Good morning, and a happy Sunday to all. Here is your Patriots news for 03-22, along with NFL notes this week. The NFL’s early free agency period is over, and now there will be mostly minor depth moves as teams all prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft.But before we get to the 2026 offseason news, RIP to Chuck Norris, actor and martial artist. Hard to believe Norris was 86, but still very active. Big Miami Trade Has Snowball Effect On The AFC EastHowever, the big news this week was that Miami traded WR Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos. Miami gets Denver’s first-round pick, #30, a third-round pick, #94, and the Broncos’ fourth-round pick, #130. Denver gets Waddle and Miami’s original 4th rounder, #111. In the long term, Miami will benefit if it hits on these draft picks. And for a team with a mammoth Dead Cap hit of $175 million, those draft picks will help them put together a team that can rebuild. And it is in total rebuild mode right now.But Miami’s WR room is now an enormous question mark. Tutu Atwell is possibly the de facto #1 receiver; he had 192 yards last year for the Rams. Of all of their wide receivers, Malik Washington had the most production in 2025 with 317 yards, averaging just 6.9 yards per reception. The wide receiver room currently consists of Atwell, Washington, Jalen Tolbert, Terrace Marshall Jr., Tahj Washington, Theo Wease Jr., and AJ Henning. New QB Malik Willis has only six career starts, and although he put up some nice numbers in Green Bay, it was in a pretty limited window, and he did it with a much better supporting cast. This trade, at least initially, makes Miami much, much weaker. And with the Jets in another rebuild, the 2026 division race is essentially a two-horse race between the Patriots and Buffalo.Denver’s Offense Should Be Much Improved This trade is a big plus for Denver. The Broncos didn’t make any splash signings in free agency, opting to re-sign all of their own free agents. Adding Waddle will really help their WR room. Denver adds Waddle to a room with Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims Jr., Lil’Jordan Humphrey, and Michael Bandy.Denver’s defense was one of the best in the league in 2025, and now its offense should be much improved. They’ll be a tough team to face. The Patriots will replay them at some point in 2026. The Broncos’ offense was 29th in the league in terms of three and outs in 2025. Waddle should help that right off the bat.Quick Hitters For the Patriots and NFL News:Forged In Foxborough Episode 4: The Patriots released the next segment in their “Forged in Foxborough” series on March 17. It was fantastic. Fred Kirsch and the Patriots staff did such a fantastic job on this. Obviously, the episode centered on the head coach, and Mike Vrabel is one fantastic coach. We didn’t need a video to know that. But if I am a free agent in the coming years and I watch that, I would want to play for him.A couple of great moments (sorry if I’m giving away teasers here) were the hockey fight sequence, the halftime of the Houston playoff game and the scene with Vrabel and Cory Durden…”You changed my life.” That was video gold.Kindle Vildor: The Patriots announced that they signed veteran cornerback Kindle Vildor to a one-year contract, on March 19, 2026. Vildor joins the team to provide secondary depth and special teams value following the departure of Alex Austin.Vildor’s agreement is a one-year deal, negotiated by his agents Kevin Conner and Robert Brown. The signing marks a reunion with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, whom Vildor played for during a brief stint with the Tennessee Titans in 2023. He also had some interaction with Terrell Williams while he was with the Detroit Lions, and Vildor played with Carlton Davis Jr..Vildor is expected to compete for a depth role behind projected starters Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, and Marcus Jones. He will likely battle for the third perimeter option spot alongside players like Charles Woods and Kobee Minor.Christian Wilkins: The former Dolphin and Raiders’ tackle is making a comeback from a foot injury that kept him out of football in 2025, after a bizarre release by Las Vegas last year. “Free-agent DT Christian Wilkins fully intends to play this season, but still is rehabbing his foot injury, per his agent David Mulugheta,” Adam Schefter of ESPN posted on “X”. “So far 26 teams have reached out and are waiting for Wilkins to be ready, and Wilkins is expected to have a new home as soon as he wants.”I would think that the chances he’d want to come to New England are pretty low, but signing him to a one-year, prove-it deal with Milton Williams and Christian Barmore is an intriguing “what if” kind of scenario. Never say never.Patriots No Huddle Podcast: Mike, Derek, and I conducted our latest free agency podcast on our new platform right off the PatsFans.com website. You can always check out our podcasts on our YouTube channel.Please check it out. And be sure to like, share, and leave us a review. Russ Francis/Chuck Fairbanks: The former Patriot tight end and head coach should be in the Patriots team Hall of Fame, and the fact that Francis isn’t is an absolute travesty. Francis and the Raiders’ Dave Casper changed how teams used the tight end position. This will be displayed in our Sunday posts until it happens. Casper is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Francis’ numbers stand up well against Casper’s, yet he isn’t even in the team’s HOF. Do The Patriots Need A.J. Brown, And What’s Their Move At #31?The Patriots and A.J. Brown are a story that has reached its saturation point for sure. The latest pictures posted on social media show Brown working out with new Patriots’ safety Kevin Byard. The two were teammates in Tennessee under Mike Vrabel, so there is a connection there. With the news of the trade that sent Jaylen Waddle to Denver, the rumors are that Howie Roseman, the Eagles’ GM, wants a similar trade package for Brown. As good as Brown is, Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf may not be making that deal.The post-June 1st self-imposed deadline with Philadelphia, which saves much of the $40 million Dead Cap hit, means the draft picks will be for the 2027 NFL Draft. And that one (right now) is expected to be chock-full of talent, akin to the 2011 NFL Draft. Brown is an elite WR and would be an incredible addition to the offense. But there are questions about the long-term viability of his knee and about the cost. And giving up multiple picks, including a first-round pick in 2027, might be giving up too much. It could very well end up being neither side agreeing to a deal. The Patriots are then faced with a choice. What is your move in April when the draft starts? Even if all systems are go for a trade, there are no guarantees in the trading world, as Maxx Crosby found out on Day 1 of free agency. They can’t post-date a trade to June 1st. So, there is an element of risk here. So, let’s look at the Patriots’ biggest needs currently.The #1 need (at least here) is still a dedicated sack specialist; someone whom the offense has to game plan around. A difference maker who is not only going to get pressure, but get home regularly, notching up sacks, not just pressures. The #2 need is an elite WR, and/or an elite tight end. They need a right tackle of the future and a swing tackle for 2026. And they still need help at linebacker, a third-down, pass-catching running back, and safety.Is Kyle Williams the “X” Factor in the ‘26 Offense? The Patriots signed Romeo Doubs and have Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Pop Douglas, and Efton Chism. But the “X” factor is 2nd year WR Kyle Williams. The Patriots are very high on him and hope he has a big jump in Year 2. At tight end, the Patriots still have Hunter Henry and just signed Julian Hill, who is more of a blocking tight end. But there are several very impressive players coming out in the draft that could be a huge upgrade in the passing game by pairing Henry with one in 2026. The options are that they can still try to swing a trade for Brown, but then, what do you do with draft pick #31? If you’re going to try to make the trade, drafting a WR at #31 is not an option. That would leave them to try to nab an edge rusher, a blue-chip tight end, or a right tackle.You’re basically facing the same dilemma in Rounds 2 and 3. Say they address Edge, RT, and TE in the first three rounds of the draft (very real possibilities), what if the trade doesn’t happen on June 1st? Or that Roseman decides to send Brown to LA? Drafting a Dynamic Tight End Early Is An Option:The offense would be just fine if they got a real difference maker at TE; Josh McDaniels knows how to move the ball around. They won a lot of Super Bowls without the “quote/unquote” elite #1 WR. Several very good ones are available in the draft.They’d be banking on giving Doubs a larger slice of the offense than he’s used to, and for Williams making the jump in Year 2. But with their other weapons in the passing game, they’d be just fine. With the release of Antonio Gibson, the Patriots need a third running back, a pass catcher who can spell Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. Lan Larison was an intriguing guy last summer but was hurt in training camp, placed on IR and was lost for the season. Larison is signed through 2027, so he’ll be back, provided he’s healthy and ready to go.Edge Rusher At #31 Seems Likeliest Choice:The Patriots’ biggest need remains an edge rusher. The team currently has Harold Landry, who was dealing with a knee injury for much of the year, and newly signed DreMont Jones, who is replacing K’Lavon Chaisson. Jones is a bigger player and is expected to set the edge a bit better than Chaisson did. Depth-wise, they have Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson. Ponder showed some flash in limited reps, notching four sacks on the season. Ponder went undrafted out of Cal Poly last season, but his pre-draft testing for explosion, speed, and agility was elite. The Patriots drafted Swinson in the fifth round of the draft, but he was cut at the end of training camp and brought back on the practice squad. He was considered a steal at #146 as a situational pass rusher. He may have needed that extra time to acclimate to the NFL game, so we’ll see how he adapts in Year 2. But for edge rushers with the 31st pick, three names that are frequently mentioned that would fit for the Patriots, and possibly be there for them include: R Mason Thomas from Oklahoma, T.J. Parker from Clemson, and Zion Young from Mizzou. Let’s take a quick look at each one.R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma, Draft Profile- Thomas is one of the best pure pass rushers in this class. His explosion off the snap is elite. His bendability off the edge is outstanding. He possesses excellent speed-to-power and has a non-stop motor. The R doesn’t stand for anything; it is just his first name. Pros:– Had good production in 10 games (3 games missed due to injury), 26 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, one pass defensed, one FF, one FR.– Has a variety of pass rush moves– Speed and lateral agility are outstanding, relentless pursuit from the backside.– Explosive out of his stance and will always look for the strip sackCons– Size can be an issue (6’2, 249) with setting the edge in the pros– Durability is a concern, with injuries to both ankles, the quad, and hamstring issues– Hand usage needs to improveWhat his Role Will Be:Thomas will probably begin his NFL career as a situational pass rusher. He wouldn’t start as a rookie, but along with Ponder and Swinson, would be brought in during obvious passing downs to get after opposing QBs.Will His Role Change from Year 1-to-2?Yes, he could be a three-down player by Year 2How Many Downs Can He Play?FourWhat Current Player on the Roster Will He Replace?NoneWhat is his ST Value?Good, he was used across multiple special teams units, including punt return, punt coverage, and field goal block at OklahomaConclusion: NFL Draft Buzz puts it simply. “The ceiling is tantalizing: a dynamic edge rusher who wrecks game plans on passing downs and develops enough functional strength to stay on the field for all three downs. “The floor is still valuable: a high-end situational rusher who terrorizes quarterbacks in obvious passing situations and forces offenses to account for his speed every snap he is on the field. “Either way, the team that drafts him needs to commit to a plan that features his rush ability and shields his weaknesses. In the right system with a smart rotation, Thomas can be a difference-maker from day one.T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson, Draft Profile- Parker has good, prototypical size for an edge rusher at 6’4, 263. His sophomore season in 2024 was off the charts, 64 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and a school-record six forced fumbles earned him second-team All-ACC recognition and national attention.He saw a lot more attention in 2025 from opposing offenses, and he struggled at times, but he finished with five sacks, three in one dominant performance against South Carolina. Pros:– Has outstanding hand usage, violent at the point of attack– Will rip the ball out of opponent’s hands, he had six FFs in 2024.– Sets the edge against the run and holds up very well– Plays with an edge to his gameCons– He needs more pass-rush moves in his toolbox– He has a quick first step, but doesn’t have great speed to the edge– Doesn’t have the agility to make plays on the opposite sideWhat his Role Will Be:Parker can be a rotational edge setter early in his career. He’d start as a rotational guy as a rookie, part of the team’s depth players. Will His Role Change from Year 1-to-2?Yes, he could be a three-down player by Year 2 if he can develop additional pass-rush moves with pro coaching.How Many Downs Can He Play?FourWhat Current Player on the Roster Will He Replace?Anfernee Jennings, who was released.What is his ST Value?Good, Parker has extensive special teams experience, specifically serving on punt return, field goal block, and field goal units during his collegiate career.Conclusion: Parker doesn’t have the high-end athleticism and upside of others as an edge player, however, his prowess as a run defender and ability to get after the quarterback in multiple ways still give him a high floor at the next level. He’s best suited, at least initially, as a three-down edge defender who can defend both the run and the pass at a high level without having to come off the field.Zion Young, Edge, Missouri, Draft Profile- Young is a long, muscled-up (6’6, 262) edge rusher who plays the game violently, which will fit in with Mike Vrabel’s philosophy. In his final year at Missouri, things began to fall into place for him. He started 13 games and had 9.0 sacks and 9.5 TFL to go with an interception. His sack rate of .69 per game ranked fourth in the SEC and 19th nationally. Pro Football Focus credited him with 37 quarterback hurries and nine QB hits, and his pass-rush productivity of 10.5 ranked 13th nationally among edge players. He was a Second-Team All-SEC selection.Pros:– Plays with a mean, nasty streak– Sets the edge, stacks, and sheds blockers with violence– Excellent, non-stop motor– He possesses good bend at the edge against high-level SEC tacklesCons– Doesn’t have a great burst off the snap– Pass rush moves need work– Pad level is inconsistent, sometimes plays too uprightWhat his Role Will Be:Young will begin his NFL career as a run-stuffing, edge setter. As a rookie, he’d be a rotational player along with the aforementioned Ponder and Swinson.Will His Role Change from Year 1-to-2?Yes, he could be a three-down player by Year 2, with improved pass rush moves.How Many Downs Can He Play?FourWhat Current Player on the Roster Will He Replace?Anfernee Jennings, who was released.What is his ST Value?Good, he was used on field goal and extra point blocking teamsConclusion: Young is one of the best run defenders and edge setters in the 2026 class of edge rushers. He earned an outstanding run defense grade of 96 percent from PFF in 2025.Ultimately, his ceiling will depend on how well NFL coaches can unlock his pass rush moves and getting a little more explosive off the snap. He was able to move around a bit and play on different sides.Young did have some off-field concerns that will have to be checked out. _______________“Somebody asked me what success looks like, and I said, ‘Yeah, you can judge it by wins and losses during the season, but success for me in the offseason is going to be that the players believe in what we’re doing, and they believe in the message, they believe in the teaching, and they believe in the connections that we’re making.’” — Mike VrabelFollow me on Twitter @SteveB7SFG or email me at [email protected]Listen to our PatsFans.com Patriots No Huddle podcasts on Apple and YouTube as Derek Havens, Mike D’Abate, and I discuss the latest Patriots news and game analysis.
ð Questions Answered in This ArticleWhat are the Patriots' biggest needs for the upcoming NFL Draft?The Patriots' biggest needs are a dedicated sack specialist (edge rusher), an elite wide receiver or tight end, a right tackle of the future, linebacker help, a third-down running back, and safety depth.How did the Jaylen Waddle trade impact the AFC East?The Jaylen Waddle trade to Denver significantly weakens Miami's wide receiver room, making the 2026 AFC East division race primarily a two-horse contest between the Patriots and Buffalo.Who are potential edge rusher targets for the Patriots at pick #31?Potential edge rusher targets for the Patriots at pick #31 include R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma), T.J. Parker (Clemson), and Zion Young (Missouri), all frequently mentioned as fitting the team's needs.Like this article?Support Steve and buy him a coffee.
About Steve BalestrieriA former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)View all posts by Steve Balestrieri
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