2025 News and Rumors

[Southieinnc]

From all reports, everyone showed up. They were all in their shorts and shirts, no team stuff. League rules forbid it until legal OTAs and Mini-camps.

Everyone ran sprints, lifted some weights and were given lectures by the coaching staff.

Vrabel jokingly used the words "Voluntary" and "Voluntarily" thirteen times when speaking with the media. Someone raised the question, "WQhat if someone notifies the Players Association and says that this was not really voluntary. Vrabel almost laughed when he said, "I'll voluntarily deal with that, if someone complains." Warning??

Vrabel has already said, "It's on me. I have big shoulders and I'll carry the load. I'll take all of the blame if things go wrong."

It looks from outside like he's establishing his authority to every coach and players as well as the media. The Negative Nellies in the Boston area media have already felt the cold shoulder if they print or say something that is untrue or might be misconstrued and cause any kind of rift or problem in the locker room.

Very few players had anything to say when the Voluntary Day was over and most just smiled and shook their heads as they left Gillette.

The week prior to the draft Aprill 22-24 is the next Voluntary mini-camp. Think anyone will voluntarily stay home??

Here's what Vrabel said about it last week, via Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston: “I write a letter voluntarily to the players to make sure that they voluntarily read it and voluntarily show up."

 

[BigKen]

Two Rumors...............................

TJ Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers have exhausted their negotiations for a new contract for the 31-year-old edge monster.
It was reported yesterday afternoon that the Steelers contacted the Patriots about a trade. They asked for #38 and the Patriots were listening and said, "How about #106?". The Steelers know now that they won't get a second-round pick for their player. Bigger problem is that few teams are looking to cough up $25M a year for three years for a 31-year-old who at any time could break down or suddenly not be as fast or strong. Supposedly, the talks will continue today (Saturday). No one is sure if the Patriots have talked with TJ or not and the guessing is that the Patriots may give up #77 but not #69. Thoughts???

The second rumor is partial fact and the rest is ..................whatever.
Fact. Derek Carr has a serious shoulder problem, and the Saints QB appears to be out of the 2025 season. Guess who wants Shedeur Sanders? That's a fact. Rumor is that the Saints contacted the Patriots and are trying to lay the groundwork for getting the Patriots#4 in the 2025 Draft. Anyone who knows anything knows that the first piece the Patriots get is the Saints first-round pick at #9. The problem for the Saints is that they are in a corner and don't have much leverage on their side of the deal. Until the talks are at an "Extremely serious" stage, one can only GUESS what the cost will be.
Most likely #9, #40 in the second round and a 2026 first-round OR second-round pick. Thoughts???

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Two Rumors...............................

TJ Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers have exhausted their negotiations for a new contract for the 31-year-old edge monster.
It was reported yesterday afternoon that the Steelers contacted the Patriots about a trade. They asked for #38 and the Patriots were listening and said, "How about #106?". The Steelers know now that they won't get a second-round pick for their player. Bigger problem is that few teams are looking to cough up $25M a year for three years for a 31-year-old who at any time could break down or suddenly not be as fast or strong. Supposedly, the talks will continue today (Saturday). No one is sure if the Patriots have talked with TJ or not and the guessing is that the Patriots may give up #77 but not #69. Thoughts???

The second rumor is partial fact and the rest is ..................whatever.
Fact. Derek Carr has a serious shoulder problem, and the Saints QB appears to be out of the 2025 season. Guess who wants Shedeur Sanders? That's a fact. Rumor is that the Saints contacted the Patriots and are trying to lay the groundwork for getting the Patriots#4 in the 2025 Draft. Anyone who knows anything knows that the first piece the Patriots get is the Saints first-round pick at #9. The problem for the Saints is that they are in a corner and don't have much leverage on their side of the deal. Until the talks are at an "Extremely serious" stage, one can only GUESS what the cost will be.
Most likely #9, #40 in the second round and a 2026 first-round OR second-round pick. Thoughts???

I'd be ok with one or both of these deals. But dropping to #9 likely takes NE out of the Jeanty or Warren sweepstakes.

If people didn't already know I really want one of the top RBs and TEs.

 

[Southieinnc]

Two Rumors...............................

TJ Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers have exhausted their negotiations for a new contract for the 31-year-old edge monster.
It was reported yesterday afternoon that the Steelers contacted the Patriots about a trade. They asked for #38 and the Patriots were listening and said, "How about #106?". The Steelers know now that they won't get a second-round pick for their player. Bigger problem is that few teams are looking to cough up $25M a year for three years for a 31-year-old who at any time could break down or suddenly not be as fast or strong. Supposedly, the talks will continue today (Saturday). No one is sure if the Patriots have talked with TJ or not and the guessing is that the Patriots may give up #77 but not #69. Thoughts???

The second rumor is partial fact and the rest is ..................whatever.
Fact. Derek Carr has a serious shoulder problem, and the Saints QB appears to be out of the 2025 season. Guess who wants Shedeur Sanders? That's a fact. Rumor is that the Saints contacted the Patriots and are trying to lay the groundwork for getting the Patriots#4 in the 2025 Draft. Anyone who knows anything knows that the first piece the Patriots get is the Saints first-round pick at #9. The problem for the Saints is that they are in a corner and don't have much leverage on their side of the deal. Until the talks are at an "Extremely serious" stage, one can only GUESS what the cost will be.
Most likely #9, #40 in the second round and a 2026 first-round OR second-round pick. Thoughts???

No interest in a ready to retire JJ Watt. Period!
I'd bite on that trade in a heartbeat. Then I'd also use those picks (not #9) to try to get in 1st round again!

 

[Southieinnc]

Patriots draft rumors tracker: News, reports, whispers, gossip, and more

The NFL Draft is fast approaching, and here is a collection of what is being talked about.

www.patspulpit.com

 

[YankeeRebel]

Two Rumors...............................

TJ Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers have exhausted their negotiations for a new contract for the 31-year-old edge monster.
It was reported yesterday afternoon that the Steelers contacted the Patriots about a trade. They asked for #38 and the Patriots were listening and said, "How about #106?". The Steelers know now that they won't get a second-round pick for their player. Bigger problem is that few teams are looking to cough up $25M a year for three years for a 31-year-old who at any time could break down or suddenly not be as fast or strong. Supposedly, the talks will continue today (Saturday). No one is sure if the Patriots have talked with TJ or not and the guessing is that the Patriots may give up #77 but not #69. Thoughts???

The second rumor is partial fact and the rest is ..................whatever.
Fact. Derek Carr has a serious shoulder problem, and the Saints QB appears to be out of the 2025 season. Guess who wants Shedeur Sanders? That's a fact. Rumor is that the Saints contacted the Patriots and are trying to lay the groundwork for getting the Patriots#4 in the 2025 Draft. Anyone who knows anything knows that the first piece the Patriots get is the Saints first-round pick at #9. The problem for the Saints is that they are in a corner and don't have much leverage on their side of the deal. Until the talks are at an "Extremely serious" stage, one can only GUESS what the cost will be.
Most likely #9, #40 in the second round and a 2026 first-round OR second-round pick. Thoughts???

I think I mentioned this trade with NO yesterday. Interesting if it happens

 

[BigKen]

I think I mentioned this trade with NO yesterday. Interesting if it happens

From all accounts, the Saints were hoping to get a better MD report yesterday that never came. Now, they have to get serious about what they want to do. I'm not sure that the Patriots want to drop to #9 because there's also rumors that TB12 is looking at Sanders for the Raiders. Maybe play them off against each other and really get a haul.

 

[cdumler7]

Two Rumors...............................

TJ Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers have exhausted their negotiations for a new contract for the 31-year-old edge monster.
It was reported yesterday afternoon that the Steelers contacted the Patriots about a trade. They asked for #38 and the Patriots were listening and said, "How about #106?". The Steelers know now that they won't get a second-round pick for their player. Bigger problem is that few teams are looking to cough up $25M a year for three years for a 31-year-old who at any time could break down or suddenly not be as fast or strong. Supposedly, the talks will continue today (Saturday). No one is sure if the Patriots have talked with TJ or not and the guessing is that the Patriots may give up #77 but not #69. Thoughts???

The second rumor is partial fact and the rest is ..................whatever.
Fact. Derek Carr has a serious shoulder problem, and the Saints QB appears to be out of the 2025 season. Guess who wants Shedeur Sanders? That's a fact. Rumor is that the Saints contacted the Patriots and are trying to lay the groundwork for getting the Patriots#4 in the 2025 Draft. Anyone who knows anything knows that the first piece the Patriots get is the Saints first-round pick at #9. The problem for the Saints is that they are in a corner and don't have much leverage on their side of the deal. Until the talks are at an "Extremely serious" stage, one can only GUESS what the cost will be.
Most likely #9, #40 in the second round and a 2026 first-round OR second-round pick. Thoughts???

I would be shocked if the Steelers didn't get at least a 2nd round pick for the guy. Even his down year last year was 11.5 sacks. A 30-year old Myles Garrett the asking price was something around 2 1st round picks and more. So I can't imagine TJ Watt getting traded for anything less than a high 2nd or 1st round pick.

 

[BigKen]

I would be shocked if the Steelers didn't get at least a 2nd round pick for the guy. Even his down year last year was 11.5 sacks. A 30-year old Myles Garrett the asking price was something around 2 1st round picks and more. So I can't imagine TJ Watt getting traded for anything less than a high 2nd or 1st round pick.

Or get nothing and let him walk away? There comes a point where everyone knows that you're trying to peddle him off. That and his salary, even at 31 will be a problem to swap off. That and the team that gets him is looking at paying a bigger chunk of change for at least three years with 60-70% guaranteed and will have to do that before giving up whatever they settle on. IMO, they'd be getting a huge gift if the Patriots gave up #69 in the third. He was drafted originally in 2017 by the Steelers.

T.J. Watt's current contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers is a four-year, $112 million extension he signed in 2021. This deal includes an average annual salary of $28 million, $80 million guaranteed, and a $35,593,470 signing bonus. In 2025, Watt will earn a base salary of $21,050,000, with a cap hit of $30,418,694 and a dead cap value of $9,368,694. Spotrac.com and Over the Cap provide detailed information on the contract.

Key Contract Details:

• Years: 4 years
• Total Value: $112,011,000
• Average Annual Salary (APY): $28,002,750
• 
  
• • Guaranteed Amount: $80,000,000
  • Signing Bonus: $35,593,470
  • Base Salary (2025): $21,050,000
  • Cap Hit (2025): $30,418,694
  • Dead Cap Value (2025): $9,368,694
  He supposedly wants a much better contract than his 2021 contract. ??3 Years/$120M/$90M guaranteed???

 

[Southieinnc]

Or get nothing and let him walk away? There comes a point where everyone knows that you're trying to peddle him off. That and his salary, even at 31 will be a problem to swap off. That and the team that gets him is looking at paying a bigger chunk of change for at least three years with 60-70% guaranteed and will have to do that before giving up whatever they settle on. IMO, they'd be getting a huge gift if the Patriots gave up #69 in the third. He was drafted originally in 2017 by the Steelers.

T.J. Watt's current contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers is a four-year, $112 million extension he signed in 2021. This deal includes an average annual salary of $28 million, $80 million guaranteed, and a $35,593,470 signing bonus. In 2025, Watt will earn a base salary of $21,050,000, with a cap hit of $30,418,694 and a dead cap value of $9,368,694. Spotrac.com and Over the Cap provide detailed information on the contract.

Key Contract Details:

• Years: 4 years
• Total Value: $112,011,000
• Average Annual Salary (APY): $28,002,750
• 
  
• • Guaranteed Amount: $80,000,000
  • Signing Bonus: $35,593,470
  • Base Salary (2025): $21,050,000
  • Cap Hit (2025): $30,418,694
  • Dead Cap Value (2025): $9,368,694
  He supposedly wants a much better contract than his 2021 contract. ??3 Years/$120M/$90M guaranteed???

I would be shocked if the Steelers didn't get at least a 2nd round pick for the guy. Even his down year last year was 11.5 sacks. A 30-year old Myles Garrett the asking price was something around 2 1st round picks and more. So I can't imagine TJ Watt getting traded for anything less than a high 2nd or 1st round pick.

Patriots Trade Rumors for Steelers Star Are Ludicrous

More and more speculation is building that the Pittsburgh Steelers could potentially trade edge rusher T.J. Watt, and the New England Patriots have been floated as a possible landing spot. Yes, he is entering the final year of his deal and is at odds with Pittsburgh in terms of an extension, but...

sports.yahoo.com

 

[BigKen]

Patriots Trade Rumors for Steelers Star Are Ludicrous​

More and more speculation is building that the Pittsburgh Steelers could potentially trade edge rusher T.J. Watt, and the New England Patriots have been floated as a possible landing spot. Yes, he is entering the final year of his deal and is at odds with Pittsburgh in terms of an extension, but...

sports.yahoo.com

The writer here is an idiot and has zero concept of the salary cap. What team is going to start dumping players to clear enough cap space to extend TJ and pay their 2025 as well as keep a couple million just in case??? It's pretty obvious that he doesn't want to see the trade made. No NFC has much remaining salary cap and none are going to press the cap AND give up second or third round pick. Pittsburgh may want to compete and keep TJ Watt, but even at his present salary, they don't want to pay him a 3 year extension.

My favorite saying comes into this situation.........Suck, Fuck or Swim!!