’s “Toucher & Hardy” program Wednesday. “I think initially everybody thought, ‘Oh, he’s a wise-ass, but he’s kind of cute, and he’s kind of funny, and then it just kind of wore thin. And it got thin quickly in Dallas, obviously, if you start to take on (Luka) Doncic you’re not gonna be around for long.”
The Celtics drafted Williams 22nd overall in 2019 and molded him into a somewhat serviceable 3-and-D bench player. Occasionally, Williams would surprisingly stump big-name stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2022 Eastern Conference finals defensively but was a liability elsewhere. Williams hasn’t proven that he can score from inside the perimeter, therefore, the case of retaining him in Boston on a multi-year deal was nonexistent.
Williams averaged 6.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, shooting 45.1% from the field and 37.9% from three — essentially what Payton Pritchard has given the Celtics this season, but more efficient and for nearly $24 million less in total contract value.
“He’s an extra. He’s an eighth, ninth, tenth guy on your roster,” Gorman added on Williams. “So those guys are very replaceable. That guys a bad locker room guy. If you’re a bad locker room guy, you’re the eighth or ninth guy, you’re not going to be the eighth or ninth guy for long because you’re not gonna be on the team for long.”
Supposedly in Dallas, Williams got ahead of himself and it went beyond rumors of him switching similarly n-game footwear from Jordan brand’s Luka 2 to the Tatum 2. Similar to when Williams provoked Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler by trash-talking him in the conference finals last season, Williams ran his mouth a bit too much with the Mavericks too.
“He decided he wanted to get under Luka’s skin. He felt that Luka didn’t come that day ready to practice,” Mavericks assistant general manager Michael Finley said Monday on 105.3 The Fan. “To make a long story short, they had a scrimmage going and he’s talking trash to Luka up and down the court. So finally, Luka says, ‘OK,’ and I tell you, Luka went on a 26-6 run by himself.”
Lesson learned? Apparently not.
Williams cost himself a roster spot on a Mavericks team fighting for a playoff spot and is now partaking in a tank-driven Hornets squad sitting at the No. 13 seed (16-49) in the East.
]]>Mack Wilson reportedly had an offer on the table from the New England Patriots this offseason, but the linebacker ultimately decided to take his NFL career elsewhere.
Wilson reportedly agreed to terms during the NFL’s legal tampering period on a three-year, $12.75 million contract with a max value of $15 million to join the Arizona Cardinals.
It’s a solid deal for Wilson, who just a couple of seasons ago had fallen out of favor with the Cleveland Browns before being traded to the Patriots. But Wilson’s career received a jolt with the Patriots and the 26-year-old certainly appreciated his time with New England as he gets set to move on.
“To all of NE I just want to say THANK YOU for embracing me over the last 2 years, I’m forever grateful,” Wilson posted on the X platform.
Wilson will enter his sixth NFL season with the Cardinals after originally being selected by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama.
The 6-foot-1, 246-pound defender flashed his potential at the end of this past season with the Patriots. Wilson totaled 3.5 sacks in the team’s final five games and finished the season with 37 tackles, two forced fumbles and three passes defended.
Wilson parlayed that into getting the biggest payday of his career, but it came by having to say goodbye to the Patriots.
]]>The Patriots have done a great job at retaining internal free agents through the early portion of free agency, but they aren’t keeping everyone.
New England chose not to extend qualifying offers to restricted free agent linebacker Terez Hall or exclusive-rights free agent Tre Nixon, allowing them both to enter free agency.
Hall, 27, has been on and off the Patriots’ roster for multiple seasons. He originally joined New England as an undrafted free agent in 2019, and has been waived/re-signed four times over the following four seasons and eventually being released on an injury waiver in August 2023.
The Missouri product played in a total of eight games in 2020.
Nixon, 26, was taken in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft, following a similar path to that of Hall. He never appeared in a regular-season game, but was a member of the Patriots’ practice squad in each of his first two seasons. He spent the entirety of 2023 on injured reserve after suffering an injury in the preseason.
If Hall or Nixon fail to find new homes, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them return as roster filler later in the offseason.
]]>If Calvin Ridley decides to re-sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars, it reportedly wasn’t because the New England Patriots fell short financially with their offer.
While appearing on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Felger & Mazz” on Wednesday afternoon, Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard reported the Patriots made a “substantial” offer to Ridley.
“What I understand is the Patriots have made a substantial offer to Calvin Ridley. It’s a lot better than the Jaguars,” Bedard said on the radio show. “But Ridley, for personal reasons, really does not want to leave Jacksonville and is hoping that they up their offer.
“Will that happen? I don’t know. … It is indeed personal.”
Ridley reached the open market Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. At the time this story was published, Ridley remained available.
Reports surfaced during the legal tampering period Tuesday and Wednesday that Ridley preferred to re-sign with the Jaguars. It also was reported the Patriots made an offer, but details of said offer were not revealed. CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson reported just before 4 p.m. Wednesday that Ridley would land a “very healthy number.”
]]>The Patriots reportedly agreed to terms with impending free agent Josh Uche on a one-year deal on Tuesday, keeping New England’s 2020 second-round pick from entering the open market.
The 25-year-old edge rusher re-signed on a one-year, $3 million contract after reportedly turning down several offers for more years and more money.
Let’s repeat that: Uche reportedly left millions on the table to return to the Patriots, a team that had back-to-back losing seasons.
As much as the draw of certain teams is often discussed, athletes, more often than not, go where the money is. Uche went against the grain and went where his heart lies — not the money.
Taking less money to stay with New England might be brilliant on Uche’s part. He has the opportunity to stay within a defensive system that he knows, along with new head coach Jerod Mayo, who was Uche’s position coach when the Patriots selected him with the 60th pick in 2020.
The Michigan product had a breakout 2022 season with New England as he recorded 11 1/2 sacks, 27 combined tackles, two forced fumbles and 14 quarterback hits. Uche, however, had a setback last season as he played less snaps. He tallied just three sacks, 15 combined tackles and six quarterback hits.
With Matthew Judon returning to the lineup after suffering torn right biceps in Week 4 of the 2023 season, Uche could return to the form he displayed in 2022. Another season like that and Uche would hit the market as a premiere 26-year-old poised for a more lucrative multi-year offer from the Patriots or other teams.
At first glance, Uche made the best decision for himself. Time will tell if the move will pay off in the future.
]]>The rumor mill continues to churn on Calvin Ridley heading into the NFL’s new year Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, and the New England Patriots still seem to be in the running for the wide receiver.
All signs seem to be pointing toward the 29-year-old returning to the Jacksonville Jaguars since they would only owe the Atlanta Falcons a third-round pick in compensation instead of a second-round pick if Ridley signs after the start of the new league year.
However, New England remains optimistic about its hopes to acquire the wideout, and Jacksonville reportedly agreeing to deals with Gabe Davis and Devin Duvernay could be signs it is willing to move on after one season.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz went on Bleacher Report on Wednesday and speculated Ridley could command $13-$15 million per year on the market. Schults also admitted he wouldn’t be “shocked” if the veteran receiver returned to the Jaguars but also would be “surprised” if he did return.
Ridley is the top wide receiver on the market, but the Los Angeles Chargers cutting Mike Williams also shows there’s a chance more talent can be made available.
Things always can change, but it appears the Ridley sweepstakes could come down to 4 p.m. when the new NFL season begins.
]]>The Yankees struggled with injuries to their rotation in 2023 and might see more of the same in 2024.
New York’s going to be without its ace for a bit.
Yankees starter Gerrit Cole is expected to miss at least one-to-two months with an injury to his right elbow, according to Jon Heyman and Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post. Cole will meet with sports surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles for further testing, which New York hopes will completely rule out Tommy John surgery.
Cole doesn’t appear to have any tears to his ulnar collateral ligament, but there clearly is enough concern to shut him down for the time being.
The 33-year-old is coming off perhaps his best season yet, winning his first Cy Young Award after finishing with a 15-4 record and 2.63ERA in 33 starts. He also logged a league-best 209 innings, which probably won’t happen again this season.
Cole already underwent an MRI, but it wasn’t enough to push New York in the clear. He has inflammation in his elbow joint, according to The Athletic.
Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman likely are the candidates to start Opening Day against the Houston Astros on March 28. Clarke Schmidt and Nestor Cortes will be in the rotation, with the likes of Luke Weaver, Cody Morris and Cody Poteet competing for a spot in the Yankees’ rotation.
]]>Newly acquired defenseman Andrew Peeke will make his Boston Bruins debut against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night.
Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery met with reporters on Wednesday following the team’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena. He confirmed that Peeke would play in the Original Six matchup and explained what Boston hopes to see from him.
“How much he’s going to be able to help us, really,” Montgomery said, per team-provided video. “Apply himself. Obviously, he doesn’t know our complete structure. We show him video, but he has to go out and apply it.”
Montgomery said after having conversations with the new blueliner, the Columbus Blue Jackets had “a lot of similarities” to the way the Bruins played this season.
“Hopefully just to see him play on his toes, bring some physicality to our lineup, some mobility on the back end,” Montgomery said.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound defenseman said he’s looking forward to putting on the Spoked-B for the first time.
“I’m excited to make my debut for the Bruins, especially playing for an Original Six team,” Peeke told reporters, per team-provided video. “Just going to go out there and play my game. … Excited to be coming here. It’s an exciting thing, just being able to put the Bruins jersey on, coming to a new team that’s a playoff team and a winning culture, that’s exciting.”
Montgomery said that Matt Grzelcyk is “under the weather” and would not make the trip with the team to Montreal.
Peeke joined the Bruins late Friday after the NHL trade deadline when Boston sent Jakub Zboril and a third-round pick to Columbus in exchange. Peeke played in 23 games for the Blue Jackets this season, registering 47 blocked shots and 43 hits while averaging over 15 minutes of ice time during those contests. He is signed through the end of the 2025-26 season, with an annual cap hit of $2.75 million.
“We’re excited about going to work with him as a bigger body on the right side that I think is hard to find. It’s not a rental,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said after the trade deadline on Friday, as seen on NESN. “We have that player moving forward. He’s young, and we’ll have to make sure we continue to sharpen up his game.”
Puck drop from the Bell Centre is slated for 7 p.m. ET, and you can catch all the action on NESN, following an hour of pregame coverage.
]]>If you’re a Patriots fan who wants Calvin Ridley, there’s a report for you. If you’re a Jaguars fan who wants Calvin Ridley, there’s a report for you.
That’s life during NFL free agency.
New England has been on the negative side of most accounts, though. If you’re willing to use some common sense, you’d understand that it’s equally beneficial for both Ridley and Jacksonville to wait until he reaches the open market at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday before reuniting. That saves the Jaguars from having to depart with a more premium draft pick, as is the reported condition of their trade to acquire Ridley from the Atlanta Falcons.
There’s also the small matter of state income tax, but if you’re from Massachusetts you already know all about that.
Michael Lombardi, a former executive with the Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and Las Vegas Raiders, still thinks New England has a shot at landing Ridley.
“Why are (the Jaguars) signing all these wide receivers? What are they doing?” Lombardi asked in a Wednesday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN. “They’ve got (Evan) Engram on the franchise tag. They spent a lot of money on Christian Kirk. They still have Zay Jones. How many can you have? It’s not a hockey team, you’re not running lines out there.
“It was a message that you’re sending, that you’re not getting Ridley back… Jacksonville’s already allocated money. That’s the problem with free agency. … I think Ridley has a market, I know New England wants him.”
Does he want New England? That’s a story for another day 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
The New England Patriots reportedly are remaining optimistic as it relates to Calvin Ridley, regardless of the fact those inside the organization might be the only ones who feel that way.
“The Patriots currently don’t have a sense if Calvin Ridley is returning to Jacksonville,” MassLive’s Mark Daniels reported on Wednesday just after noon ET. “They have what they feel is a competitive offer on the table. As of right now, this is a ‘wait and see’ situation.”
The Jacksonville Jaguars reportedly feel the same way.
Multiple reports surfaced Tuesday and revealed the Patriots made an offer to Ridley. Details of said offer, however, were not provided.
The pessimism from those outside the confines of Gillette Stadium is rooted in the multiple reports hinting at Ridley’s impending return to Jacksonville. ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday reportedly Ridley preferred to land with the Jaguars while CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported Ridley could re-sign in Jacksonville in part because of Florida’s tax laws.
Ridley also is believed to have done the Jaguars a solid since the start of the legal tampering period. If the Jaguars re-signed Ridley before he hit the open market Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, they would have to send the Atlanta Falcons a 2024 second-round pick to close out their 2022 trade, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. However, if Ridley remains on the open market after 4 p.m. ET, Jacksonville would send a third-rounder to Atlanta.
The Athletic reported Tuesday the Patriots felt as though they were in the mix for Ridley. Despite everything that has transpired since then, New England apparently is keeping the same mindset.
]]>A bizarre New York Times report linked Aaron Rodgers to a potential political career, and it might be a reality based on an ABC News report Wednesday.
The New York Jets quarterback is at the top of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s list of potential vice president candidates, according to the New York Times. Ex-pro wrestler and former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura also is at the top of the reported list.
However, Ventura’s son, Tyrel Ventura, told Will McDuffie of ABC News on Wednesday his 72-year-old father never received a formal offer from Kennedy Jr.
“There has been no formal offer from the Robert Kennedy camp,” Ventura told ABC News as posted by McDuffie on X. “The Governor does not comment on political speculation.”
McDuffie also reported Kennedy Jr. said Tuesday night he had chosen someone as his running mate — whom he didn’t name — and that person accepted the position.
It’s hard to not connect the dots and think that person might be Rodgers. But it also could be someone else since it seems unfathomable to see the 40-year-old on the campaign trail while preparing for his second season with the Jets following his Achilles injury.
Rodgers and Kennedy Jr. are close friends and share similar beliefs, especially regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. The four-time NFL MVP praised the Independent candidate publicly on Joe Rogan’s podcast and on social media.
Regardless of whether Rodgers actually will be Kennedy Jr.’s running mate this year, the Jets QB likely will endorse him and will have plenty to say about the hysteria around him entering politics.
]]>The Jazz didn’t give the Celtics much trouble Tuesday night, so Luke Kornet had plenty of time to workshop a joke as he watched Derrick White put on a show.
White was excellent at Delta Center, scoring 24 points on 7-for-11 shooting from beyond the arc while adding six rebounds, three assists and three blocks. The veteran guard caught up with NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin after the game to talk about his efficient performance, but before the interview got underway, Kornet showcased some new material.
“Oh, are you guys doing an interview? I didn’t notice,” Kornet said, as seen on NBCSB. “I haven’t seen a (Derrick) White kill Jazz like that since Ryan Gosling in ‘La La Land.’ He was shooting every shot and it was awesome.”
White’s mindset heading into the final game of Boston’s West Coast road trip set him up for success. The 29-year-old told his father he was going to “let it fly” in Salt Lake City, and the aggressive approach resulted in White’s highest point total since Feb. 22.
White will try to ride the momentum into Thursday night’s battle with the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden. Kornet likely will spend part of the Wednesday off-day crafting a joke to air out in the event White shines against Kevin Durant and company.
]]>It appears former Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson could return for a third tour of duty in New England.
Did you think they’d be done with reunions now that Bill Belichick’s gone?
Jackson and the Patriots have “mutual interest in a return” despite his release earlier this offseason, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. New England isn’t in a hurry to have something materialize, as it “could be a down-the-line development,” but it’s something to keep in mind.
It was a rough second stint in New England for Jackson, who returned via trade with the Los Angeles Chargers in October, but only suited up in eight games for the remainder of the season. He was placed on the non-football illness list twice, while also being suspended before the Patriots’ trip to Germany after missing curfew at the team hotel.
He was ultimately cut on March 1, less than two years after he signed a five-year, $82.5 million deal with LA.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo left the door open for him to remain in New England before the release, which might signal he still feels there’s something left in the 28-year-old.
Jackson’s play has declined considerably since leaving Foxboro the first time, but in a decreased role on an already well-built secondary, he could recoup some value on a short-term contract. In all honesty, it might be his only option.
]]>The expectation around the NFL is that Calvin Ridley will return to the Jacksonville Jaguars rather than sign with the New England Patriots.
Reports have painted that picture for much of the last 24 hours and CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones offered the latest. Jones even mentioned how Florida taxes could affect the decision-making process.
“With offers from the Patriots and Jaguars, current sense is Ridley will sign back (with) Jags on a deal that would equal or best Pats’ when considering taxes and cost of living,” Jones posted Wednesday on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Multiple reports cited Tuesday the Patriots made an offer to Ridley, though the terms weren’t detailed.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday it was believed that Ridley prefers to re-sign with the Jaguars rather than sign with the Patriots. And given the insight from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler stating that Jacksonville benefits from Ridley officially reaching the open market at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday and then re-signing him, it makes every passing minute feel like a bad sign for the Patriots.
]]>The Patriots reportedly have been among the teams lurking around Chargers stars Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa — all of whom are candidates to be moved by 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
If that’s still the case, New England needs to cut it out.
Los Angeles likely will make wholesale changes Wednesday, as it is roughly $25 million over the cap. If the Chargers want to lower that number, they’ll have to cut or trade some combination of Allen, Williams, Mack and Bosa. That group accounts for four of the highest cap hits in the NFL, all of which come in at north of $32 million.
Could the Patriots take advantage of that by adding a good player? Yes, but they could also fall into a trap if they don’t navigate this process very carefully.
Mack and Bosa could have arguments made on their behalf that they’re worth the money, with the former setting a career-high in sacks (17) last season. Bosa’s still a fine player, but if any of these guys are going to get outright cut, it’s probably him. We’ve already discussed those two at length.
Allen and Williams are a different story. It doesn’t really matter what it would take to acquire them, because whether it’s money or assets, it won’t be worthwhile for the Patriots.
New England is starved for talented receivers, but shouldn’t allow its desire to acquire one allow them to give up any assets for someone with a $30 million-plus cap hit who either is in his 30s (Allen) or has a scary injury history (Williams). The Patriots also have roughly 597,392 holes to fill on their roster, so giving up draft picks for one of them would be wrong.
If they want to acquire Allen or Williams, the first step would be watching the Chargers eat money and outright cut them. That would allow them to hit the open market, where the Patriots could make a competitive offer an obtain their services.
They cannot make a trade, though. That’s just bad business.
]]>The Bruins made a roster move a day before their road matchup against the Montreal Canadiens.
General manager Don Sweeney announced in a press release that Boston recalled forward Johnny Beecher from Providence on an emergency basis. The 2019 first-round pick’s last game for the Bruins was Jan. 13 against the St. Louis Blues.
Beecher was present for morning skate at Warrior Ice Arena on Wednesday, per NESN’s Adam Pellerin. Neither James van Riemsdyk nor Matt Grzelcyk were present for practice.
The Bruins acquired Pat Maroon before last Friday’s NHL trade deadline, but the veteran still is recovering from back surgery. Beecher likely would slot into the fourth line if van Riemsdyk or another forward missed Thursday’s matchup against the Canadiens at Bell Centre.
Beecher scored five goals and recorded two assists for seven points in 39 games with Boston this season. He’s skated 17 games with Providence this season, recording four goals and four assists for eight points.
]]>The New England Patriots absolutely should kick the tires on Tee Higgins, who reportedly has requested to be traded by the Cincinnati Bengals. And perhaps Eliot Wolf and company are making some calls behind the scenes in hopes of landing the talented wideout.
But the Foxboro Faithful shouldn’t expect any Higgins-Patriots blockbuster to come from star defender Matthew Judon.
Judon, well-known for his social media campaigning to free agents, took to the X platform Wednesday and teased Patriots fans.
“Yall just got off the phone @teehiggins5. He said he’s walking on to the Patriots. Look at god,” Judon posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.
Fortunately, the majority of fans took Judon’s comment for what it was worth.
In regards to Higgins, the 25-year-old was thought to be the top impending free-agent receiver. Higgins received the franchise tag from the Bengals, which caused some to think he wasn’t leaving Cincinnati in 2024. However, even before Higgins reportedly requested to be traded many around the league thought Cincinnati could send him elsewhere.
Any pursuit of Higgins was expected to be more difficult than another free agent like Calvin Ridley, but Higgins’ age and past production make him worthy of the draft capital it would take to acquire him and the investment it would take to keep him.
Judon, arguably the Patriots’ best player, understands as much.
]]>It’s up in the air if Bill Belichick will make the switch to a broadcast role, but Peyton Manning is confident the former New England Patriots head coach would excel in the transition.
Belichick didn’t land a job in this year’s head coaching cycle, and he’s scheduled to speak at multiple universities.
The 71-year-old notoriously has a reputation for not being the most media-friendly personality in the NFL, but former players and colleagues note Belichick is a lot more witty than he portrays himself. There’s no doubt about his football knowledge, and his appearance on “College GameDay” for the Army-Navy game at Gillette Stadium showcased a side rarely seen in the public eye.
It’s that side that Manning likely wants to display more and why he tried to recruit the future Pro Football Hall of Famer to his production company Omaha Productions.
“If it comes to fruition, I think fans will be excited to see how incredibly brilliant Bill Belichick is when talking about football and how witty and funny he is,” Manning told The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand.
The San Francisco 49ers reportedly called Belichick about their open defensive coordinator position, but it’s unknown what he wants to do this year. However, if he does enter the broadcasting world, he would join his former players like Tom Brady as more ex-Patriots occupy the media landscape.
]]>On paper, the idea of the Patriots making a blockbuster move for Justin Jefferson became more reasonable after the NFL’s two-day legal tampering window.
The Vikings might be headed for a rebuild of sorts with Kirk Cousins bound for Atlanta. Jefferson currently is Minnesota’s most valuable asset if it were to seek out a haul of draft picks, and wide receiver-needy New England might need to focus on the trade market since it reportedly is not the favorite to sign free-agent pass-catcher Calvin Ridley.
But if the Patriots do end up making a splash trade to bolster their talent-deprived offense, it probably won’t be for Jefferson. Even though the Vikings’ quarterback situation is clouded by uncertainty, they have “no plans” to trade the three-time Pro Bowl selection, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
Fortunately for the Patriots, there are realistic options on the star receiver trade market. Tee Higgins reportedly wants out of Cincinnati and Keenan Allen might be forced to sever ties with the Los Angeles Chargers, who are in salary cap hell. Brandon Aiyuk, who’s about to enter the final season of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers, could be a dark horse candidate, too.
But as for Jefferson, New England and 30 other teams probably will have to watch the dynamic game-changer tear it up in Minnesota for years to come.
]]>The New England Patriots will be well-represented at the Georgia Bulldogs Pro Day on Wednesday.
The Patriots will have three position coaches — wide receivers, offensive line and defensive backs — in attendance, per Senior Bowl director and longtime NFL scout Jim Nagy.
Among the prospects the Patriots likely are there to get a look at is receiver Ladd McConkey. McConkey, who has been lauded as one of the better route runners in the NFL draft, is expected to be a late first-round or early second-round pick. McConkey met with the Patriots at the Senior Bowl.
NFL draft expert Daniel Jeremiah ranked McConkey No. 34 on his list of top 50 prospects.
Given the Patriots also will have offensive line and defensive back coaches in attendance, it’s worth noting Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims is viewed as a first-round pick while cornerback Kamari Lassiter is expected to be a Day 2 selection. Tight end Brock Bowers, far and away the best tight end in the class, is expected to be the first Georgia prospect off the board.
The Patriots have obvious needs at wide receiver and offensive tackle, though the moves New England made the last few days indicate the organization is likely to use its top pick (No. 3 overall) on a quarterback.
]]>The Red Sox suffered quite the blow when Lucas Giolito went down with an elbow injury just one start into spring training, but they might have actually avoided the worst-case scenario.
Boston received an update Wednesday that was actually kind of positive.
Giolito underwent a successful right elbow ulnar collateral ligament repair with internal brace Tuesday, as shared by the Red Sox. If you need a translation into plain English, he avoided Tommy John surgery and will have a shorter recovery time because of it.
Giolito be back anytime soon, as the bracing procedure will still sideline him for the remainder of this season, but the recovery is cut dramatically. It doesn’t require drilling holes into bones or the “ligamentization of tendons,” according to a story written by The Boston Globe in 2023, meaning he’ll be able to rehab sooner.
If all goes to plan, the Red Sox could see the 29-year-old ready to go by the beginning of the 2025 season.
Giolito agreed to a two-year, $38.5 million contract with Boston this offseason, and while he does have the option to void the second year, it’s unlikely he’ll forego a guaranteed salary of $19 million coming off a major injury. It looked like the Red Sox threw in an option that would save them this season, but the conditional option for 2026 (which is worth $14 million that the club can exercise if he throws under 140 innings) only counts toward the 2025 season.
The Red Sox are essentially back to square one with their rotation, but at least have a good chance at reinforcements coming in 2025.
]]>Tom Brady will begin his FOX Sports broadcasting career during the 2024 season, and it appears the former New England Patriots quarterback has made every effort to be as prepared as possible.
Brady will replace Greg Olsen and pair with Kevin Burkhardt on the main FOX commentary team, and while the 46-year-old has a goal for his career, he’s reached out to old rival Peyton Manning for advice.
Manning is set to host NBC’s Olympics broadcast with Mike Tirico, and he revealed to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand that he spoke with Brady at the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s golf event.
“He’s reached out to me for advice,” Manning told Marchand. “I said, ‘Tom, I watch football from my neighbor’s garage on Monday nights. I’m not sure I’m worthy of being called for advice for what you’re about to do.'”
Manning also confirmed he’s reached out to former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick to join Omaha Productions.
Brady joined the “ManningCast” last season, and he’s admitted Manning has given him advice on other things, like his return to New England, throughout the years. The future Pro Football Hall of Famer reached out to others for advice as he hopes to be as successful off the field as he was on the gridiron.
]]>The Jaguars simply might be waiting for the most opportune time to strike on Calvin Ridley.
Ridley entered the NFL offseason as one of the best players available on the open market, let alone wide receivers. But the league’s two-day legal tampering period came and went without the 2018 first-round pick reaching an agreement, so his decision might not come until after the NFL’s new year kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
The Jaguars, according to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, are “optimistic” they will be the team Ridley chooses. The league insider also labeled Jacksonville as the “favorite” to sign the Alabama product.
This obviously isn’t good news for the Patriots, who reportedly have an offer out for Ridley. New England, flush with cap space, probably would have come to terms with the receiver Monday or Tuesday if he was interested in playing for the Patriots. Ridley’s patience seemingly is a favor to the Jaguars, who would owe the Atlanta Falcons a second-round pick instead of a third-rounder if the 29-year-old re-signed in Jacksonville before Wednesday evening.
So, New England probably will soon have to change directions on its path to improve the receiving corps. The trade market might be the Patriots’ best option at this point, but they could take a look at some cap casualties, too.
]]>Signing Calvin Ridley is starting to feel unlikely for the Patriots, so New England might need to start seriously looking into other ways to bolster its wide receiver groups.
One appealing option is set to become available Wednesday evening, and it wouldn’t require the Patriots to make a trade or shell out a boatload of cash.
The Raiders will release Hunter Renfrow when the new NFL year officially begins at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. Renfrow was slated to count $13.7 million against Las Vegas’ 2024 salary cap, so he’s expected to suffer the same fate as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in Sin City.
Renfrow likely will field several suitors on the open market once he’s released, and the Patriots probably should be one of them.
The 28-year-old is only a few years removed from a 2021 Pro Bowl season in which he corraled 103 catches for 1,038 receiving yards with nine touchdowns. Renfrow’s numbers were considerably down last season — 25 catches, 255 yards, two touchdowns — but he played in an offensive with all-world receiver Davante Adams and talented newcomer Jakobi Meyers. The Silver and Black also operated with Aidan O’Connell, a mediocre rookie QB, for most of the campaign.
Renfrow obviously wouldn’t be a No. 1 option for the Patriots or any other interested team. But his unique skill set could allow new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt to get even more creative. The 2019 fifth-round pick also has big-game experience, winning two national titles as a Clemson standout.
Again, Renfrow wouldn’t be a total game-changer in the New England offense. But he probably would be an upgrade over most of the pass-catchers the Patriots deployed in recent years.
]]>There will be a lot of chatter about what the Patriots will do with the No. 3 pick a month ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, but New England fans will have their eyes on what the Commanders do with the second overall pick.
The Chicago Bears are expected to take Caleb Williams with the first overall pick, and it is expected quarterbacks will be taken with the first three picks in the draft. That leaves Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye for Washington.
Maye frequently was linked to the Commanders in mock drafts, but the narrative shifted as NFL pundits saw more of Daniels’ tape, and he’s gained momentum as arguably the best quarterback in the draft class. Reports heading into the legal tampering period this week still link Maye to Washington, but bettors went in a different direction.
Daniels became the favorite to be the No. 2 pick at -150 at FanDuel Sportsbook after the second day of the legal tampering period. Maye’s odds grew to +130 to go second overall, and the UNC product’s odds to go third overall to the Patriots shortened to +105. Daniels went to +180 to be taken with the No. 3 pick.
For any Patriots fans who are supporters of the Heisman Trophy winner, it’s important not to panic and understand these odds will continue to move leading up to draft day and even until the pick is in. These prices shift based on betting action a sportsbook receives rather than inside information.
The Commanders reportedly agreed to a deal with Marcus Mariota, which could be interpreted multiple ways on their direction for the No. 2 pick. However, similar to New England reportedly agreeing to a deal with Jacoby Brissett, it does seem like both teams won’t trade down and will draft their QBs of the future.
Maye already is facing questions regarding whether or not he should sit his first season, and it’s a reality the Patriots could face if these draft odds prove to be accurate next month.
]]>It sure seems like the Patriots really want Calvin Ridley, but the interest doesn’t appear to be mutual.
New England reportedly has an offer out for Ridley, the best wide receiver available on the open market. But as of Wednesday morning, roughly nine hours before the start of the new NFL year, Ridley remained without an agreement. That’s pretty telling when the team that entered the offseason with the league’s most salary cap space is involved.
Why hasn’t the 2018 first-rounder accepted an offer from the Patriots? Well, his heart might still be in Jacksonville. Amid the Ridley sweepstakes, the Florida Times-Union’s Demetrius Harvey recalled an end-of-season quote from the star pass-catcher that certainly doesn’t inspire confidence in New England’s chances of signing him.
“I learned these guys, built relationships with them. I don’t really care to learn other people and plays and all the other stuff right now,” Ridley told reporters. ” … If the money is right, I do need some of that, we’ll figure it out.”
In fact, Ridley might love the Jaguars enough to do them a huge favor. If the 29-year-old waits until after 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday to re-sign in Jacksonville, the team would send a 2024 third-round pick to Atlanta to complete the sides’ 2022 trade. If Ridley landed an extension before that juncture, the Jaguars would need to boost the return to a 2024 second-rounder.
The Patriots obviously should remain in touch with Ridley until he signs on the dotted line. But at this point, New England might want to start giving more focus to a new plan to bolster the receiving corps.
]]>Mike Onwenu and Josh Uche won’t be the only homegrown talents to receive a second contract from the Patriots this offseason.
New England is in agreement on a three-year, $12 million deal with Anfernee Jennings, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported Wednesday morning. The new contract for the young linebacker reportedly has a maximum value of $24 million.
Jennings is coming off a breakout season in Foxboro, Mass., where he started 14 games in 2023 after starting a combined seven over his first two Patriots seasons. The 2020 third-round pick, who spent the entire 2021 campaign on injured reserve, led New England in tackles for loss (14) while adding 1.5 sacks and one fumble recovery. Jennings also recorded more total tackles (66) in 2023 than his first two seasons combined (47).
The reported agreement with Jennings marked the Patriots’ fourth with a linebacker in the early stage of free agency. New England also plans to re-sign Uche and Christian Elliss while bringing in former Cleveland Browns ‘backer Sione Takitaki. Mack Wilson, meanwhile, reportedly plans to leave the Patriots to join the Arizona Cardinals despite New England’s strong effort to retain Jennings’ former Alabama teammate.
The Patriots can make all of those deals official Wednesday when the new NFL year kicks off.
]]>Celtics guard Derrick White was in a rut from behind the arc on Boston’s road trip.
White had just hit 1-of-14 3-pointers in the last four games heading into Tuesday night’s matchup with the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center.
But the cold streak from long range didn’t last as White broke out of his shooting slump in a 123-107 win over the Jazz to push Boston’s NBA-best record to 51-14. White knocked down 7-of-11 treys to finish with 24 points. He also chipped in with six rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
White’s strong shooting night seemed partly propelled by his father, who helped put him in the right head space to launch from deep despite his recent struggles.
“He text me all the time. He said something about last game about the threes looking better, and I said, ‘I’m just going to let it fly,'” White told reporters, per NBC Sports Boston. “So, that’s just what my mindset was, just let it fly, don’t think about it. I was able to knock some down.”
White said he wasn’t feeling added pressure coming into the contest against the Jazz with his shots from 3-point range not falling.
“Not really. Obviously, you know because you’re not really making shots,” White said. “But felt like I was playing fine regardless. But it would be nice to make some shots, so just let it fly.”
White certainly got back to his usual form in the win. He’s shooting a career-best 40.2% from beyond the arc, which is third-best on the Celtics behind Jrue Holiday and Sam Hauser.
White will look to keep dropping in the threes Thursday when the Celtics return to TD Garden to take on the Phoenix Suns. Tipoff is for 7:30 p.m. ET.
]]>Isaiah Thomas took a two-year hiatus, awaiting the next opportunity for an NBA team to present a contract offer.
And just three games into a G League run, it might be time to revisit that very discussion.
Thomas, who once thrived as the undersized leader of the Boston Celtics, is now thriving with the Salt Lake City Stars, the G League affiliate of the Utah Jazz. He’s averaged 32 points through three games and most recently dropped 34 points while draining seven threes with seven rebounds and five assists on Tuesday. So far, Thomas has successfully revitalized the spark that turned him from a bench player with the Phoenix Suns to two-time All-Star.
“It felt good,” Thomas told NBA.com after a 32-point G-League debut. “I’m super thankful for the opportunity. It felt amazing to be out, to be on a team again and to have that camaraderie, and just to compete at a high level.”
Thomas added: “Overall, it felt really good to be out there. I’m a little rusty but I know once I get my rhythm it’ll be like riding a bike.”
Back when Thomas was Boston’s “King of the Fourth,” scoring 30-plus points was as easy as riding a bike — with training wheels. During the 2017 playoffs, Thomas guided the Celtics to an overtime victory over the Wizards by scoring 53 points, which included a 29-point fourth quarter. However, as heroic as that run might’ve been, it wasn’t enough to keep Thomas in Boston. Before the organization drafted Jayson Tatum and signed Gordon Hayward in free agency, Thomas was traded in exchange for Kyrie Irving.
As expected, playing alongside LeBron James while recovering from a knee injury as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, sunk Thomas’ stock value in an instant. No longer was Thomas entrusted to be the No. 1 scoring option ever again, proceeding to make short-term pitstops with the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets and Charlotte Hornets among others.
That forced Thomas to get creative with proving himself worthy of a roster spot, playing in the Drew League and hosting workouts in front of scouts. It’s been an inspiring and rocky journey toward bringing that to life for Thomas.
“Before I loved anything, I loved a basketball,” Thomas added, per NBA.com. “It just brings a smile to my face. It’s never felt like work. It’s never felt like it’s been hard. It’s just something, obviously I’ve been really good at it since I was young, but everything about the game of basketball I loved, and I know until that goes away like I’m going to give it everything I have. No matter if it’s in the G League, back in the NBA — because I know I will be back there at some point — or back at the crib hooping with kids.”
First and foremost, Thomas has set the record straight: he’s not looking for playing time, but to fulfill a role as a veteran presence. Before retiring in 2023, Udonis Haslem played 65 games in his final seven seasons with the Heat, primarily providing mentorship to Miami’s locker room. Thomas, who’s now 35 years of age, can provide that and unlike Haslem, has the experience and credibility of having been the best player on a playoff team.
Before handling the Wizards in that 2017 playoff run, Thomas rallied the Celtics to overcome a 2-0 series deficit in the first round against the Chicago Bulls. In Game 6, Thomas delivered a short and quick message while huddling with Boston teammates.
“It’s a wrap for these (expletives),” Thomas shouted while tugging the jerseys of then-teammates Jae Crowder and Avery Bradley.
Maybe Jazz CEO of basketball operations Danny Ainge, who traded Thomas six years ago as former head honcho of the Celtics front office, has something in the works by linking back up with Thomas in Utah.
“We chopped it up a few times. Danny helped make this day happen,” Thomas told reporters Tuesday, per Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. “He connected the dots.”
Thomas will spend seven more games with the Stars before their regular season concludes.
]]>NFL teams already have had close to 48 hours to improve their rosters.
And some have used that time wisely, doing a better job than others during the NFL’s legal tampering period, otherwise known as the unofficial start to free agency. It’s been a big two days for players as well, with some cashing in and getting ready to see their bank accounts exponentially grow.
There still will be plenty of time for teams across the league to make moves since free agency doesn’t officially begin until Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, and there are still notable players out on the open market.
But for now, here are the winners and losers of the NFL’s legal tampering period:
Winner: Saquon Barkley and his fellow running backs
The running back market hasn’t been robust in recent seasons but that changed, especially for Barkley.
Barkley played on the franchise tag last season after being unable to come to a long-term contract agreement with the New York Giants. He was a candidate to have the franchise tag placed on him for a second straight season but left the Giants for the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles.
There’s no doubt that the Eagles gave the two-time Pro Bowler more of what he looked for in a contract. Barkley agreed to terms on a three-year, $37.75 million deal, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. The only running backs now making more than Barkley are Chris McCaffery, Alvin Kamara and Jonathan Taylor, according to NFL.com’s Eric Edholm. That certainly has to appease Barkley.
Barkley wasn’t the only running back to quickly ink a deal, either. Josh Jacobs (Green Bay Packers), D’Andre Swift (Chicago Bears), Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans) and Derrick Henry (Baltimore Ravens) are all set to make at least $8 million a year.
Loser: Carolina Panthers
The Panthers didn’t do anything to dissuade the notion that they are arguably the worst franchise in the NFL.
Coming off a league-worst 2-15 season that didn’t even net them the No. 1 overall pick because they traded it away, the Panthers didn’t make a big splash in free agency. Instead, Carolina traded away its best player.
The Panthers reportedly shipped star edge rusher Brian Burns to the New York Giants on Monday for the measly return of a 2024 second and 2025 fifth-round pick. The two sides will also swap 2024 fifth-rounders.
All Burns, a two-time Pro Bowler, did last season was compile eight sacks and 50 tackles.
Good luck to the Panthers trying to replace that.
Winner: Kirk Cousins
Cousins is better suited to win in free agency than he is in primetime games.
The veteran quarterback had almost everything working against him as his contract voided with the Minnesota Vikings and he hit the open market. Cousins is coming off a significant injury after he tore his Achilles in Week 8 and will turn 36 before the start of next season.
So, a team wasn’t going to throw a boatload of money his way, right? Wrong.
The Atlanta Falcons, who were in desperate need of an upgrade at quarterback, reportedly handed Cousins a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed.
That’s another staggering payday for Cousins, as he and the Falcons both got what they wanted.
Loser: Minnesota Vikings
Can anyone explain what the Vikings are doing with their quarterback position?
Of course, there were concerns surrounding Cousins, as previously mentioned, but it feels like the Vikings weren’t prepared at all for him to walk and go elsewhere in free agency.
So with Cousins gone, the Vikings reportedly are turning their offense over to none other than Sam Darnold or potentially one of the lesser quarterbacks in the NFL draft — Minnesota holds the 11th overall pick. Either way, going from Cousins to Darnold or a rookie quarterback is a significant downgrade for the Vikings.
Darnold has proven he isn’t a starting quarterback in the NFL. He posted a 21-35 record in six seasons and is best known for seeing “ghosts” on a football field.
The Vikings have plenty of offensive weapons, but they don’t have a quarterback. That’s a massive problem.
Winner: Houston Texans
The Texans surprised practically everyone this past season by coming out on top in the AFC South and then winning a playoff game.
Houston did lose some pieces of its defense during the tampering period but made two key additions that should only help continue its upward trajectory.
The Texans first acquired standout running back Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals for only a seventh-round pick. Mixon replaces Devin Singletary, who left the Texans to join the New York Giants. Houston also made a splash on the other side of the ball Tuesday by reportedly agreeing to terms with former Minnesota Vikings pass rusher Danielle Hunter.
Mixon will give Houston’s offense a boost as a reliable three-down running back. He ran for over 1,000 yards last season with nine touchdowns while recording 52 receptions for 376 yards and three more scores. Hunter gives Houston another edge rusher to pair with Will Anderson as the four-time Pro Bowler tallied a career-high 16.5 sacks in 2023.
The additions of Mixon and Hunter have things set up nicely for the Texans to build off their strong season.
Loser: Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have so much flash on offense that it puts their defense in a shadow. Well, whatever is left of their defense.
Miami saw somewhat of an exodus on that side of the ball. The Dolphins cut linebacker Jerome Baker and star cornerback Xavien Howard before the tampering period even began. Then linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel walked out the door to join the Vikings.
The Dolphins’ biggest loss came when defensive tackle Christian Wilkins left for the Las Vegas Raiders on a reported four-year, $110 million deal.
Miami has so many holes now on a defense that was in the bottom-half of the NFL in points allowed per game (23) last season. The Dolphins should just prepare for all their games next season to be shootouts.
]]>The New England Patriots took care of identifying their top tight ends before the start of the new NFL league year, re-signing team captain Hunter Henry and reportedly bringing in Austin Hooper on Tuesday night.
Those signings limited a future for Pharaoh Brown, who will continue his career away from New England on a new deal with the Seattle Seahawks, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Fowler added that Brown’s deal is for one year with a $3.2 million base. He can earn up to $3.9 million.
Brown came out of nowhere for the Patriots, sparking the offense with a handful of chunk plays during the 2023 season. His standout play came off of play-action on a 58-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown in a 15-10 victory over the New York Jets in Week 3. Brown averaged 16 yards per catch on just 13 receptions, though every one seemed to have a significant impact with the Patriots.
Brown served as the No. 3 tight end last season behind Henry and Mike Gesicki, who reportedly heads to the AFC North with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Seattle will be the 29-year-old’s fifth team since entering the NFL in 2017 along with the Patriots, the Houston Texans, the Cleveland Browns and the Oakland Raiders (prior to moving to Las Vegas).
Brown becomes the latest addition for quarterback Geno Smith while the Patriots move forward with a rejuvenated two-tight end set.
]]>NASCAR Cup Series penalized RFK Racing’s No. 17 Ford team for a detached wheel during the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 3.
A pair of Chris Buescher’s crew members, front tire changer Jakob Prall and jackman Nicholas Patterson, were suspended for two races for an improperly secured wheel during the race in Las Vegas, which was set to begin in Phoenix this past Sunday.
RFK Racing initially appealed the suspension, so Prall and Patterson were allowed to work in the No. 17 car’s pit at Phoenix. RFK withdrew the appeal on Monday, per NASCAR.com. The pair will serve their suspensions at the Food City 500 at Bristol this Sunday and the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on March 24.
RFK co-owner Brad Keselowski told reporters during race weekend in Phoenix that the appeal was intended to provide extra time for new crew members to prepare to fill in for Prall and Patterson.
“To bring in a new tire changer, a jackman, it’s a major undertaking,” Keselowski said, per NASCAR.com. “These guys are really good. They’re highly skilled athletes. Most of them are college athletes that have played for quite some time, and by the nature of where the race teams are, we don’t carry a depth chart of people that you wish you could carry. It’s expensive. And so, you’d like to have as much time as possible to bring somebody up to make sure you don’t have the same problem again.”
Keselowski added: “You want to have an extra week of practice of working out whoever that new guy is going to be, and the jitters that they might have before they jump over the wall in front of 100 thousand-some fans and a car that’s moving 50, 60 miles an hour. You want to get every little bit of time you can with that person, especially when it’s two people. I think we’re working through that right now.”
Buescher had his best finish of the NASCAR Cup Series season by finishing second at Phoenix behind race winner Christopher Bell. Keselowski claimed his first top-5 of the season, coming in fourth.
Jackman Samuel Wright and front tire changer Travis Juedes will fill in for Prall and Patterson for the race at Bristol.
RFK Racing is not the first team to be penalized by NASCAR this season. Stewart-Haas Racing and Team Penske driver Joey Logano were both levied penalties for confiscated parts and a webbed glove ahead of the Ambetter Health at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Feb. 25.
]]>The New England Patriots squared away an in-house priority when the team re-signed Hunter Henry to a three-year deal.
Now, Henry has a new partner in his position with the Patriots.
On Tuesday night, New England reportedly agreed to terms with tight end Austin Hooper on a one-year deal for $4.25 million, per NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.
Hooper joins Henry in a long-running tradition of solid tight end duos for the Patriots. He virtually replaces Mike Gesicki, who found a new home with the Cincinnati Bengals, at No. 2 on the depth chart at the position in New England.
The 29-year-old has tallied 25 career touchdowns across eight NFL seasons, most recently with the Las Vegas Raiders. Two of those seasons came with the Cleveland Browns, giving Hooper experience with Alex Van Pelt, who the Patriots hired this offseason as offensive coordinator under Jerod Mayo.
For those who remember, Hooper made a rather important play against the Patriots in the past, catching a touchdown pass from NFL MVP Matt Ryan with the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI. New England famously went on to win the game 34-28 in overtime after trailing by 25 points in the second half.
As the Patriots’ offense goes through a retooling, Van Pelt gets a capable pass-catcher for a solid two-tight end look in New England.
]]>The New England Patriots will return another member of their defense as Josh Uche is set to return on a one-year deal.
Early reports stated that the edge rusher turned down better deals on the free-agent market in order to come back to the Patriots. NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero added more context to Uche’s negotiations on Tuesday night.
“Josh Uche had several offers, including one worth $15 million over two seasons, with $11 (million) guaranteed,” Pelissero shared on the X platform. “But his heart was in New England, and he opted to return for less: A one-year, $3 (million) deal with upside to $8 (million). A rare time a player makes the final call and doesn’t chase the money.”
Ultimately, returning to the Patriots meant more to Uche than more money and years with other teams. Is that a testament to Jerod Mayo taking over as head coach? Does Uche prefer the defensive scheme in New England compared to with other teams? Whatever his reason was, the 2020 second-round pick will continue his career with the team that drafted him.
Uche returns to the Patriots as Matthew Judon comes back from a season-ending bicep injury, setting up the duo to pressure quarterbacks at the level they did in 2022 when combining for 27 sacks.
]]>With Opening Day just over two weeks away and on the heels of the announcement that Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito will have elbow surgery, Boston was delivered yet another injury.
Pinch-hitting for Tyler O’Neill in Boston’s Grapefruit League matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, Rob Refsnyder was struck in the left foot by a pitch in the bottom of the fifth inning, according to MassLive’s Sean McAdam.
Refsnyder told reporters after the Red Sox lost to the Cardinals, that he has a “crack” in his small toe and was seen leaving JetBlue Park in Fort Myers in a boot, according to McAdam.
It’s unknown how long Refsnyder will be sidelined, but with the depth in the outfield, Refsnyder would be battling for playing time with Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wiley Abreu, Masataka Yoshida, and O’Neill this season.
The outfield is so crowded that Red Sox manager Alex Cora was giving Refsnyder work at first base to help give him versatility within the roster.
The 32-year-old veteran played in 89 games for the Red Sox last season and hit .248/.365/.317 with one home run and 28 RBIs, seven stolen bases and 33 walks.
Refsnyder agreed to a $1.85 million, one-year contract extension with the Red Sox in June last year that includes performance bonuses and a $2 million club option for 2025.
]]>Isaiah Thomas hasn’t called it quits amid a difficult mountain climb toward an NBA return and throughout a two-year-long hiatus in search of the next opportunity, what remained consistent was support from the Boston Celtics.
Thomas recently landed a deal with the Salt Lake City Stars, the G-League affiliate of the Utah Jazz. So far, it’s gone well with Thomas scoring 34 points on 8-of-20 shooting with seven rebounds and five assists on Tuesday, in front of Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla and several other Boston staffers.
“It’s real love. You know, that Boston love is real,” Thomas told reporters, per Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. “No matter what happened in the past, all those guys communicate with me still. I’m always locked in on Celtics games. That was big part of my life. That was a really important, important time in my life as well. So it’s always going to be love for everybody that’s in that organization and was a helping hand to me and my family.”
During the height of his career, Thomas emerged as the leader of a Celtics team working its way from the sewer of its post-Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen chapter back to competitive basketball. Thomas became a two-time All-Star and recorded a handful of memorable performances, including a 53-point masterpiece against the Washington Wizards in the 2017 playoffs.
That run ended when then-Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge, who acquired Thomas from the Phoenix Suns in 2015, traded Thomas to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Kyrie Irving in 2018. That same summer, Boston drafted Jayson Tatum and signed Gordon Hayward, recruiting a stronger cast of talent than Thomas ever played with throughout three seasons with the Celtics.
Now head honcho of Utah’s front office, Ainge gave his old franchise star another shot at flipping the script.
“We chopped it up a few times,” Thomas revealed, per Washburn. “Danny helped make this day happen. He connected the dots.”
Thomas has made it clear that he’s not seeking a starter’s role, but a chance to make some impact on the sidelines for an NBA roster. Having experienced the pressure of being leaned on as the guy, rising to the occasion in the playoffs and playing around youngsters like rookie Jaylen Brown and Terry Rozier and second-year Marcus Smart, Thomas has credibility.
Before signing with the Stars, Thomas made an inadvertent pitch to the Celtics, offering a willingness not to play but instead provide a veteran presence to Boston’s current championship-contending roster.
Perhaps Ainge will consider promoting Thomas at some point as the Jazz enter a critical offseason with several avenues, including a youth movement, on the table for the organization moving forward. But for now, Thomas will continue to try to rekindle his dominant form with 30-point performances that once rose the undersized guard to stardom in Boston.
]]>J.D. Martinez played the waiting game two seasons ago before re-signing with the Boston Red Sox in late February.
And the former Red Sox designated hitter is playing that game again, but an end could finally be in sight for Martinez with the start of the MLB season just over two weeks away.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported Tuesday that Martinez and the New York Mets have a mutual interest. Heyman added that Mets owner Steve Cohen gave the organization the green light to sign Martinez despite New York having to pay a 110% tax on any new deals due to the wild spending spree the franchise went on last season.
Martinez would be a fit for the Mets as lineup protection for star first baseman Pete Alonso. While New York seems to have gained ground on potentially signing Martinez, there are still a couple of other teams linked to the aging right-handed hitter.
The Los Angeles Angels and Miami Marlins have shown interest in adding Martinez, per Heyman. The San Francisco Giants also made a bid for Martinez earlier this offseason, but were turned down.
“Martinez, who made $10 million last year, declined a bigger offer from the Giants earlier this spring, and word is that one big reason was the Giants’ extreme pitchers’ park,” Heyman wrote.
Martinez, 36, still had a very productive campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. He earned All-Star honors for the sixth time in his career and finished the season batting .271 with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs.
But the Dodgers decided to make the biggest splash of the offseason and sign Shohei Ohtani, who will take over in Martinez’s spot as Los Angeles’ designated hitter.
That’s left Martinez searching for a new MLB home and it seems like coming back to the East Coast and joining the Mets is his best option with not much time to spare before games begin for real.
]]>Aaron Rodgers is mostly known for his extensive resume as a Super Bowl champion during 19 NFL seasons.
The current New York Jets quarterback has won four MVP awards as a four-time First-Team All-Pro selection. Rodgers still has business he wants to take care of with the Jets, given that the team has not gone to the postseason since 2010. Regardless of if that changes, Rodgers already has cemented himself as an all-time great.
Off the field, Rodgers has found himself in the headlines off the field for a number of belief sets ranging across vaccines, psychedelics, and darkness retreats. Those seemed to be personal opinions that picked up national attention and have amplified Rodgers beyond his playing persona.
Suddenly, that has reportedly opened up a potential opportunity for the 40-year-old.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reached out to Rodgers after speaking on a consistent basis on the possibility of selecting the NFL quarterback as his running mate, per The New York Times’ Rebecca Davis O’Brien. NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero shared the report later on Tuesday.
In this scenario with Kennedy Jr. running for president, Rodgers would be the vice presidential nominee on the independent ticket in November. Is it really possible?
Davis O’Brien notes in the report that Rodgers “welcomed the overture” from Kennedy Jr., so let the speculation begin.
For those who need to dust off their AP United States Government textbooks, candidates for the office must be at least 35 years of age and either a natural-born U.S. citizen or an American citizen for 14 years. Those boxes can be checked off for the 40-year-old native of California.
In the low chance of Rodgers actually going through with such a scenario, his already busy fall during the NFL season would take on another major challenge during his return from an Achilles injury.
]]>The Boston Celtics have flexibility in their front-court depth, which leaves Nemmias Queta rummaging for minutes off the bench, fresh off recovering from a hyperextended knee injury.
Queta, who joined the Celtics on a two-way contract before the preseason, gradually showed signs of playing a serviceable role in Boston’s reserve unit. When Luke Kornet missed eight games in December, Queta filled in, averaging 5.9 points on 56.7% shooting with 5.6 rebounds. That marked Queta’s most notable stretch with the Celtics, but now the 24-year-old wants a more stable role moving forward.
“I feel like I have taken more steps in being consistent in everything I do,” Queta said, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. “For example, I think I’ve been doing a better job of making plays for others, setting more screens. I’ve been consistent getting more reps. I feel like it helps me in getting more established on the court and at the same time, I feel like I’m getting better with foul trouble even though I’ve still got room to grow. Still, that can go a long way, so I want to be able to get more consistent minutes and just be able to get a better feeling of what I can bring to the table.”
Since being sent to the G-League and getting healthy again, the circumstances in Boston have changed.
Kornet is back to being the third-string center behind Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis plus the Celtics did acquire Xavier Tillman Sr. before February’s trade deadline — who has earned a bit of trust from Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla.
During Monday night’s 122-99 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Queta played in two of the fourth quarter’s closing minutes, shooting 1-for-2 with one rebound and one block. It was his first time back on an NBA floor since Feb. 14 and a step in the right direction with 18 games left in the campaign.
“It’s good to be back, I’m feeling good, just trying to get my wind back, get back up to speed,” Queta added, per Washburn. “It shouldn’t be an issue. I feel perfectly fine.”
With the playoffs quickly approaching, the Celtics can use all the depth they can get, including having Queta prepared. The 7-foot, 245-pound veteran could also use a breakout finish after making more appearances with Boston thus far (24) than in two previous seasons (20) with the Sacramento Kings.
]]>The Boston Bruins didn’t necessarily make a huge splash at the NHL trade deadline, but they did add two players, Andrew Peeke and Pat Maroon, who bring size and physicality.
Bruins fans may get a glimpse of Peeke in an upcoming game, but Maroon is a bit farther off from donning the Spoked-B since he had back surgery in February and is still a few weeks away from returning.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 234 pounds, the three-time Stanley Cup winner instantly improves the Bruins’ toughness and size and adds to the playoff mentality Boston wants to play with down the stretch.
Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery said he could envision on paper where Maroon fits in the lineup, but he told reporters you have “to see it on the ice” and “see the chemistry” of the players who play well together.
Before his trade to Boston, Maroon had been playing on the third line for the Minnesota Wild, averaging just under 13 minutes of ice time. Montgomery would most likely use Maroon on the third or fourth line when he’s able to suit up for the Bruins.
“The thing I know about Pat Maroon is (he’s) someone we can put in offensive zone faceoffs,” Montgomery said after practice on Tuesday, per the team. “He’s gonna set picks. He’s gonna get to the net front. He’s gonna get behind the net. He has an uncanny ability to make plays from behind the net and down low.”
Maroon not only won three Cups, he did so in consecutive seasons. In 2019, he helped the St. Louis Blues win their first title in franchise history. He then won back-to-back titles with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021 to complete the trifecta.
]]>The New England Patriots have yet to make a notable splash two days into the NFL legal tampering period.
The same can’t be said about an AFC upstart that is looking to build off a surprising run to the playoffs this past season.
Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter seemed like a logical fit for the Patriots, but instead the Houston Texans made sure to scoop up the four-time Pro Bowler on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Texans gave the 29-year-old Hunter a massive contract that seemed well out of the range of what the Patriots would have offered with the measured approach and modest spending New England has exhibited. Hunter received a two-year deal from the Texans worth $49 million, with $48 million guaranteed, per Schefter. Hunter’s contract has a max value of $51 million with incentives.
The Texans, who captured the AFC South crown and won a playoff game this past season after going 3-13-1 in 2022, are getting a sack master in Hunter to add to their defense. Hunter has five double-digit sack seasons in his career, including last year when he posted a career-high 16.5 sacks to go along with 83 tackles. The LSU product totaled 87.5 sacks over his eight seasons with the Vikings.
Despite glaring needs on offense, the Patriots can’t solely focus on that side of the ball in free agency. Hunter could have given New England’s defense another dynamic option on the edge to pair opposite of Matthew Judon. The Patriots ended up filling that need by re-signing Josh Uche.
But instead of getting into an opponent’s backfield with the Patriots, Hunter will now use his skill set to do that for the Texans and create a formidable tandem with Will Anderson.
]]>Mike Gesicki didn’t have many memorable moments during his one season with the New England Patriots.
Perhaps what the veteran tight end will be most remembered for is his hilarious attempt at doing the griddy after hauling in a game-clinching touchdown pass with 12 seconds left in a Week 7 win over the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium. That was just one of two touchdown passes Gesicki caught in a Patriots uniform.
Gesicki, who reportedly left New England and agreed to terms on a one-year, $3.25 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday, certainly needs to work on his celebration dance and one of his new teammates has offered his help.
Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase helped make the griddy famous and class will be in order when it comes to trying to improve Gesicki’s iteration of the dance.
“He’ll be right before the season,” Chase responded on the X platform when the Bengals asked on social media if he would give Gesicki griddy lessons. “Mike Gesicki welcome fam.”
Gesicki finds himself in a much different offense now with Cincinnati than the one he played in with the Patriots. The Bengals have explosive weapons, starting with quarterback Joe Burrow to go along with Chase and fellow wideouts Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.
Opposing defenses will have to pay attention to those options first before Gesicki, which could mean more production out of him. Gesicki posted 29 catches for 244 yards and two touchdowns with the Patriots — his lowest numbers since his rookie season.
Gesicki could be in line for a bounce-back season in 2024, giving him an opportunity to show off a new and improved griddy with the help of Chase.
]]>With 15 games left in the regular season, the Boston Bruins sit in second place in the Eastern Conference with 91 points.
Not bad for a team that was supposedly going to “fall off “, according to several negative predictions entering the 2023-24 season.
Despite dropping an off-kilter 5-1 decision against the St. Louis Blues on Monday night, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery isn’t concerned with Boston’s overall play.
“Watching the game back, there’s parts of our game (we can learn from),” Montgomery told reporters after practice on Tuesday, per team-provided video. “The odd-man rushes we didn’t like, but their first goal goes off a linesman’s skate. We had a couple of open nets that we missed. Over the course of the season, that happens.
“Like a baseball player. Sometimes, he hits flares, and they land between the shortstop and left fielder, and then sometimes, he hits the cover off the ball, and it goes right into the third baseman’s glove. It happens over the course of the season. I’m not going to put much into (Monday’s) game.”
With an overall record of 38-14-15, the Bruins are 19-4-8 against teams slated to make the postseason and 19-10-7 against non-playoff teams.
Montgomery said the Bruins need to continue to refine their game and have the ability to find their game consistently — whether they are playing well or have started poorly in a matchup.
“I think our team has shown the ability to check. We’ve shown the ability to score; we’ve shown the ability to play physical,” Montgomery said. “We just got to consistently do it and value being hard to play against. That’s the No. 1 thing. That’s hard to do all 82 games.”
The Bruins are coming off a stretch where they played six games in 10 days, and Montgomery recognized the club’s resilience, especially the “competitive spirit,” “great culture and the great leaders” in the locker room.
“I’ve said it since I’ve been here since day one. I’m very fortunate with the players I get to coach because they want to win,” Montgomery said. “They want to get better so that’s why I think we get better throughout the year.”
The Bruins face an Original Six rival when they head north of the border to take on the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night at the Bell Centre. The Canadiens are 33 points behind the Bruins in the standings and Boston holds the 2-0-1 record this season against Montreal. The overtime loss on Nov. 11 was the first time the Canadiens defeated the Bruins for the first time in 11 games dating back to the 2019-20 season.
]]>It feels like Calvin Ridley might be doing the Jacksonville Jaguars a solid.
And that’s not good news for the New England Patriots.
That line of thinking comes down to a detail recently pointed out by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, which started to gain more traction Tuesday during the legal tampering period.
Fowler previously reported if the Jaguars re-sign Ridley before the 2024 league year begins, Jacksonville will have to send the Atlanta Falcons a second-round pick. However, if Ridley officially hits the open market Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET and then the Jaguars agree to re-sign Ridley, Jacksonville would send a third-round pick.
With that said, it feels like the longer Ridley takes to make his decision, the less likely it is he joins the Patriots. New England has an offer into Ridley, per the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed.
The Jaguars benefit from Ridley being patient. There’s no benefit to either Ridley himself nor the Patriots. If Ridley wanted to join New England, he could agree to terms at any time during the legal tampering period and then officially sign when free agency begins Wednesday.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday the belief is that Ridley would rather sign with Jacksonville than New England. It appears that way. Perhaps there’s even a wink-wink deal in place between Ridley and the club.
This isn’t to say there’s no chance the Patriots will land Ridley. Obviously there’s a chance given New England is one of two teams still fighting for him.
But in this case, it feels like the silence from Ridley’s camp is speaking volumes.
]]>Trevor Story has as much pressure as anyone for the Boston Red Sox to seek internal improvement for the 2024 season.
Injuries have blocked Story’s progress over his first two seasons with Boston. The team signed the All-Star shortstop ahead of the 2022 season, still waiting for his chance to get healthy and play at a high level.
During the offseason, Story took on a leadership role to elevate others as well as himself. His infield camp became a highlight for younger players in the organization and his bat appeared to come back around after late-season struggles in his return from injury in 2023.
Story will likely fit in as the No. 3 hitter in the Red Sox lineup to drive in runs and bridge the pair of left-handed sluggers in Rafael Devers and Triston Casas. So far, spring training has been a great opportunity for Story to prove he can produce from that spot.
Story put together a quality day at the plate on Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals, going 3-3 with three RBIs, including a two-run home run in the first inning. Check out the swing from Story, per team-provided video.
His results have been solid throughout the spring, now batting .360 in his first 25 at-bats.
It’s a small sample size and it’s spring training. Regardless, these at-bats from Story early in 2024 should be encouraging for the Red Sox for the shortstop to take a step closer to the star he was, both offensively and defensively, with the Colorado Rockies.
As Opening Day approaches in less than three weeks, Story’s spring progress could be one of the larger storylines to start the season.
]]>The New England Patriots reportedly have made an offer to Calvin Ridley.
“The Patriots have an offer on the table to Ridley,” the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed reported Tuesday evening, citing sources.
The Herald did not provide any further details on the offer.
Ridley has been heavily connected to the Patriots since the legal tampering window opened Monday.
The Athletic reported Tuesday afternoon it was a two-horse race between the Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars, and that both teams felt like they were in the mix for the 29-year-old wideout.
That report, however, surfaced some 30 minutes after ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Ridley prefers to sign with the Jaguars.
Ridley spent the 2023 campaign in Jacksonville and eclipsed the 1,000-yard threshold for the second time in his career.
NFL free agency begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, at which time players will be able to officially sign with teams.
]]>The New England Patriots didn’t just spend Tuesday “pushing” to obtain standout wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
They also did some work to build out the bottom of their roster. The Patriots announced they re-signed three depth pieces in linebacker/special teamer Christian Elliss, quarterback Nathan Rourke and offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
New England claimed Elliss, who was an exclusive rights free agent, off waivers on Dec. 8 after the 25-year-old was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles. Ellis saw more playing time than Rourke and Wheatley, but only took the field on special teams in the four games he appeared in for the Patriots.
The Patriots acquired Wheatley from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Pierre Strong at the end of training camp this past season. The 6-foot-6, 320-pounder was supposed to be a backup tackle but only played five snaps, all of which came on special teams. Wheatley’s season came to an end in mid-October when he was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Wheatley was viewed as a project when the Patriots traded for him, especially since he played tight end in college. Re-signing Wheatley continues to give New England the chance to develop him in a vital position.
Rourke joined the Patriots in mid-December with New England claiming the the CFL’s 2022 Most Outstanding Canadian off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rourke never saw playing time despite the Patriots’ quarterback struggles, but he served as Bailey Zappe’s backup in the regular-season finale against the New York Jets. Mac Jones was inactive for that contest.
Zappe, Rourke and Jacoby Brissett, who the Patriots reportedly agreed to terms with Monday, make up New England’s quarterback room at the moment after the franchise traded Jones to the Jaguars on Sunday.
It also seems likely that the Patriots will add another young quarterback to the roster next month, perhaps using their No. 3 overall pick on one.
]]>Jalen Mills closed the door on a three-year run with the New England Patriots after entering the offseason as a free agent.
Mills, 29, plans to sign a one-year deal with the New York Giants, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday. The eight-year veteran switched over from cornerback to safety last season with New England, and will presumably replace Xavier McKinney, who intends to sign a four-year, $68 million contract with the Green Bay Packers.
Making eight starts in 17 total appearances with the Patriots last season, Mills recorded 45 tackles with a forced fumble, wrapping up an overall underwhelming run with the organization.
Even before officially hitting the market this offseason, Mills hinted at departing from New England in the offseason.
“I feel like I’m a starting safety in this league,” Mills said in January, per Sophie Weller of AtoZ Sports. “We’ve got two good safeties on the depth chart right now between (Kyle Dugger) and (Jabrill Peppers), so I think, like I said, there are definitely other teams that need starting safeties.”
Mills initially joined the Patriots in 2021, signing a four-year, $24 million deal in free agency after five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He leaves Foxborough having recorded just two interceptions in three seasons and will be on the hunt for a redemption campaign before once again returning to free agency in 2025.
]]>When the Boston College Eagles take the field for an important cause in their annual ALS Awareness Game, they will once again do so at Fenway Park.
BC and the Boston Red Sox announced on Tuesday that the game will once again take place at Fenway Park on April 25 against the Virginia Cavaliers. The game spreads awareness about the disease and honors the legacy of former BC captain Pete Frates, who pioneered awareness through the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge before passing away at the age of 34 in 2019.
Fenway Park previously hosted this game in 2017 and 2018 before hosting each of the last two contests in 2022 and 2023. This year’s installment will start a three-game weekend series with Virginia during conference play in the ACC.
Tickets to the game can be purchased through the Red Sox for $15 with the game just over a month away at Fenway Park.
]]>It didn’t take DeVante Parker long to land with a new team.
The New England Patriots on Monday told Parker they plan to release him when the new league year begins Wednesday, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
And just 24 hours later, Parker came to an agreement to play the 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, per Schefter. Parker agreed to a one-year, $4.69 million fully guaranteed deal. However, as Schefter noted, Philadelphia will only pay Parker $1.2 million with New England on the hook for the rest.
Parker officially will be released by the Patriots on Wednesday and at that time will be able to sign with the Eagles.
The Patriots had been trying to offload Parker and fellow wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster, per the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed. Teams were not interested in Parker in the trade market, though. It’s fair to think teams like the Eagles didn’t want to part with any assets given the likelihood the Patriots would release him.
“DeVante is thrilled and grateful to become a Philadelphia Eagle and to help this elite organization win a championship,” Jimmy Gould, Parker’s agent, told Schefter.
Parker underwhelmed during his two-year tenure in New England. He caught 64 of his 102 targets and finished with 933 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 26 games. Parker ranked among the league’s worst in separation metrics.
]]>The Patriots addressed a position of need with their first move of the legal tampering period.
It wasn’t a high-profile wide receiver.
Nor was it offensive tackle or quarterback, though those two positions were addressed later in the day with Mike Onwenu and Jacoby Brissett, respectively.
The Patriots reportedly agreed to terms with versatile running back Antonio Gibson on Monday afternoon, less than three hours after the tampering window opened. New England is expected to sign Gibson to a three-year contract with a base value of $11.25 million and maximum value of $17.25 million, per the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed.
While adding a running back might not have been on the bingo card of Patriots fans, Gibson nevertheless fills a role New England needed to fill. The Patriots needed a third-down back to take some of the workload from starter Rhamondre Stevenson. That haven’t had the type of player Gibson is since James White retired after the 2021 campaign.
And White, one of the most accomplished running backs for the Patriots, was the last in a long line of pass-catching options out of the backfield. New England fans will remember the days of Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead and Kevin Faulk, who served the role prior to White.
Those players were quite productive during their respective tenures. Adding a player of a similar skillset could go a long way for the new regime.
Gibson is a very capable pass-catcher and third-down back. Not only is the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Gibson able to stand in and pass protect, but he’s talented in space. In that sense, the shifty and elusive back might play smaller than his size. Gibson was drafted in the third-round of the 2020 NFL Draft after playing wide receiver at Memphis.
Gibson had 172 receptions for 1,283 yards and seven receiving touchdowns during his four seasons with the Washington Commanders. He’s caught 42 or more passes during each of the last three seasons.
During those three seasons, Gibson ranked seventh among all running backs in receiving yards behind only Austin Ekeler, Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Joe Mixon, D’Andre Swift and Josh Jacobs, per Pats Football Now’s Dan Kelley. That’s a good list to be on.
Additionally, Gibson totaled 2,643 yards on 642 career carries and 22 rushing touchdowns. He had his least productive season in 2023 as he worked as part of the rotation with Brian Robinson. One of Gibson’s biggest weaknesses is fumbling. He fumbled the ball four times in 113 touches during 2023. Stevenson having the lion’s share of attempts might help in that.
An underlying importance to the Gibson deal is the fact there likely will be a young quarterback in New England in the near future. The Patriots are expected to select their franchise quarterback No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Said quarterback — either Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels — could benefit from having a trusted target out of the backfield.
]]>It seemed as though the Patriots would be okay with letting linebacker Josh Uche walk this offseason, but the former second-round pick wasn’t interested in leaving.
New England agreed to terms with Uche on a one-year deal Tuesday, according to Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. Uche reportedly had “much more on the table elsewhere” but chose to return to Foxboro on a short-term deal.
It was reported Sunday that the Patriots had yet to extend Uche an offer, despite having a level of interest in his return.
The former second-round pick, returns following a down season where he failed to capitalize on some momentum leading into his walk year. The 25-year-old recorded just three sacks last year, seeing his production dip heavily following Matthew Judon’s season-ending injury.
He’ll get another shot at building up his value after a so-so year, likely in a more aggressive defense under new head coach Jerod Mayo and defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington, who wants the Patriots to be more aggressive under his watch.
Uche joins Michael Onwenu and Hunter Henry as priority re-signings, while Kyle Dugger likely will return after his transition tag is figured out.
]]>The Raiders reportedly are expected to part ways with another former New England Patriots quarterback.
Las Vegas is expected to cut Jimmy Garoppolo on Wednesday, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, who added there were a “few teams interested.” If the move is designated as a pre-June 1 transaction, it would free up $11.2 million in cap space, but if the move is designated for after June 1, it would open up $24 million, according to Spotrac. It still would be $11.25 million less because of Garoppolo’s upcoming two-game suspension.
The expected move came a week after Las Vegas cut Brian Hoyer before the start of free agency. The Raiders reportedly agreed to a deal with Gardner Minshew, who could be in line to be their starter next season. They also have been linked to a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Multiple teams already locked up quarterbacks during the first two days of the legal tampering period, including New England, which will reunite with Jacoby Brissett. The Denver Broncos have a vacancy after letting Russell Wilson walk to the Pittsburgh Steelers, so that is a possible destination.
Garoppolo will enter his age-33 season following a campaign where he was benched for a rookie signal-caller.
]]>In the week leading up to the start of the new NFL year, the Patriots appeared to be in danger of losing both of their top tight ends in free agency.
While New England let one of them walk, the franchise reportedly retained the other. And the Patriots were right to do so.
Last Friday, NFL Media reported the Patriots agreed to terms with Hunter Henry on a three-year contract worth up to $30 million. It marked the second deal in New England for the veteran tight end, who inked a three-year, $37.5 million deal in March 2021 amid the franchise’s uncharacteristic spending spree.
From a production standpoint, keeping Henry in the mix made sense for the Patriots. The 2016 second-round pick collected 17 receiving touchdowns in his first three seasons with the team — including a career-high nine in 2021 — and averaged 510 receiving yards per campaign over that span. Henry also made significant strides as a blocker across his first New England contract and established himself as one of the team’s best leaders, highlighted by a 2023 captaincy.
Considering all Henry brings to the table, it’s easy to understand why the Patriots were keen on keeping him in Foxboro, Mass. But perhaps equally — if not more — important was the message it sent at One Patriot Place.
By bringing Henry back for a second tour of duty in New England, the organization’s new regime made it clear that it would look out for its own if deserved. It certainly was the case for the 29-year-old, who stiff-armed previous injury concerns and only missed three games over his first three Patriots seasons. Henry did all that was asked of him from 2021 through 2023, did it well and was recognized fairly. That helps establish a precedent for a new regime that’s following in the footsteps of Bill Belichick, a brilliant coach who was often cold and unforgiving as a de facto general manager.
New England opted for a similar approach with Kendrick Bourne, a fellow 2021 signee who reportedly was awarded a new three-year deal even after tearing his ACL last fall. Those moves helped establish a new culture in New England, which lost virtually all of its attractiveness as an NFL destination once Tom Brady left town.
Is Henry a needle-mover as it relates to the Patriots’ playoff aspirations moving forward? Maybe not. But his reported new deal figures to have a greater impact on the franchise than when the tight end brings to the football field.
]]>The Patriots are in desperate need of a No. 1 wide receiver, and their ability to sign one could depend on how patient that wideout is willing to be.
New England reportedly are “pushing” to sign Calvin Ridley, who reportedly prefers to stay with the Jaguars. Jacksonville reportedly agreed to a deal with Gabe Davis, but it doesn’t completely rule it out of the Ridley sweepstakes that could have a “darkhorse” contender.
News on the 29-year-old receiver continues to develop throughout the second day of the legal tampering period, but a decision could come Wednesday.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler pointed out last month the terms of the Jaguars’ 2022 trade for Ridley include the Falcons acquiring a second-round pick in compensation. However, if Jacksonville, waits until the new NFL season begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, all it would cost Atlanta is a third-round comp pick.
It’s a situation that put the Jaguars in the position they’re in Tuesday where teams like the Patriots can make efforts to negotiate a better deal before the NFL calendar moves along. However, if Ridley does prefer to stay with the Jaguars, then those efforts would be futile, and it might better serve the Patriots to move on to avoid any more wasted effort.
Ridley became the top wide receiver on the market after Mike Evans and Michael Pittman Jr. agreed to new deals, but there also are potential names in the trade market. It’s an evolving situation where it appears at least one team will go home unhappy.
]]>The Green Bay Packers announced their intention to release offensive tackle David Bakhtiari on Monday, which has people wondering where he’ll end up next.
You know where he shouldn’t land? New England.
It’s understandable that some folks’ immediate reaction would be wanting Bakhtiari. He’s a five-time All-Pro selection, and at his peak was one of the very best tackles in the NFL. He also has connections to the Patriots, as de-facto general manager Eliot Wolf and confidant Alonzo Highsmith, who now call One Patriot Place home, had a hand in drafting him more than a decade ago.
Wolf, who was then a director of pro personnel with the Packers, helped make quite the discovery in Bakhtiari, who was a fourth-round pick. He later developed into the franchise tackle we were talking about. It’s been awhile since he played at that level, however.
It’s actually been a while since he’s played at all.
Bakhtiari, who is now 32, tore the ACL in his left knee on Dec. 31, 2020, and wound up missing 42 of the 58 games he was under contract for in Green Bay. It could be argued he still hasn’t recovered from the injury, as his returns have been interrupted by three arthroscopic surgeries across the following three years. Bakhtiari also underwent an emergency appendectomy in December 2022 that caused him to miss three games. If the Patriots want a tackle who will actually see the field, Bakhtiari isn’t exactly a safe bet.
New England’s best option would be finding a way to convince the New York Jets to sign him. He’s a good friend of Aaron Rodgers, so that helps, but anything else to facilitate that signing would be beneficial.
If he needs some money for an Uber to the airport, the Patriots should give it to him. New England could even get player/general manager Matthew Judon to openly recruit him, which always seems to lead to the player going elsewhere.
Bakhtiari was an incredible player during his prime, but it’s been three years since he was in it. The Patriots have tried signing high-upside, injury-slowed tackles in recent years, but it’s time to give it a rest.
]]>Much to the delight of New England fans, the Patriots might be adamant about adding a superstar wide receiver this offseason.
After Mike Evans re-upped with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Calvin Ridley became a prime candidate to receive a chunk of New England’s surplus of spending money. But Ridley reportedly prefers to stick with the Jaguars, who saw the veteran wideout snag 76 passes for 1,016 yards with eight touchdowns in his first season in Jacksonville.
So if Ridley stays in Trevor Lawrence’s arsenal of weapons, how will the Patriots proceed? The Athletic’s Chad Graff provided some insight in a post to X on Tuesday.
“If the Patriots miss out on Calvin Ridley, I expect them to turn to the trade market, checking in on players like Tee Higgins, Keenan Allen, and Brandon Aiyuk,” Graff wrote.
Higgins and Allen seemingly are far more realistic options for New England than Aiyuk. The Bengals’ 2020 second-round pick reportedly requested a trade out of Cincinnati, where he will never be the No. 1 option as long as Ja’Marr Chase is around. Allen, meanwhile, might become available as the Chargers attempt to straighten out their salary cap situation and New England reportedly has “checked in” with Los Angeles about players who could be on their way out.
Of course, the most convenient route would be convincing Ridley to sign on the dotted line and using ample cap space to lock him up long-term. But it sure sounds like the Patriots haven’t put all of their eggs in the 2018 first-rounder’s basket.
]]>The Patriots have obvious needs at the most important positions in football, and the Chargers could be a resource to acquire that talent.
New England has “checked in” on Los Angeles’ cut and trade candidates this week, according to the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed. The Chargers are $25 million over the cap, which is why they allowed Austin Ekeler to reportedly agree to a deal with the Washington Commanders. They can free up more cap space by parting ways with Mike Williams, Kennan Allen, Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa.
Wide receivers and edge defenders are huge needs for the Patriots, and they have the resources to either sign or trade for those four players. This is the order in which New England should acquire them.
1. Keenan Allen
The 11-year wide receiver quickly became one of Justin Herbert’s favorite targets. He’s reached over 1,000 receiving yards in five or the past seven seasons The six-time Pro Bowl wideout still has the talent to be a No. 1 option and would make for a great security blanket due to his ability to win against man or zone coverage. Allen enters his age-32 season and battled multiple injuries throughout his Chargers career, but he’s still worth pursuing to upgrade the offense.
2. Khalil Mack
The 33-year-old posted a career-high in sacks in 2023 with 17 and his ability to get after the quarterback still is among the best in the league. He also can dominate as a run-stopper. The 2016 Defensive Player of the Year would be a valuable asset and could serve as a mentor for emerging players like Christian Barmore and Keion White.
3. Mike Williams
Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are acclaimed for their arm strength, and those skills could be put on display by having one of them sling it to Williams. One thing the Patriots could be checking in on is how the 29-year-old is recovering from his torn ACL that forced him to miss the majority of the 2023 season. He’s only hit over 1,000 yards twice in his seven-year career, but the Patriots coaching staff could tell themselves a story and see that Herbert dealt with inept play-callers that didn’t fully utilize his strengths nor Williams’ ability to win at the catch point. It’s a tough spot to rely on a wide receiver renowned for his physical gifts after a torn ACL, but Williams had shown glimpses of a diverse route tree that could be unlocked under offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.
4. Joey Bosa
The elder Bosa brother is the youngest out of the four Chargers cut candidates, but his injury history is cause for concern. The 28-year-old suffered hamstring, foot, groin and multiple head injuries throughout his eight-year career. There’s no question when it comes to the 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year and four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher. But Bosa also made boneheaded plays in key moments for the Chargers that might not be worth dealing with for first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. A different environment could suit Bosa, but if the Patriots had their choice of Chargers players, he isn’t where they should be looking.
Calvin Ridley reportedly is deciding between two teams: The New England Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Athletic’s Jeff Howe shared the development Tuesday afternoon, less than 30 minutes after ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Patriots were “pushing to sign” Ridley. At that time, however, Schefter noted Ridley would prefer to land with the Jaguars.
Nevertheless, the Patriots feel they’re still vying for Ridley’s services.
“Both teams feel they’re in it,” Howe posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Patriots and Jaguars have been jockeying for Ridley in reports since the legal tampering window opened Monday at noon ET. They have been viewed as the top suitors for the 29-year-old the whole time, though there was a report of a “dark horse” entering the mix.
Ridley played the 2023 campaign in Jacksonville and exceeded 1,000 yards receiving with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville reportedly agreed to terms with wide receiver Gabe Davis on Monday, as well.
Meanwhile, the Patriots have an obvious need at the position despite re-signing Kendrick Bourne and tight end Hunter Henry.
]]>Saquon Barkley caught flak from a Giants legend about his free agency decision, but the star running back didn’t take it quietly.
Barkley, drafted second overall by New York in 2018, reportedly is leaving the Meadowlands to sign a lucrative new deal with the rival Eagles. The move to Philadelphia drew a strong response from former Giants running back Tiki Barber, who claimed Barkley was now “dead” to the franchise and its fans.
The two-time Pro Bowl selection made sure to have his voice heard after Barber’s shot.
“@TikiBarber lol yup you’re the prime example of loyalty to a team,” Barkley posted to X on Monday. “I got the deal I wanted, secured more gm which wasn’t given to me before. So if fans are gonna hate me for that so be it! But I never turned my back on my teammates and always had theirs.”
Barkley added: “@TikiBarber you been a hater since I got to New York … and all the ‘Dead to me’ talk don’t smile in my face when you see me.”
There probably won’t be many smiles on the faces of Giants fans when the Eagles make their trip to MetLife Stadium this season. Even though Barkley was an easy player for New York to root for and stayed committed to the franchise until he no longer could, the 27-year-old probably can expect a harsh reception when he returns to his old stomping grounds.
]]>We’re back for more legal tampering.
While it was a busy beginning to the legal tampering period Monday, the unofficial start to NFL free agency, some of the top impending free agents still remain available on the open market.
Many of those players will communicate with teams Tuesday, one day before the league year officially begins. Players cannot sign deals with teams until Wednesday, but can agree to the terms of those deals.
Before providing all the Day 2 updates, check up the top stories from Monday here.
And we’re off in Day 2…
10:45 p.m. ET: Tight end Pharaoh Brown will be headed to the Seattle Seahawks, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
10:01 p.m. ET: The New England Patriots added another tight end, agreeing to terms with Austin Hooper on a one-year deal, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
You can read more here.
7:27 p.m. ET: In efforts to further improve a championship roster, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is restructuring his contract to free up nearly $22 million in cap space, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
7:13 p.m. ET: Defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson is set for a second stint with the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year deal, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
7:12 p.m. ET: Just days after agreeing to a deal with Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson, the Pittsburgh Steelers are trading away capable receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
6:34 p.m. ET: Safety Jordan Poyer is staying in the AFC East, agreeing to a deal with the Miami Dolphins after seven seasons with the Buffalo Bills, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
6:31 p.m. ET: The Houston Texans made another notable addition, agreeing to a two-year deal with defensive end Danielle Hunter for $49 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
5:23 p.m. ET: The New York Giants reached an agreement on a one-year deal with defensive back Jalen Mills, who spent the last three seasons with the New England Patriots, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
You can read more here.
3:21 p.m. ET: The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to release veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
You can read more here.
2:02 p.m. ET: The New York Giants are expected to sign Drew Lock, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported it is for one year and $5 million.
1:55 p.m. ET: Patrick Queen has agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per ESPN’s Marcus Spears. Queen plans to sign a three-year deal worth $41 million, as shared by colleague Adam Schefter.
1:13 p.m. ET: Jameis Winston intends to sign with the Cleveland Browns, per CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson.
1:09 p.m. ET: Defensive lineman Malcolm Roach is expected to join the Denver Broncos, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
1 p.m. ET: Another Calvin Ridley report.
The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported it’s down to the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots. “Both teams feel like they’re in it,” Howe posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
You can read more here.
12:51 p.m. ET: The New York Jets have agreed to terms with defensive tackle Leki Fotu, per CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
12:50 p.m. ET: The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs reached an agreement with tight end Irv Smith, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Smith will get a one-year deal.
12:41 p.m. ET: Derrick Henry has agreed to a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Henry’s contract includes a base value of $16 million with incentives pushing the maximum to $20 million, including $9 million guaranteed.
Henry confirmed it himself.
12:37 p.m. ET: The New England Patriots are “pushing to sign” wide receiver Calvin Ridley, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. However, Ridley prefers to land in Jacksonville and has been discussing a deal with the Jaguars.
You can read more here.
11:49 a.m. ET: Running back D’Ernest Johnson has agreed to return to the Jacksonville Jaguars on a one-year deal, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
11:44 a.m. ET: The Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms with defender Shaq Barrett on a one-year deal worth up to $9 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
11:41 a.m. ET: The Atlanta Falcons, who reportedly have added quarterback Kirk Cousins, are expected to sign receiver Darnell Mooney, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
11:34 a.m. ET: The Cleveland Browns are expected to sign running back Nyheim Hines to a one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
11:23 a.m. ET: Trade!
The Cincinnati Bengals are trading running back Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. Cincinnati previously was leaning toward releasing Mixon.
11:02 a.m. ET: Mike Gesicki, who spent the 2023 campaign with the New England Patriots, is headed to catch passes from Joe Burrow.
Gesicki has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
10:59 a.m. ET: The Dallas Cowboys have watched all their NFC East rivals made major moves during the last two days.
And the Cowboys have finally responded by agreeing to terms with … long snapper Trent Sieg, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
10:39 a.m. ET: Marcus Mariota is staying in the NFC East and he will join the Washington Commanders on a one-year deal with the potential to earn $10 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
10:10 a.m. ET: The Carolina Panthers were thought to be in the wide receiver market, but Carolina won’t be among the teams interested in a trade for Cincinnati Bengals wideout Tee Higgins, per CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
Higgins reportedly requested a trade from the Bengals on Monday.
10:00 a.m. ET: The Houston Texans have agreed to terms with linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
9:55 a.m. ET: The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to sign offensive lineman Matt Hennessy, per Eagles reporter Zach Berman.
9:53 a.m. ET: Derrick Henry remains available and has had conversations with multiple teams, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. The Baltimore Ravens are among them, but nothing is imminent.
9:25 a.m. ET: The Washington Commanders are expected to sign 2019 first-round pick Clelin Ferrell, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
It’s been a busy start for Washington.
9:06 a.m. ET: Calvin Ridley, who’s been connected to the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars, has a “dark horse” team in the mix, per CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
8:30 a.m. ET: Aaron Jones will remain in the NFC North.
The former Green Bay Packers running back is expected to join the Minnesota Vikings, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported the contract is for one year and $7 million.
7:34 a.m. ET: The Buffalo Bills agreed to terms with defensive tackle Daquan Jones, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. Jones is expected to receive a two-year deal worth $16 million with a maximum value of $18 million.
6:31 a.m. ET: The Los Angeles Rams are finalizing a three-year deal for cornerback Darious Williams, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
1:04 a.m. ET: The Minnesota Vikings, who lost Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons, are expected to sign quarterback Sam Darnold, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
Darnold will receiver a one-year deal worth $10 million.
11:39 p.m. ET: The New York Jets have agreed to terms with quarterback Tyrod Taylor, per NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero. Taylor is expected to serve as the backup to Aaron Rodgers.
]]>The Patriots intend on expanding the roles of young members of their front-seven next season, but they’re still looking into veteran depth for the unit.
New England has “shown some early interest” in veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins during the NFL’s legal tampering period, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive. The Patriots are doing their “due diligence” on the defensive tackle market, per Daniels’ sources.
Rankins makes sense on multiple levels for New England.
Christian Barmore and Keion White are expected to take on bigger roles this season, but with Lawrence Guy now gone, the Patriots need some stability on early downs. White can provide that on the edge, but New England will need more on the interior than Barmore and veteran Davon Godchaux.
Rankins can fill the gap between those two, as the 2016 first-round pick still can be described as a three-down player. The 29-year-old spent last season in Houston and recorded six sacks, 37 tackles and 10 quarterback hits on a swarming Texans defense. He’s compiled 29.5 career sacks and missed a total of four games over the last three seasons.
New England needs depth, as names like Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms, Sam Roberts and Trysten Hill don’t exactly strike fear in the hearts of interior offensive linemen. If the Patriots want someone with versatility and a strong pedigree, Rankins might be the guy.
]]>The Bruins added physicality before last Friday’s trade deadline, but more importantly, Pat Maroon also made his TikTok debut.
Boston acquired the three-time Stanley Cup champion from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for forward Luke Toporowski and a 2026 sixth-round conditional draft pick, which only gets transferred if Maroon plays in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Players like Charlie Coyle welcomed the addition, and Maroon admitted it gave him “chills” to be on the same team with someone like Brad Marchand, who he’s had his in-game disputes with.
If there were fans who were curious about his fit in Boston, those concerns might have been alleviated after watching him get welcomed by his new teammates on TikTok.
“So welcoming here in (Boston),” the Bruins captioned.
The video featured Maroon lip-synching “hey” and “how you doing” interspersed with puzzled reactions from Brad Marchand, Brandon Carlo and Hampus Lindholm. The clip also showed Bruins fans a glimpse of Maroon in the Spoked B.
Maroon is coming off back surgery he underwent last month, but he could make his Boston debut as soon as the end of the month. And it could provide the needed boost the B’s need as they prepare for the postseason.
]]>The New England Patriots continue to be linked to Calvin Ridley, but the wideout reportedly prefers another interested suitor.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday afternoon that New England is “pushing to sign” Ridley. However, the belief is Ridley currently prefers to return to the Jacksonville and has been discussing a deal with the Jaguars.
It’s not the first time the Jaguars and Patriots have surfaced in reports for Ridley. The 29-year-old played the 2023 campaign in Jacksonville and the Jaguars were said to be interested in re-signing him.
Jacksonville’s reported agreement for fellow wideout Gabe Davis on Monday caused some to question whether or not Ridley could land elsewhere. After all, it was reported the Jaguars would be giving Davis a three-year deal worth $39 million and that’s just two seasons after paying wide receiver Christian Kirk.
While it’s not yet known what New England has offered Ridley, if the deals are similar in term and finances and if Ridley prefers the offense led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, New England might not be able to do anything about it.
]]>The Patriots are turning to an old friend to help usher in the new era of the franchise.
New England’s biggest move on the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period was a reported agreement on a one-year contract with Jacoby Brissett. The veteran quarterback should play an important role for the Patriots starting with preseason workouts, but fans won’t have to wait until then to see what Brissett will look like in New England gear.
That’s because Brissett played his rookie season in Foxboro, Mass., where he was drafted 91st overall in 2016. Scenes from that memorable Patriots campaign were all over social media Monday when countless fans made the same joke.
The Patriots reportedly “hope” Brissett can be either a bridge starter or a helpful backup to a rookie quarterback in 2024. The 31-year-old gained experience in both roles across his first seven NFL seasons, so it’s easy to understand why Jerod Mayo and company prioritized Brissett at the outset of free agency.
And with Brissett now in line to return to New England, there seemingly is only one move left for the Patriots to make in their quarterback overhaul plan.
]]>Before the start of the 2024 season, NESN.com is evaluating several noteworthy prospects in the Boston Red Sox organization, using insight and analysis from industry experts to gauge each player’s outlook for the upcoming campaign. Next up: Yoeilin Cespedes.
Prospect rankings are fluid.
Players progress and regress. Sometimes, they change teams. And organizations evolve, for better or worse.
So, while there’s a clear “top three” in the Red Sox farm system ahead of the 2024 season, it’s worth considering who will represent the next wave.
One possibility: Yoeilin Cespedes.
Cespedes hasn’t been with the Red Sox long, but he’s already turning heads thanks to his immense potential. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him soar up prospect rankings over the next few years, perhaps starting this season.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 18-year-old infielder.
Background
The Red Sox signed Cespedes as an international free agent in January 2023. Cespedes, who was 17 at the time, landed a $1.4 million signing bonus, an indication of just how highly the Red Sox think of the Dominican Republic native despite his youth and inexperience.
MLB Pipeline had Cespedes ranked No. 25 in the international free agent class, a group headlined by Ethan Salas, who since developed into one of the game’s most highly regarded prospects with the San Diego Padres.
Cespedes is small in stature, listed at 5-foot-9 and 181 pounds, but he drew rave reviews for his pure hitting ability, which he quickly displayed during a 46-game debut in the Dominican Summer League last season.
“He’s put up some numbers we haven’t seen very much from that level,” Red Sox assistant general manager Eddie Romero told MassLive.com last July.
Cespedes slashed .346/.392/.560 with six home runs and 38 RBIs in 209 plate appearances. He was named the Red Sox’s Latin Program Position Player of the Year.
Scouting report
Alex Speier wrote for Baseball America last July that Cespedes already looked like one of the top hitting prospects to come through the Red Sox Dominican Academy since Rafael Devers a decade ago. Lofty praise, obviously.
Speier isn’t alone in that assessment, either, as there’s a contingent of evaluators who believe Cespedes could be something special.
“He’s a tough one because I still haven’t seen him (play),” Ian Cundall, director of scouting for SoxProspects.com, recently told NESN.com. “But I’ve talked to some people who have, and there are people who think he should be like a top-five guy in the system already.”
So, what exactly stands out about Cespedes, a diminutive teenager who doesn’t even have a full professional season under his belt?
Well, let’s start with the bat.
It’s a much different profile than Devers, now one of MLB’s most feared sluggers, but it’s nevertheless tantalizing. MLB Pipeline wrote that Cespedes boasts “plus bat speed,” “noteworthy raw power” and “an advanced approach,” and it doesn’t sound like anything he’s done since signing with the Red Sox has dispelled those notions. By all accounts, the kid can rake.
“His max (exit velocities) are insane for someone his age and size,” Cundall said. “I think it was like 107 (mph) last year, which is really, really good for a 17-year-old who’s 5-9. And I just think what he showed at the plate was really impressive.
“The caveat with all this is it’s the DSL. But people who watch the DSL consistently were all blown away by him and said he was the best guy on that Red Sox team by far.”
Cespedes is aggressive at the plate — he walked just 14 times in 209 plate appearances last season — and thus might need to become more selective as he climbs the system. But Romero told MassLive that Cespedes “uses the whole field” and “hits the ball hard everywhere,” traits that should play even as he sees more advanced pitching.
” There are people who think he should be like a top-five guy in the (Red Sox) system already.”
Ian Cundall, director of scouting for SoxProspects.com, on Yoeilin Cespedes
Defensively? That’s anyone’s guess at this point, with Cespedes so early in his development. But the Red Sox presumably will groom him as a shortstop — his natural position — before shifting him elsewhere if necessary.
Cespedes certainly looks like a second baseman, given his size. But organizational need as he reaches the upper minors could factor into his long-term home in the field, as well.
Most-likely outcome: Regular infielder.
This is a nearly impossible exercise. There’s so much uncertainty. After all, no one has seen Cespedes in game action in the United States yet.
“He is kinda that big wild card, where he’s kinda a mythological figure,” Cundall joked. “Everyone hears about how good this guy is, but no one’s ever actually seen him play. So, we’ll have to wait and see.”
That said, there’s enough information floating around to suggest Cespedes has a good chance of someday reaching the majors — and then sticking upon arrival.
“Cespedes has been compared to a young Howie Kendrick,” MLB Pipeline wrote. “It’s a lofty comparison, but Cespedes has a chance to be a special prospect.”
Kendrick, once an elite prospect, never quite achieved superstar status in The Show, but he carved out a very good 15-year career. The Red Sox would take that outcome in a heartbeat, even though they can dream on more for now.
“Just talking to people who have seen him, there’s a lot of confidence that he might be that next guy.”
Ian Cundall on Yoeilin Cespedes
Best-case scenario: All-Star caliber infielder.
Again, we’re basically throwing a dart at the board here. A lot can happen over the next several years. But we’re talking about best-case scenario. If Cespedes refines his raw tools, why can’t he become an impact player?
“You need guys like that. You’ve got to take some upside risks. You need guys with that ceiling,” Cundall said. “Obviously, developing major leaguers is the goal here. But we have seen that the teams that have the best chance to succeed at the major league level can develop homegrown stars. And that’s no easy feat. But when you’re talking about ceiling, he’s a ceiling guy. And you need those guys in the system to balance out the higher-floor or safer options.”
Cespedes told reporters last summer he grew up idolizing Xander Bogaerts and tries to emulate the former Red Sox shortstop.
SoxProspects ranking: No. 10
Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel are widely considered the Red Sox’s top three position-player prospects. And each could graduate to the majors within the next two to three years.
After that, perhaps Cespedes will sit near the top of Boston’s prospect rankings while garnering national attention.
“Just talking to people who have seen him, there’s a lot of confidence that he might be that next guy,” Cundall said. “If you were to ask me who’s the guy outside the top like eight or nine who could jump into the top five the quickest, it would probably be him. Because if he shows early on what we think he can show, then he belongs in that top-five group immediately. He’d be right up there with (Miguel) Bleis, (Ceddanne) Rafaela — that tier — because as I said, there are people who think he might be a top-100 prospect nationally already, too.”
Fenway forecast
It’ll likely be years before Cespedes sniffs the majors. Think 2027 or so. But this still marks a big season for the up-and-comer. We could learn a lot about his career trajectory, which in turn might impact how the Red Sox farm system is viewed — top to bottom — across the industry.
“I remember Devers, you would see him in Low-A and just be like, ‘Oh yeah. This is it. It just sounds different coming off his bat.’ Bogaerts was pretty similar in like Low-A,” Cundall said. “But I think with a guy like Cespedes, he could easily this year, if he goes out — let’s say they aggressively assign him to Low-A. Pretty good indicator right there that if they’re jumping a guy from the DSL to Low-A, if he goes out and performs right there, then that’s where it’s like, ‘OK, game on. It’s time We’re going to springboard this guy up because he’s showing out as a (18-year-old) at Salem, which is not an easy park to hit.’ “
]]>It never hurts adding depth on the blue line, which is why the Bruins went out and made an addition prior to their final stretch of the regular season.
Boston general manager Don Sweeney announced Tuesday that the team signed defenseman Drew Bavaro to a one-year contract with an NHL cap hit of $867,500. It’s an entry-level deal, which will see the 23-year-old report to the Providence Bruins on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
Bavaro is fresh off a successful one-year stint at Notre Dame, in which he recorded 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points during the 2023-24 campaign. He ranked first in goals, third in assists and tied for first in points among all Fighting Irish defensemen.
He’s a semi-local guy, too, spending the first two seasons of his collegiate career at Bentley University from 2020-22. He’s probably been on Causeway Street a time or two. The 6-foot-3, 202-pound defenseman played in 124 collegiate contests, and his next game will be his first as a professional.
The Bruins might not need him for the remainder of this season, but one injury could thrust him into consideration for a roster spot.
]]>The Patriots are interested in adding high-end talent to the roster, and the Chargers could be the source of that talent pool.
Los Angeles made wholesale changes this offseason and new general manager Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh likely will make more tweaks since the Chargers are $25 million over the cap.
Austin Ekeler agreed to sign with the Washington Commanders and Los Angeles can free up more cap space by cutting or trading wide receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen along with edge defenders Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
The Patriots have “checked in” on these cut or trade candidates this week, according to the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed. New England has obvious needs for a wide receiver or edge defender and could get a deal done if a trade is necessary.
DeVante Parker and JuJu Smith-Schuster likely are set to depart from the Patriots. and while Kendrick Bourne agreed to re-sign, the wide receiver room gets pretty thin after him. Calvin Ridley is a potential target, and either Williams or Allen would be a solid addition.
Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings will enter free agency, but Bosa or Mack would fall in line with Jerod Mayo’s reported desire to add at least one “elite defender” this offseason.
New England has plenty of resources to get a deal done, but that will depend on the competition for the Chargers players and the asking price for them.
]]>The Players Championship no longer can claim it is the fifth major or the toughest field in golf, but the PGA Tour’s signature event remains one of the best tournaments on the calendar.
LIV Golf has taken a large bite out of the Players’ general standing. This week’s tournament has an OWGR rating of 454.4. When Rory McIlroy won the tournament in 2019, the field rating was 882. Even if you don’t completely understand the intricacies of those rankings (guilty), it’s still a huge difference.
The purse size is gigantic — the biggest in the sport still. The winner takes home $4.5 million of the $25 million pot with 144 players in the field. Just make the cut and you’re guaranteed at least $40,000. Pretty good payday.
Let’s get into our picks for The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass (betting odds via FanDuel Sportsbook).
THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Course: TPC Sawgrass
Defending champion: Scottie Scheffler
Favorites: Scheffler (+550), Rory McIlroy (+1200)
Notes: Despite Sawgrass’ standing as one of the most recognizable and familiar courses on the Tour, there’s not a ton of predictability from past performance. Based on Data Golf’s Course History Tool, there are at least 10 places where course history is more predictive. … A big reason for that is there’s trouble just about everywhere with 92 total bunkers and water in play on literally every single hole, meaning that even if you know the course like the back of your hand, there’s always a big number looming that can completely wreck your day. … That being said, driving accuracy is more important here than just about every Tour stop. … There has never been a repeat winner at The Players.
First-round leader: Sam Burns (+5000)
After a couple of close-ish calls last week, let’s go with a bit of a dart throw that makes sense. The morning wave has produced a lower average score in eight of the last nine Players tournaments, and Burns goes off Thursday at 8:24 a.m. ET. Completely ignoring what we’ve already said about course history, Burns did shoot a first-round 68 in 2022 and 2023 at Sawgrass. He’s been hot with the putter just about everywhere, but he always rolls it better in Florida. He’s got four top-10 finishes in his last five starts, so he comes in with really good overall form, too.
Top 20: Nick Novak (+550)
The recent form is impossible to ignore. Granted, Novak hasn’t been doing it against great fields, but he has three straight top-10 finishes dating back to Phoenix. Our model loves him, too, as someone who is really, really good on approach and around the green. He’s a little dicey off the tee, but he typically does well to avoid major trouble. The recent run has coincided with some spike putting weeks, but he also finished eighth at Mexico despite losing more than three strokes putting.
Top 10: Hideki Matsuyama (+360)
Matsuyama appears all the way back. He won a star-studded event at the Genesis where he was an absolute wizard around the green. Last week, he lost to the field around the green but was sensational on approach and putted well enough to get a 12th-place finish. He’s gained on approach in four of six starts since Sony. He’s the perfect encapsulation of the Players volatility, with three top-10s and two missed cuts in six starts since 2016. In a very much “for what it’s worth” situation, he was also leading the 2020 tournament before it was canceled for COVID-19.
Winner: Shane Lowry (+4000)
Before getting into Lowry, let’s get it on record that Scheffler might very well win this thing in a runaway given how well he’s playing right now. If he doesn’t, though, let’s get a little value on the hefty Irishman at 40-1. He’s been really good dating back to the Farmers in late January, gaining on approach in each start with top-five finishes the last two weeks. It’s similar to how he was playing entering last year before a disappointing tie for 35th. Here’s the thing about that one, though: Only 12 players were worse in the first round where he shot a 77 before playing the next three rounds at 9-under. Just shooting even in the first round would have had him at 14-under for the tourney in second place. Oh, and are you really betting against the Irishman for a St. Patrick’s Day finish on Sunday?
Other winner picks likely to make the card: Justin Thomas (22-1), Will Zalatoris (33-1), Ludvig Aberg (33-1) Tom Hoge (70-1)
]]>The New England Patriots reportedly traded Mac Jones and signed Jacoby Brissett within a span of 36 hours.
It means New England’s overhaul at the position is nearly complete with the impending final move just about written in stone: The Patriots will draft a quarterback No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
If you heard Patriots de facto general manager Eliot Wolf at the NFL Scouting Combine, that shouldn’t come as any surprise. Wolf praised the quarterback class in 2024, mentioned how successful teams usually draft QBs in the first round and said the organization would be looking for someone who is both physically and mentally capable of the job.
Wolf also seemed to take a shot at Jones when he made a reference to body language. Prior to that, though, there was a small collection of fans and media members who wondered whether Jones actually could get another chance under New England’s new regime. The Patriots have many holes on the roster, they said, and trading back for additional picks would allow them to address more needs and give Jones one final try. Wolf’s comments confirmed that wouldn’t happen. While at the combine, the Patriots reportedly told Jones they’d try to trade him.
It was the correct move.
The reports that recently surfaced added to the expectation, too. MassLive reported the Patriots were zeroing in on a three-step plan, which included drafting a first-round QB, signing a veteran and trading Jones. The Patriots accomplished two of three these last few days.
The reported agreement with Brissett feels like a perfect fit for the Patriots. He reportedly will sign a one-year, $8 million deal.
Not only does Brissett have experience in New England and with Patriots first-year offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, but just about all have lauded Brissett as a well-respected teammate.
“I love Jacoby. He is a hell of a teammate, one of the best teammates I have ever had,” former Browns teammate Jadevon Clowney told reporters in 2022, per Sports Illustrated.
That line of thinking likely inspired confidence among those at One Patriot Place. Given where the Patriots stand behind center and in the draft, they need someone who won’t make it awkward if they select a new face of the franchise. Brissett knows that role. The 31-year-old is the epitome of a veteran backup and bridge quarterback. Who knows how Baker Mayfield or Gardner Minschew would have handled the same situation?
“Being a good teammate will trump anything,” Brissett told reporters when he signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders last year, per Sports Illustrated. At that time, Brissett was added with second-year QB Sam Howell serving as Washington’s starter.
It will be a similar situation in New England. The Patriots are expected to draft one of the consensus top three quarterbacks with either Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels likely to be the prospect who falls to them. Caleb Williams is widely expected to be the top pick by the Chicago Bears.
Not to be overshadowed, though, is the fact Brissett can serve as the short-term bridge starter if the Patriots would prefer to give the rookie time to develop. The 21-year-old Maye, who’s been praised for his high ceiling, might fit that billing more than the 23-year-old Daniels, whose skillset might be able to translate quicker.
New England reportedly intends to operate that way and not rush the rookie. Given the Patriots aren’t entering the 2024 campaign with Super Bowl aspirations — setting sights on improvement is the correct mindset to have — Brissett could steer the ship. He’s started 48 career games with his best season coming as the Indianapolis Colts starter in 2019 when he went 7-8. Brissett is 18-30 as a starter in his career.
Brissett obviously is not the long-term answer for the Patriots. But he’s perfectly suited for the role they’ll ask of him. And now the organization can concentrate on identifying the long-term answer.
]]>The Boston Celtics could be getting some representation on the FS1 airwaves as the NBA postseason draws near.
Paul Pierce “is likely joining FS1’s ‘Undisputed’ in a contributor role,” according to the New York Post’s Ryan Glasspiegel. The deal is not finalized, according to The Post, and a FOX Sports spokesperson declined a comment.
Shannon Sharpe’s departure forced “Undisputed” to shift away from a debate-style show to a panel that joins Bayless to discuss the trending topics of the day. Keyshawn Johnson, Michael Irvin, Richard Sherman and Rachel Nichols have been regular contributors on the program, which took a ratings hit since Sharpe left for ESPN’s “First Take.”
Pierce co-hosts the “Ticket & The Truth” podcast with fellow former Celtic Kevin Garnett, and he hasn’t been afraid to throw out outlandish takes about the current state of the NBA or his own status among Hall of Famers.
The 46-year-old has been away from cable television since he was fired by ESPN in 2021 after posting a video of himself smoking marijuana at a party that seemed to feature other NSFW elements. The 2008 NBA Finals MVP still questions why he was fired by the network, but he’ll get an opportunity to prove his worth when he joins Bayless for the NBA playoffs.
]]>The Washington Commanders made an addition Tuesday that could have fairly significant implications for the New England Patriots.
If you don’t follow, allow us to explain.
The Commanders agreed to terms with veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota on Tuesday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Washington presumably made the addition to help bring along whoever they select with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. We know a good amount about Mariota, so the move has us wondering whether or not the Commanders just telegraphed its pick.
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye and LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels have been jockeying for position to be that second overall selection. It’s been a back-and-forth fight, but Daniels’ upside has some decision-makers leaning in his direction.
Washington general manager Adam Peters might be one of them.
“Signing Mariota sure seems like a sign Washington is leaning towards Jayden Daniels,” Commanders reporter JP Finlay posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday.
That’s the opinion of someone who knows a thing or two out in Washington, but in watching both Daniels and Maye, there can be an argument made for both. Daniels is an explosive runner like Mariota, but he’s a far more polished pocket-passer than the veteran. He’ll stand in and deliver the ball, where Maye fits Mariota’s tendency to tuck it and run around trying to make a play.
However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and Washington might view this thing a bit differently than we do. That’s why it’s probably best listening to someone in the know.
How does this all affect New England, you ask? The Patriots are going to be left with the holdover.
If Washington selects Maye, New England likely selects Daniels, and vice versa. There’s also a slim chance the Patriots come from left field and select someone like J.J. McCarthy with the No. 3 pick, but the smoke seems to be dissipating on that one.
It remains to be seen what the ultimate decision is for the Commanders, but there’s one thing that is for certain: Washington’s decision will have a significant impact on the Patriots.
]]>Mike Gesicki will look to put together a bounce-back season in 2024, but it won’t be with the Patriots.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday reported Gesicki plans to sign a one-year, $3.25 million deal with the Bengals once the new NFL year officially opens Wednesday. Gesicki is set to join a talented Cincinnati offense that features the likes of wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, as well as star quarterback Joe Burrow.
Gesicki is coming off a very underwhelming 2023 season in New England, where he signed a one-year deal worth up to $9 million last year. The 28-year-old only caught 29 passes for 244 yards with two touchdowns — the lowest numbers since his rookie campaign — despite playing in all 17 games for the Patriots. Of course, those poor totals were due in part to New England’s below-average quarterback play and generally inept offensive system.
The Patriots previously were in jeopardy of losing their top two tight ends in free agency this offseason. While New England clearly was comfortable with letting Gesicki walk, it prevented Hunter Henry from reaching the open market by reportedly working out a new three-year pact with the eighth-year pro.
Henry and Gesicki now are set to go toe-to-toe this season, as New England is slated to travel to Cincinnati at some point during Jerod Mayo’s first campaign as head coach.
]]>UPDATE (11:40 a.m. ET): The Browns reportedly are closing in on an agreement with Jameis Winston.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Browns have a backup quarterback vacancy after the New England Patriots reportedly agreed to a deal with Jacoby Brissett.
Cleveland could have reunited with the eight-year veteran but instead has its eyes set on a different veteran who could bring a different dynamic to the QB room.
The Browns are interested in Jameis Winston to be Deshaun Watson’s backup, according to The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin and Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. The Tennessee Titans and New York Giants also are among teams who have “preliminary interest” in the 30-year-old, according to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson.
Winston spent the majority of his four-year tenure with the New Orleans Saints as a backup, so it’s a role the 2015 No. 1 pick would be content with. The move to Winston also likely would signal the end of Joe Flacco’s career with the Browns.
New England reportedly had Flacco in mind when considering veteran quarterback options but Brissett likely had a leg up on the Super Bowl XLVII MVP due to his Foxboro, Mass. connections.
Watson only played 12 games in his first two seasons in Cleveland due to suspension or injury, so the Browns’ backup position could be coveted by free agents, especially after they reportedly traded for Jerry Jeudy.
]]>