Team news: New England Patriots | Page 2

Someone in the set of wideouts has to emerge as an eventual No. 1. Right now, rookie Ja’Lynn Polk has as good a shot as anyone.

Related players: Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, Javon Baker, K.J. Osborn, Kayshon Boutte

For what it's worth, we've already reflected this on our fantasy depth charts listing Polk as the top option. Robinson thinks Polk could step in and get a ton of targets immediately. In the preseason opener, Polk played limited snaps but caught three balls for 14 yards. Robinson expects those numbers to grow. Polk could be worth targeting in the later rounds of drafts given his very late ADP.

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.

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."

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.

Patriots informed WR DeVante Parker that they are releasing him Wednesday and he now has been given permission to talk to other teams.

Related Players: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, Pop Douglas, Tyquan Thornton

New England has a lot of work to do to make this WR room approachable from a fantasy standpoint, and this will go a little bit of the way to clearing room for new pieces. Expect the Patriots to target at least one pass-catcher in the NFL Draft.

Former Commanders' running back Antonio Gibson is expected to join the Patriots.

Related Players: Rhamondre Stevenson, Ezekiel Eliott, Brian Robinson, Chris Rodriguez

The Patriots backfield looks like it's going to be an absolute nightmare for fantasy purposes, as part of one of the worst offenses in the league. Gibson shouldn't be more than a late-round dart.

This should leave Brian Robinson as the bellcow in Washington.

Commanders’ QB Jacoby Brissett is being added to the injury report due to hamstring tightness and will be listed as questionable for Sunday’s game vs. the 49ers. If he can’t start, Sam Howell would.

Quite the curveball here ahead of Week 17. Howell would return to fantasy relevance due to his legs, but will ding the skill position groups, namely, Terry McLaurin.

The Commanders placed RB Chris Rodriguez Jr (ankle) on IR. Ends his season early.

Related Players: Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson, Derrick Gore

After a key injury to Brian Robinson, we got to see a little bit more of the rookie, including a two-touchdown in Week 16, which was nice for dynasty owners who took a stab in rookie drafts. There's a chance that Antonio Gibson gets a huge workload ahead of a touch matchup against the 49ers in Week 17.