Bill Belichick
FILE - New England Patriots center David Andrews prepares to snap the ball at the line of scrimmage in the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Foxborough, Mass., in this Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, file photo. There was a moment when it seemed as if center David Andrews would be adding his name to the list of a key Patriots offensive linemen joining new teams in 2021. He explored possible new suitors in free agency, including the rival Dolphins, but in the end decided to return to the only NFL team he’s played for. After watching the team spend big in free agency and bring in a possible quarterback of the future in Mac Jones, he says he's excited about being part of a rebuilt roster that hopes to turn the page on a 7-9 season.(AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
Andrews excited about possibilities of Pats' new-look roster

By Kyle Hightower May. 04, 2021 02:47 PM EDT

Images are displayed on stage of Christian Barmore, defensive tackle at Alabama, selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the NFL football draft, Friday, April 30, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Patriots add Oklahoma RB Rhamondre Stevenson in draft

By Brendan Mcgair May. 01, 2021 09:47 PM EDT

Alabama defensive lineman Christian Barmore holds a football as he appears on the Red Carpet at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame before the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 29, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer, Pool)
Patriots trade up in 2nd round, select Barmore from Alabama

By Ken Powtak Apr. 30, 2021 08:17 PM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 29, 2019, file photo, Clemson's Trevor Lawrence greets fans as he arrives for the team's NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech in Clemson, S.C. Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson are expected to be the top two picks selected in the NFL Draft on Thursday, April 29, 20212, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro, File)
Column: Drafting a franchise QB always a risky endeavor

By Paul Newberry Apr. 30, 2021 03:49 PM EDT

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd as the first round of the NFL football draft finishes early Friday, April 30, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Betting millions on QBs who can turn clubs around on a dime

By Jim Litke Apr. 30, 2021 03:53 AM EDT

Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, right, holds a team jersey with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after the New England Patriots selected him with the 15th pick in the NFL football draft, Thursday April 29, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Patriots wait, draft former Alabama QB Mac Jones at No. 15

By Kyle Hightower Apr. 29, 2021 10:28 PM EDT

Joseph Toliver, 4, plays on one of the 32 NFL team helmets on display, Tuesday, April 13, 2021, in downtown Cleveland. Forced to cancel last year's NFL Draft in Las Vegas, the league is using lessons learned while plowing through an unprecedented, socially-distanced 2020 season and holding the Super Bow in Tampa, to have a draft that will look much more like normal — well, the new normal — with fans wearing their favorite team's colors and required masks.(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Hello, Cleveland: NFL takes 'blended' draft back on road

By Tom Withers Apr. 27, 2021 02:02 PM EDT

FILE - New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, left, talks to head coach Bill Belichick as their team warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Jets in East Rutherford, N.J., in this Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, file photo. Belichick never was one to spent wildly in free agency. But after watching Tom Brady celebrate another Super Bowl in another city, Belichick and his boss, Robert Kraft, had seen enough. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)
QB position still in spotlight for Patriots entering draft

By Kyle Hightower Apr. 23, 2021 04:09 PM EDT

ADDS RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT FILE — In this Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018 file photo New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) stretches but cannot catch a pass in front of New York Jets safety Jamal Adams, rear, during the second half of an NFL football game, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots terminated Edelman's contract with a failed physical designation Monday, April 12, 2021, according to the NFL's transaction wire. Citing a knee injury that cut his 2020 season short after just six games, Edelman announced Monday that he is retiring from the NFL after 11 seasons. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
Patriots receiver Julian Edelman announces retirement

By Kyle Hightower Apr. 12, 2021 05:39 PM EDT

Analytics shifting views on 40-yard dash, other matrixes

By Kyle Hightower Apr. 08, 2021 05:20 PM EDT
BOSTON (AP) — Every year the 40-yard dash is one of the most-watched segments of the NFL combine as well as at college pro days. NFL...

FILE - New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, left, talks to head coach Bill Belichick as their team warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Jets in East Rutherford, N.J., in this Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, file photo. Belichick never was one to spent wildly in free agency. But after watching Tom Brady celebrate another Super Bowl in another city, Belichick and his boss, Robert Kraft, had seen enough. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)
Kraft: Spending spree response to 7-9 record, not Brady win

By Jimmy Golen Mar. 31, 2021 06:06 PM EDT

FILE - Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) warms up before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Miami Gardens, Fla., in this Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, file photo. The Miami Dolphins told linebacker Kyle Van Noy he will be released, two people familiar with the discussion confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. The people confirmed the disclosure to the AP on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins have not commented.(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
Pats' defensive newcomers arrive with 'something to prove'

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 24, 2021 05:15 PM EDT

FILE - Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) makes a touchdown catch against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Carr (39) during the first half an NFL divisional playoff football game in Baltimore, in this Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, file photo. The Patriots have agreed to sign free agent tight end Jonnu Smith in their biggest move to date to fill the void created by the departure of Rob Gronkowski. Smith, who was selected by the Titans in the third round of the 2017 draft, agreed Monday, March 15, 2021, to a four-year, $50 million deal, his agent Drew Rosenhaus told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, FIle)
New Pats TE Jonnu Smith eyeing 'fresh start on the journey'

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 23, 2021 02:58 PM EDT

FILE - New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick catches a packet of papers after he tossed them in the air during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle, in this Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, file photo. Belichick never was one to spent wildly in free agency. Watching Tom Brady win another Super Bowl in another city sure changed that. The New England Patriots doled out $175 million in guarantees in the first 48 hours of free agency following a 7-9 stumble in 2020 that officially ended their two-decade dominance of the AFC. (AP Photo/John Froschauer, File)
Patriots, Bucs among those making biggest waves so far

By Arnie Stapleton Mar. 22, 2021 04:14 PM EDT

Center David Andrews returning to New England Patriots

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 19, 2021 01:03 PM EDT
BOSTON (AP) — David Andrews says he's staying in New England. The Patriots' free agent center confirmed via social media Friday that he...

Patriots' Chung retires after 11 seasons, 3 Super Bowl rings

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 18, 2021 11:38 AM EDT
BOSTON (AP) — Saying “it's time to start a new life,” New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung announced Thursday he is retiring from the NFL after 11 seasons...

FILE - San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) leaps above Dallas Cowboys' Donovan Wilson, left, and Jourdan Lewis (26) to catch a Hail Mary pass in the end zone for a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, in this Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, file photo. The Patriots have agreed to terms on a new three-year, $22.5 million contract with free agent receiver Kendrick Bourne. His agent, Henry Organ of Disruptive Sports, says the new deal is for three years and could be worth as much as $22.5 million. New contracts can't officially be signed until the new league year begins on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth, File)
Column: Patriots reboot, but enough to win without Brady?

By Tim Dahlberg Mar. 17, 2021 05:15 PM EDT

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians holds the Vince Lombardi trophy following the NFL Super Bowl 55 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021 in Tampa, Fla. Tampa Bay won 31-9. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Free-agent pickups have made a difference for some champions

By Rob Maaddi Mar. 16, 2021 12:56 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 20, 2020, file photo, Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Jalen Mills (21) walks off the field at half time during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz. A person familiar with the deal says Mills is signing with the New England Patriots for four years and $24 million. (AP Photo/Jennifer Stewart, File)
Pats focus on defense at unofficial start of free agency

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 15, 2021 05:52 PM EDT

FILE - Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) makes a touchdown catch against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Carr (39) during the first half an NFL divisional playoff football game in Baltimore, in this Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, file photo. The Patriots have agreed to sign free agent tight end Jonnu Smith in their biggest move to date to fill the void created by the departure of Rob Gronkowski. Smith, who was selected by the Titans in the third round of the 2017 draft, agreed Monday, March 15, 2021, to a four-year, $50 million deal, his agent Drew Rosenhaus told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, FIle)
Pats add Jonnu Smith in 1st big upgrade since Gronk's exit

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 15, 2021 02:36 PM EDT