Team news: New England Patriots | Page 5

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.

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.

The Buffalo Bills are signing former Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling a 1 year deal worth up to $4.5 million, including a $1.125 million signing bonus.

Related Players: Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, Mack Hollins

We can basically look at this as a Gabe Davis replacement, but not exactly an upgrade. MVS will stretch defenses but shouldn't be considered anything more than a late-round best ball dart throw.

Former Lions WR Quintez Cephus, who was reinstated last week after being suspended all of last season for violating the league’s gambling policy, has reached agreement with the Buffalo Bills.

Related Players: Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins

Many expected the Bills to add a couple of pass catchers in the NFL Draft, but beyond Keon Coleman and running back Ray Davis, they stayed mum. Cephus will be allotted a chance to carve out a role on special teams and could operate as the team's WR4/5.

The Buffalo Bills are trading WR Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick (via the Vikings).

The Texans also receive a 2025 fifth-round pick and sixth-round pick.

Related Players: Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins

The Texans wide receiver room gets a huge boost, and if Tank Dell is ready for Week 1, they are in the argument for best three-deep set in the league. C.J. Stroud looks primed to build on his incredible rookie season.

As for the Bills, they have now lost Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason but have only replaced them with Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins. They'll need to be aggressive in the NFL Draft to get Josh Allen another piece.

Former Commanders WR Curtis Samuel is signing a three-year, $24 million deal worth up to $30 million, including $15 million guaranteed, with the Buffalo Bills.

Related Players: Mack Hollins, Khalil Shakir, Andy Isabella

Though the signing doesn't seem like a huge deal on paper, the addition of Samuel should add another dynamic to the Bills offense. The former Panthers and Commanders player has played with OC Joe Brady before and creates further depth for a team that may still be aiming for an option through the NFL Draft.

The #Bills have agreed to terms with wide receiver Mack Hollins. More help is on the way for Josh Allen and the passing game.

Related Players: Stefon Diggs, Khalil Shakir, Andy Isabella

Hollins figures to line up along the perimeter, opposite Stefon Diggs on obvious passing situations. His rotation will likely be capped if and when the Bills grab another piece to the puzzle, likely through the NFL Draft.

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.