Nuggets from Patriots EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf:

In his opening statement, Eliot Wolf references the opening of the New Balance Athletics Center. Wolf noted how some pre-draft visitors from big-time programs such as Georgia and Oregon relayed how nice they thought it was.

Same podium, new (Balance) backdrop and media workspace. Eliot Wolf pre-draft press conference at 2 p.m. ET.

Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the Patriots and NFL (Ernie Adams on dynamics of picking 31st; Keldric Faulk and Draft Predictor; pre-draft visits conclude Wednesday; Eliot Wolf holds Monday presser, with Mike Vrabel scheduled to speak at draft etc.) www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

Per @rapsheet.bsky.social, QB Jalon Daniels is on a Top 30 visit with the Patriots. Daniels (6-0, 219) spent 6 seasons as Kansas and falls into the group of QB3 possibilities for the Patriots, who have also spent 1-on-1 time in the pre-draft process with UConn's Joe Fagnano (6-3, 226), among others.

One addition to Patriots spring schedule: 🏈 May 8-10: Rookie minicamp

Next up on the Patriots’ media schedule: Monday, April 13 pre-draft press conference with executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf (2 p.m. ET).

Congratulations to 2026 Patriots Hall of Fame finalists Rob Gronkowski, Logan Mankins and Adam Vinatieri. Now goes to fan vote (with 1 inductee): www.patriots.com/fans/hof-vot...

Maye merch.

Update: As Jon Alexander of the Houston Chronicle said, the Patriots and Texans have now agreed to a trade for LB Marte Mapu. I'm told the Patriots will receive a 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange for Mapu and a 2027 seventh-round pick.

Analysis: On Marte Mapu, the “why” behind the Patriots’ decision to move on, and what comes next. www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

“Thank you for everything you have done, and I want to say, ‘God bless you.’” — Robert Kraft, to the 53 Vietnam War veterans in attendance at Gillette Stadium for a pinning ceremony

The Patriots have informed LB/personal protector Marte Mapu that they intend to release him, per sources. Mapu, a third-round pick in 2023, has appeared in 44 NFL games (10 starts). Enters last year of his contract in 2026 and is due a base salary of $1.508 million.

Local pro day: The Patriots host prospects from New England schools today, and those who grew up locally. Often a meaningful day for those attending, many of whom grew up as Patriots fans. In a related note, BC OL Jude Bowry is on top-30 visits with Bengals, Eagles this week.

Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the Patriots and NFL (coaches join draft meetings this week; Mike Vrabel the scout; Stephon Gilmore reflects on retirement; odds on Super Bowl rematch in 2026 opener; recovering Harold Landry gets jump on offseason etc.) www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

Much respect for Stephon Gilmore on retirement. Lockdown CB for Patriots (2017-2020). He attended team's pre-Super Bowl party this year, which foreshadows him becoming a more active Patriots alum. In an interview today, he said: "Red jacket, and gold jacket, that's the goal."

Patriots spring schedule: 🏈First day (voluntary program): April 20 🏈 OTAs (voluntary): May 27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4, June 8-9, June 11 🏈 Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17

Scene setter: Patriots second-year OL Jared Wilson visits the Mattahunt Elementary School in Mattapan as part of a $7,500 grant that helps students with AI-based learning. A meaningful year ahead for Wilson, who is set to exchange wedding vows and, on the field, moves to center.

News and notes from Wednesday’s Patriots Hall of Fame Committee meeting:

Free-agent OT Thayer Munford Jr., who played in 9 games last season for the Patriots (143 snaps, primarily jumbo TE), visited with the Titans. Munford had been on the injury report late in the season (knee) and underwent surgery after the season.

Patriots Hall of Fame Committee holds its annual meeting today. 🏈 Eligible for 1st time: Rob Gronkowski 🏈 Committee of 23 narrows field to 3 finalists, then a fan vote 🏈 Past finalists not inducted: Ron Burton, Chuck Fairbanks, Logan Mankins, Fred Marion, Adam Vinatieri

Story: QB Drake Maye's buzz cut for a cause as he continues to extend his philanthropic reach. www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

News story: Patriots coach Mike Vrabel on trade speculation with A.J. Brown, the team's wide receivers, and how he views replacing Stefon Diggs' production. www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

🙂🏈🌵🏜️

Mike Vrabel arrives, with orange juice in hand, and as always looks to @kguregian.bsky.social for the first question … on free-agent additions.

On the Patriots media schedule Tuesday: Mike Vrabel from the NFL annual meeting (10:45 a.m. ET).

News story: Seahawks (2026 summer) and Patriots (2027 summer) to be featured on the next two “Hard Knocks” — first-ever appearance for both. www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

From the NFL annual meeting: After exceeding expectations in 2025, the Patriots brace for a tougher 2026 campaign. www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

From the NFL annual meeting in Arizona: Patriots beat reporters met with owner Robert Kraft and team president Jonathan Kraft this morning in an off-the-record session. After that session, Robert Kraft answered a few questions from beat reporters on the record.

Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the Patriots and NFL (Romeo Doubs; staff moves into stunning New Balance Athletics Center; setting up NFL meeting in Arizona; preliminary talks for joint practice; eyes on Tigers, developmental QBs; Patriots Hall of Fame meeting etc.) www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

CB Kindle Vildor: 1 year, $1.402 million 🏈Signing bonus: $137,500 🏈Base salary: $1.215 million* 🏈Workout bonus: $50,000 🏈Salary-cap charge: $1.262 million *$300k guaranteed NOTES: Experience on vet salary benefit deal (cap lower than salary)...Competes for backup role.

OT James Hudson: 1 year, $1.402 million 🏈Signing bonus: $137,500 🏈Base salary: $1.215 million* 🏈Workout bonus: $50,000 🏈Salary-cap charge: $1.262 million *$400k guaranteed NOTES: Ties to offseason theme of adding competition/depth...OT need level: Moderate to high.

Updating the Patriots “in/out” snapshot of free-agent moves.

For those updating Patriots rosters at home, please note that OT James Hudson has been assigned No. 68 and CB Kindle Vildor No. 28.

Term update: OT James Hudson's 1-year contract with the Patriots is a veteran salary benefit deal, which comes with a reduced salary-cap charge. Deal reflects that Hudson, who at this time adds depth behind starting OTs Will Campbell/Morgan Moses, isn't guaranteed roster spot.

Scene setter: Boston College guard Logan Taylor shakes hands with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel during pro day.

News story: Patriots inform veteran QB Joshua Dobbs of their intention to release him. Dobbs was scheduled to earn a base salary of $3.2 million in 2026 and carried a $4.75 million salary-cap charge. Tommy DeVito bumps up to No. 2 at this time. www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

Scene setter: Mike Vrabel (blue vest) in attendance at BC’s pro day, catching up with Bill O’Brien. Vrabel has credited O’Brien with helping prepare him to become a head coach.

Scene setter: Patriots OL coach Doug Marrone and Boston College head coach Bill O’Brien huddle up before today’s pro day. Jude Bowry and Logan Taylor two of BC’s top OL prospects.

LB Jack Gibbens was a guest on Sirius XM NFL Radio on Sunday, with Zig Fracassi and Robert Turbin. Two soundbites from Gibbens:

Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the Patriots and NFL (Florida Atlantic coach Zach Kittley on Drake Maye's mid-week visit to throw with teammates; setting stage for BC's pro day with 29 NFL teams expected; why Patriots have OL depth among top needs etc.) www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

Opinion/analysis: One way to assess the Patriots’ offseason moves is from an “in/out” perspective … and here is a snapshot through that lens.

Patriots CBs 🏈 Christian Gonzalez 🏈 Carlton Davis III 🏈 Marcus Jones 🏈 Charles Woods 🏈 Kindle Vildor 🏈 Kobee Minor 🏈 Marcellas Dial Jr. 🏈 Brandon Crossley NOTES: Vildor ties to theme of increasing depth/competition...Fills Alex Austin void...Need level: low to moderate.

Patriots reach a 1-year deal with free-agent CB Kindle Vildor (Buccaneers), per his agents per his agents Kevin Conner and Robert Brown. 🏈5-foot-11, 189 pounds 🏈6 NFL seasons (80 games, 27 starts) 🏈 221 ST snaps in '24 🏈 Bears (5th round/'20), Titans, Lions, Buccaneers 🏈 Georgia Southern alum

Follow-up: LB Jack Gibbens' deal in Arizona has a base value of $7.5 million, with total guarantees of $4.5 million, and cap charges of $3.725 million in 2026 and $4.025 million in 2027. Patriots didn't tender Gibbens as restricted free agent (right of first refusal $3.5m).

For those updating Patriots rosters at home, please note the following changes: 🏈 TE C.J. Dippre is now No. 81, taking Austin Hooper's old number. Dippre, who had donned 81 at Alabama, was No. 82 in his rookie season in New England. 🏈 LS Niko Lalos (1-year deal) is No. 62.

LB K.J. Britt: 1 year, $1.4 million base value 🏈 Signing bonus: $187,500 🏈 Salary cap: $1.262 million 🏈 Base salary: $1.215 million* *$500k guaranteed NOTES: Candidate to fill LB Jack Gibbens' role at lower cost...Veteran salary benefit deal (cap lower than total value).

Safety Kevin Byard: 1 year, base value $7 million, max value $9 million 🏈 Signing bonus: $3.5 million 🏈 Total guarantee: $6.17 million 🏈 Salary cap: $9 million 🏈 Base salary: $2.67m 🏈 Roster bonus: $40k per game (up to $680k) 🏈 Workout bonus: $150k 🏈 Incentives: $2m

“Dr. Gibby” relocates his practice to Arizona. The Cardinals announce the signing of LB Jack Gibbens to a 2-year deal after the Patriots didn’t tender Gibbens as a restricted free agent. Former Dolphins LB K.J. Britt a top option to fill Gibbens’ void on defense/special teams.

For those updating Patriots rosters at home, please note that LB K.J. Britt (officially signed today) has been assigned No. 35.