Team news: New England Patriots | Page 10

One week into camp, it continues to look like Jacoby Brissett will be the Patriots' starting QB Week 1.

Related players: Drake Maye

Other outlets have said Brissett is having a great Monday at camp so far today. Graff's post went on to say, "Maye's future is bright. All the traits are there. But Brissett entered with a lead in the race for QB1 and has been better so far." On top of that, others reported things were moving a bit fast for Maye today. It looks like Brissett is on pace to start the season as the QB.

But before Matthew Judon and Co. dominated team periods, the Patriots’ young pass-catchers finally flashed. Javon Baker badly beat Christian Gonzalez, the Pats’ best corner, for a reception in 1-on-1 coverage drills. Later, Baker collected an over-the-shoulder grab at full speed to clinch the play of the day.

Kayshon Boutte bested Gonzalez, too, for a disputed catch deep downfield in the same drill. Seventh-round rookie tight end Jaheim Bell also extended for a 1-handed effort over safety Kyle Dugger during 1-on-1s, and second-round rookie receiver Ja’Lynn Polk pocketed three receptions in team periods.

Related players: Drake Maye

The story said overall the defense won the day, but that's to be expected. The story added these flashes are the moments the team will point to as progress, especially with a new coaching staff, and a rookie QB in Maye. The story added the coaches will study practice film like game film, "determining whether these flashes are peeks into their future or mirages born from the summer heat," the story added.

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco says that he worked to get more flexible.

Related players: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Deneric Prince

Goldman also added in his post that Pacheco worked with the wide receiver coach as well, which could be an indication of more targets in 2024. We currently rank Pacheco 11th on our RB list and project him for 45 receptions this season. The Chiefs really didn't address their RB room so Pacheco leads the way over CEH and Prince.

Rookie quarterback Drake Maye made steady progress throughout the spring, suggesting he could begin pushing veteran Jacoby Brissett for the starting role as early as Week 1. Maye's physical skill set passed the initial eye test, with the arm talent, size, and athleticism of a modern quarterback, which is what made him an intriguing option at No. 3 overall.

The other angle from a starting quarterback perspective is that the Patriots signed a bridge in veteran Jacoby Brissett. The idea was to have the option to ease Maye, or whoever the Pats drafted, into things rather than throwing them into the fire on a rebuilding team. There's an argument to be made that Brissett should start initially, buying time for the pieces around the quarterback to solidify themselves before Maye takes over.

The story did say, "there were moments when Maye was the best quarterback on the field during minicamp and OTA sessions. He made his fair share of in-rhythm throws, displaying improving footwork and timing within structure, while his deep ball accuracy was as advertised based on his college film." The story went on to say, "the next step for Maye is to continue building on the good habits he developed in the spring."

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence on Friday near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the California Highway Patrol confirmed to NFL.com on Sunday.

Related Players: Justin Jefferson, Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield

With the details still a little murky, it's hard to say if there will be any sort of suspension handed down from the league. Reportedly, Addison was found sleeping behind the wheel, blocking lanes of traffic. This would be the second legal issue the receiver has faced in as many offseasons. We'll keep an eye on this story as it develops.

It is too early to know which direction it will head, but as the Patriots are currently on break before their first training camp practice July 24, one thing can be decisively stated about Polk's initial work: His toughness and relentless mentality reflected well on the culture Wolf and Mayo hope to create.

Related Players: DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, Kendrick Bourne, Javon Baker

Reiss would later remark that Osborn, Douglas, and Polk could be the team's "top three targets if everyone is healthy." It's an interesting group to target, considering we have no way of knowing exactly how things will shape out. Douglas and Polk make for great late-round dart throws.

The New England Patriots and Rhamondre Stevenson reached an agreement on a four-year extension worth $36 million, with $17 million guaranteed. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Stevenson said during mandatory minicamp that sides were “pretty close” on a contract. Ten days later, the pact came to fruition. The extension keeps the Pats' top back under contract through 2028.

Related Players: Antonio Gibson, Kevin Harris, JaMycal Hasty

Stevenson burst out in 2022, generating 1,040 rushing yards and 421 receiving yards. The 1,461 scrimmage yards is notable, given the incentives in his new deal. The Pats are betting their leading rusher gets back on track after an injury-riddled 2023 relegated him to 12 games and 857 scrimmage yards. Consider him a nice RB2 in fantasy for 2024.

Reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey once again has reset the RB market, signing a two-year extension with the 49ers, averaging $19 million per year.

McCaffrey will receive an additional $8 million over what he was scheduled to make in the first two years while adding $24 million in guarantees.

Related Players: Elijah Mitchell, Isaac Guerendo, Cody Schrader

McCaffrey solidifies himself on one of the best offenses in the league, and should still be viewed as the best RB option in fantasy football.

The Houston Texans and wide receiver Nico Collins have agreed to a three-year, $72.75 million extension that includes $52 million guaranteed. The contract has a maximum value of $75 million.

Collins, 25, is coming off a career-best season in which he had 80 receptions (ranked 23rd in the NFL last season) for 1,297 yards (ranked 8th) and eight touchdowns (tied for 8th) in 15 games.

Related Players: Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell

Diggs is only playing on a one-year deal, as the Texans voided the final three years of his contract while giving him a $3.5M raise. If they allow him to walk next season, Collins will be the clear WR1, if he isn't already. Both receivers are good early-round options in fantasy drafts right now, with Tank Dell being an interesting option a few rounds later, even with Diggs in town.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is already back on the field practicing during OTAs and has no doubt he will be ready for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, despite tearing the ACL in his right knee late last year.

Jones showed no ill effects while participating in individual and 7-on-7 drills Thursday, just six months after injuring that knee in a November loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Related Players: Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito

Jones -and the entire Giants offense- had an incredibly disappointing 2023. Of five complete games in which he attempted at least 20 pass attempts, he threw a touchdown in only one. Though he did show his ceiling in Week 2 when he threw his two '23 touchdowns and scored 30+ fantasy points. He is an interesting deep SuperFlex option with a bona fide WR1 (Malik Nabers) on the roster.