The New England Patriots are bringing in former Buffalo Bill wide receiver Stefon Diggs for a visit which could signal the end for Kendrick Bourne. According to reports, the Patriots are trying to find a capable wideout for their offense and they could look to sign Diggs after his visit. New England has yet to find a consistent receiver on its depth chart despite having one of the deepest wide receiver groups in the league. Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas and Javon Baker all make up the team’s pass-catching department but none of these options have earned a definitive WR1 spot.

If the Patriots decide to sign Diggs to a contract, it probably won’t be the last offensive move for them. Mack Hollins is the most notable wide receiving signing for Drake Maye’s new offense while they did try to bring in Chris Godwin but eventually stayed with the Buccaneers for less money. For Bourne, he was in a few trade rumors last year but the team didn’t trade him at all it could become a thing now that the Patriots have a new head coach. Mike Vrabel probably won’t be keeping the same offense for Maye so there should be a few suitors for Bourne if he becomes available on the trade block.

Patriots Free Agent Stefon Diggs Visit Could Signal Kendrick Bourne Trade? – 3 Logical Fits

Possible Destinations

Los Angeles Chargers

While the Los Angeles Chargers are rebuilding their running back unit again after signing Najee Harris, the team needs another wide receiver to extend their chances for the playoffs next year. The team failed to meet expectations last year since quarterback Justin Herbert didn’t have enough help on offense even though he did thrive in the pocket. 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey is the only reliable wide receiver on this roster and while he has a bright future, he can’t carry this entire offense on his back. The Chargers did enter the 2025 offseason with all of the cap space they need to rebuild the passing-catching unit but it hasn’t been failing.

Despite signing Mike Williams, it only gives them temporary relief who is way past his prime in the league. The same can be said about Quentin Johnston but he’s way too inconsistent for someone who’s entering the third year of his NFL career so the Chargers could wind up releasing him. If the Chargers want to take over the AFC, they need to do everything in their power to sign or trade for the best pass catcher. While Bourne isn’t too special himself, he’s a significant upgrade for Herbert’s offense that could be a worthy fit behind McConkey and Williams.

Carolina Panthers

For the Panthers, it’s going to be interesting how quarterback Bryce Young develops. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker are two promising but unproven playmakers who have a lot of games to be a deciding factor for Young’s potential. If Head Coach Dave Canales wants to avoid another bench, the team should put Young in the best position with more experienced pass catchers. Bourne won’t win every possession but it’s an upgrade from Adam Thielen who will likely retire after this season.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs face an interesting dilemma this upcoming season too. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been struggling all season long last year with inadequate receivers and it might turn out worst this upcoming season before it gets better. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy could face future suspensions while they were only able to retain Marquise Brown despite losing DeAndre Hopkins. Bourne might not be the starter in this offense but it gives Mahomes a new breath of life if he loses any receivers down the stretch of next season.

The post Patriots Free Agent Visit Could Signal Blockbuster Trade? – 3 Logical Fits appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The New England Patriots entered the 2025 NFL offseason with a lot of needs. They also had plenty of cap space to address those needs. The Patriots signed defensive tackle Milton Williams to a massive four year $104 million dollar deal. New England also brought in defenders Carlton Davis and Robert Spillane. Offensively, the Patriots targeted the line, signing guard Wes Schweitzer and tackle Morgan Moses. Now, the Patriots have made another splash in free agency by signing this former Minnesota Vikings center.

Patriots Sign Recently Released Offensive Lineman

The New England Patriots have signed former Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury to a two-year $12 million dollar deal. Minnesota released Bradbury after signing former Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly to be their new starter. The Patriots now fill another hole on the offensive line, specifically at center.

What this move means

Garrett Bradbury landing with the Patriots is a sign that New England is all in on quarterback Drake Maye. Maye is coming off of a promising rookie season in which he threw for 15 touchdowns and 2,276 yards in just ten full starts. He is also a major threat on the ground as Maye rushed for 421 yards and two touchdowns. It was clear last season that the Patriots did not put enough help around Maye. The receivers often let him down and the Patriots offensive lineman consistently allowed pressure. With new head coach Mike Vrabel leading the charge, he wanted to bolster the offensive line to keep Maye upright in the pocket.

How much of a leap can we expect in New England?

The Patriots will almost undoubtedly be better than last year. The roster has improved on both sides of the ball and Mike Vrabel is a proven, playoff winning head coach. There is no reason not to believe Drake Maye will take a leap this year as well. Although a true number one wide receiver would be massive for this offense, adding another offensive lineman in Bradbury was a way bigger concern for the Patriots. Now that New England has done that, Drake Maye should have much more time to dissect the defense. New England should be a much improved team in the AFC East next season.

Main Image: Shaun Brooks – USA Today Sports

The post Patriots Sign Recently Released Offensive Lineman appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

A New England Patriots mock draft may be the easiest it ever has been this season. The team invested heavily on the defensive side of the football throughout the first week of free agency. After striking out on free agent targets like Ronnie Stanley and Chris Godwin, the Patriots have no choice but to invest heavily on offense come the 2025 NFL Draft in April.

New England Patriots Mock Draft: Heavy Investments on Offense

Round 1, Pick 4: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Going into the offseason, everyone believed the Patriots would figure out their issue at left tackle in free agency. While they did sign veteran Morgan Moses to play right tackle, they struck out on Ronnie Stanley and the other starting-caliber left tackles. Even if New England is able to swing a trade or find a filler in free agency, Will Campbell is the best possible option at left tackle.

26 seconds of LSU left tackle Will Campbell stonewalling future top-100 picks on the South Carolina defensive line. What an absolute stud. pic.twitter.com/GG5i5FUCAY

— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) November 27, 2024

It is no secret that arm length is the biggest knack on Campbell as a prospect. At the combine, his arms were confirmed to be under the ideal 33 inches for an NFL offensive tackle. Even if his length prevents him from playing tackle at the next level, the Patriots still have a need inside at guard and could bump him to the interior. Adding a player with the athleticism, anchor, and resume that Campbell has would instantly upgrade the offensive line in New England.

SCOUTING REPORT

Round 2, Pick 38: Jack Bech, WR, TCU

The Patriots could have acquired Deebo Samuel, Chris Godwin or even Cooper Kupp over the past two months. Instead, the only player they added to their wide receiver room was Mack Hollins. While Hollins brings some value downfield and in the blocking game, he isn’t going to help Drake Maye very much. Jack Bech on the other hand would give Maye a smart and reliable option outside the numbers.

For someone at 6’2/215lbs …

Jack Bech has great coordination and savviness. He sometimes brings you the skillset of a small slot WR, but in the frame of a tank.

One of my favorites in the draft. pic.twitter.com/ETrajH3S18

— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) February 12, 2025

Bech started to skyrocket up the draft board after his performance in the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl. During the practices, defensive backs couldn’t guard him, and his six receptions, 68 receiving yards and a touchdown led receivers in the actual game. If New England were to select Bech, they would be adding a player who knows how to separate downfield and can quickly turn into an effective runner after the catch.

SCOUTING REPORT

Round 3, Pick 69: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

With the addition of veteran right tackle Morgan Moses, the Patriots have the opportunity to spend time developing their future right tackle rather than plugging and playing them on day one. There are many offensive tackle prospects, in this draft, that could be labelled as developmental — Aireontae Ersery, Josh Simmons and Cameron Williams are among the most highly touted. For New England, any of these three prospects would be the ideal candidate to learn behind Moses but Williams is the selection here.

Could watch Texas RT Cameron Williams kick all day. Just unbelievable movement skills for a guy listed at 335 (and that may be generous to his actual weight) pic.twitter.com/Ed04kseI80

— Cory (@fakecorykinnan) September 17, 2024

Early on in the 2025 NFL Draft season, some analysts viewed Williams as a first-round caliber player but after injuries and multiple poor performances this past season, he will likely be selected in the later stages of day two. He is a mountain of a prospect at 6-foot-6, 315 pounds, and has ideal arm length at 34 inches to stick at tackle in the NFL. To eventually take over for Moses in New England, Williams would have to clean up his bend and overall quickness. While he is a tough player to push at the line of scrimmage, it is incredibly easy for finesse and speed rushers to win against him.

Round 3, Pick 77: Jared Wilson, C, Georgia

The release of veteran center David Andrews this past week gives the Patriots another need along the offensive line. It will be hard for the team to find a player to replace the leadership, longevity, and talent that Andrews brought to New England. Maybe drafting a center from the University of Georgia, the alma mater of Andrews, would be a good start.

Jared Wilson is one of a few plug-and-play centers in this class. Phenomenal athlete who does a great job of working to the second level pic.twitter.com/byIMnLF2Ny

— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) March 4, 2025

This past season was the first year Jared Wilson played at the center position and that was clear when considering his inability to quickly process and call out protection. While his instincts need development, the athleticism Wilson plays with is among the best at his position in this draft class. He moves from his initial block to the second level with ease and is able to quickly fire out of his stance at the line of scrimmage. Even if the Patriots elect to find a veteran replacement at center, Wilson would serve as a high-upside developmental center.

Round 4, Pick 106: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

New England has swung and missed on a number of speedy downfield receivers in recent years — Aaron Dobson in 2013, N’Keal Harry in 2019, and Tyquan Thornton in 2022. With a quarterback who is capable of the home run throw, the Patriots just need a home run hitter at wide receiver and there aren’t many prospects who fit that description better than Isaiah Bond.

Sometimes it just looks so easy for Isaiah Bond. Speed catches the corner and he’s gone.

50-yard TD pic.twitter.com/AtkyLokSTq

— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) September 15, 2024

Much like his Longhorn teammate Cameron Williams, Bond saw his draft stock plummet from first-round to as late as day three. After starting his junior campaign off strong with five straight 50+ yard games, he only mustered 176 yards the rest of the year. During the Longhorns playoff run, Bond struggled with drops and became the third target behind Gunnar Helm and Matthew Golden. From an individual standpoint, the season was a disaster for Bond but from the Patriots perspective, the front office may be able to acquire an explosive play threat, like Bond, three rounds later than first anticipated.

Round 5, Pick 144: Jah Joyner, EDGE, Minnesota

Two weeks ago, the Patriots needed a pass rusher more than just about any team around the NFL. Now, after signing Harold Landry and Milton Williams, New England can wait a little longer before drafting one come April. In a draft class loaded with edge rushers, the perfect time to select one will be on day three and former Minnesota Golden Gopher Jah Joyner has the athleticism to shine in the NFL.

The Danbury, CT @HighDanbury & @GopherFootball product Jah Joyner is so unbelievably athletic & has all the tools to become the next great pass rusher in the NFL! Needs to work on better placement but that’s teachable! Can’t teach athleticism #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/l0lvNjJRql

— The cfb lliason (@realfbllliason) February 26, 2025

At the NFL Combine earlier this month, Joyner had some of the best on-field performances out of any prospect at his position. His 40-yard dash, pass rush, and wave drill were simply outstanding. On all three of those occasions, he reached a top speed between 18 and 22 miles per hour, the highest at his position that day. If the Patriots were to select Joyner, they would need to develop some of his fundamental pass rush skills. He needs to disengage better and be more than just a speed rusher but his athletic ability could get him on the field very early.

SCOUTING REPORT

Round 7, Pick 217: Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan

The running back position was one of the least productive groups in New England last season. Rhamondre Stevenson struggled with fumbles and Antonio Gibson posted the worst receiving numbers in his career. With a new head coach and offensive coordinator, the Patriots may invest in the position late in the draft this year. Former Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards has the explosiveness that New England currently lacks in the backfield.

Donovan Edwards finds a gap. Donovan Edwards takes it in! pic.twitter.com/qm9pC9CWX0

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) September 21, 2024

Edwards was never a bellcow running back at the University of Michigan and he wouldn’t have to be in New England either. His skillset revolves around his ability as a receiver and to break away from defenders at the second level. While he struggles with vision, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could scheme plays for Edwards out in space and let his explosiveness shine. Back-to-back late-round selections on prospects who played in the Big Ten sounds like something Mike Vrabel could get behind.

SCOUTING REPORT

Round 7, Pick 220: Bryson Nesbit, TE, North Carolina

After re-signing Austin Hooper, the tight end position is one of the stronger groups in New England. They have veteran Hunter Henry locked in for the next two seasons and Hooper developed a strong connection with Drake Maye. The Patriots will have to start thinking about a potential replacement for Henry and Hooper when they retire or their contracts expire. Maybe they could look to reunite Maye with one of his favorite targets at North Carolina.

If the #Patriots target a TE later in the draft, it would make sense to reunite Drake Maye with Bryson Nesbit. In two years with Maye, Nesbit had 507 & 585 yards.

Solid size-speed prospect. Runs the seam well. Nesbit's final season at UNC was cut short due to a wrist injury. pic.twitter.com/VfMFJGUQgQ

— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) February 21, 2025

Bryson Nesbit was a first-team All-ACC tight end when catching passes from Maye. He had five games with more than 50 receiving yards and his five touchdowns were second among all Tarheel receivers. Nesbit wasn’t the same player without Maye, he managed just one 50+ yard game this past season and couldn’t stay on the football field. There are many examples of late-round tight ends contributing at the NFL level. Nesbit has the short-area quickness and efficiency in the seam to make an impact further down the depth chart in New England.

Round 7, Pick 238: Ty Robinson, IDL, Nebraska

After the Patriots invested heavily within the interior of the defensive line, an early-round selection at the position wouldn’t make much sense. They will still need to add younger players who can rotate in during long offensive drives and impact the line of scrimmage. Another Big Ten defensive lineman, Ty Robinson, could do just that.

One of the biggest winners of day 1 of the Combine is Nebraska DT Ty Robinson

Ht: 6051
Wt: 288
40: 4.83
Vert: 33.5
Broad: 911
Shuttle: 4.5
3 Cone: 7.58

His tape shows he is a bit of a bull in a china shop which isn't great when you consider he's a 6th year senior. But… pic.twitter.com/MHPKSP3ZET

— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) February 28, 2025

Robinson will be the kind of player Mike Vrabel falls in love with. He plays with incredible physicality at the line of scrimmage and won’t back down from any one-on-one matchup. He always wants to be the first to make contact and rarely motors down throughout the course of a play. Due to Robinson being a six-year college player, he isn’t one of those high-upside prospects but you know the kind of impact he can make at the next level. He has the kind of effort and philosophy to have a long impact in the NFL.

SCOUTING REPORT

Main Image: Tim Heitman – USA Today Sports

The post New England Patriots Mock Draft: Heavy Investments on Offense appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Picture a beat-up ’73 Ford Pinto sitting in a used car lot. Rusty, slow, overlooked. Now imagine it morphing into a turbocharged Ferrari. That’s Quarterback Tom Brady in a nutshell—a sixth-round draft pick who became football’s ultimate engine. The New England Patriots didn’t just stumble into greatness. They saw gold whereas others saw scrap metal.

Rewind to April 16, 2000. The NFL Draft dragged into its sixth round, and ESPN’s ticker flashed names like Spergon Wynn and Tee Martin. Meanwhile, Quarterback Tom Brady sat sweating in his apartment, clutching a Merrill Lynch internship offer. Six QBs had already been picked. Only one team would gamble on a skinny kid with a 5.28-second 40-yard dash. Spoiler: It wasn’t the Niners.

Quarterback Tom Brady: The Draft Day Heist That Defied Logic

The Patriots entered 2000 like a jalopy on cinder blocks. They were $10.5 million over the salary cap and had just hired Bill Belichick, a coach better known for defense than quarterback whisperer skills. Yet Belichick did something wild: He hired Dick Rehbein, an offensive line coach, to scout QBs. Rehbein’s resume?

Zero experience evaluating passers. But turns out, fresh eyes see what others miss.

“He was the guy that would go in and lead [Michigan] back to victory,” Jason Licht, then a Patriots scout, recalled. Brady’s college tape screamed clutch, but his Combine stats hissed. At 6’4” and 211 pounds, he ran slower than a dial-up connection. Scouts roasted his “weak” arm and “unaesthetic spiral.” But Belichick cared more about grit than gadgets.

While other teams chased measurables, New England bet on intangibles. But here’s where it gets interesting…

Round 6. Pick No. 199.

On this day 20 years ago, @TomBrady was drafted by the New England Patriots. pic.twitter.com/woZm6nqW8B

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 16, 2020

The Patriots already had three quarterbacks, including (future $103 million) star Drew Bledsoe. Drafting another passer made as much sense as adding ketchup to lobster rolls. Yet they burned the 199th pick on Brady anyway. Why? “We were looking for the mental makeup… Belichick did a lot of homework on him, along with our staff, on his mental makeup,” Licht said.

Translation: Brady had the hunger of a kid fighting for a lunchtable seat.

Six QBs went before Brady. Let that sink in: Chad Pennington. Giovanni Carmazzi. Chris Redman. The list reads like a trivia night blunder. Combined, they threw 258 touchdowns. Brady? He’d rack up 710. But on draft day, even Brady doubted. “No matter who you are, there are bumps and hits and bruises along the way, and my advice is to prepare yourself. Football teaches us that success and achievement come from overcoming adversity,” he later said in 2024.

From Clipboard Holder to Crown Holder

Brady’s rookie year was less “red carpet” and more “red-faced.” He threw three passes all season. Then, in 2001, Bledsoe got walloped by Jets linebacker Mo Lewis. Enter Quarterback Tom Brady—a backup so anonymous, announcers found it difficult at times to call him by his name. But by February, he was hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. Dynasty launched.

“To be successful at anything, the truth is you don’t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren’t: consistent, determined, and willing to work for it,” Brady told 60,000 fans at his Patriots Hall of Fame speech in June 2024. His career became a masterclass in outworking doubt. Seven rings. 278 wins. A highlight reel longer than The Godfather trilogy. And it all traced back to that sixth-round Hail Mary.

Off the field, Brady’s hustle never idled. He built TB12 into a wellness empire, snagged a $375 million Fox deal, became a minority Ravens owner, and even dabbled in soccer ownership (shoutout to Birmingham City’s rough season). But like a vintage Mustang, his heart never left New England. The Patriots’ gamble didn’t just win titles—it rewrote how teams scout underdogs.

Today, as New England eyes another draft, they’re chasing the ghost of a dark horse. Because Quarterback Tom Brady wasn’t just a pick. He was proof that greatness isn’t found in combine stats—it’s forged in the grind. And somewhere, a rusty ’73 Pinto just smiled.

Main Photo: Providence Journal

The post Throwback: The Last-Round Gem That Built a Dynasty for New England appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Nine-year veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones has signed a new contract with the Washington Commanders. Jones, a former undrafted free agent and two-time Super Bowl champion, spent the entirety of his career with the New England Patriots.

[Fowler] Veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones to the #Commanders on a one-year deal.

After nine years and 11 interceptions in New England, Jones heads to NFC East. twitter.com/JFowlerESPN/…

[image or embed]

— NFL News Poster (@nflnewsposter.bsky.social) March 12, 2025 at 5:34 PM

Jonathan Jones, Washington Commanders, Agree to Contract

Like just about everyone on the New England Patriots, Jonathan Jones took a step back during his first season without Bill Belichick. Playing under a clearly overwhelmed Jerod Mayo and defensive coordinator Demarcus Covington, Jones regressed as the defense struggled to adapt without one of the best minds in NFL history. Appearing in all 17 games, Jones finished the season with no interceptions, six passes defended, 58 tackles, and a 60.7 PFF grade, the 79th-best mark out of 117 eligible players.

Jonathan Jones originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent following the 2016 NFL Draft. Signing with the Patriots, Jones spent most of his rookie season working on special teams while occasionally moonlighting as a slot cornerback. Despite his small role on the team, he still helped win Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons and earned a  ring for his efforts. He earned a larger role in 2017 but couldn’t help out in the postseason after tearing his Achilles in the Divisional Round win over the Tennessee Titans.

Jones returned to the field and became a fixture of New England’s defense for the next six years. Establishing himself as one of the league’s better slot cornerbacks, he is one of the few holdovers from the Patriots dynasty to outlast Bill Belichick in New England. While he remained effective throughout his tenure, he was at his best in 2019 and 2020 and can play both in the slot and out wide when required.

Since signing his rookie contract, Jonathan Jones has appeared in 132 games while making 71 starts. While on the field, the Auburn product has recorded 11 interceptions, 57 passes defended, 2.5 sacks, and 436 tackles.

Main Photo: Gregory Fisher – USA Today Sports

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Cooper Kupp already has a Hall of Fame worthy resume with the Los Angeles Rams. Kupp was an absolutely crucial piece of the Rams Super Bowl win in the 2021-2022 season. He won the “triple crown” in that same season, leading the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and receiving touchdowns (16). However, Kupp had a bit of a down year for his standards in 2024. This has led to his time in Los Angeles coming to an end. Cooper Kupp is going to have a big market now that he has been released.

Cooper Kupp Expected to Have Big Market

Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp will be finding a new home this offseason for the first time after spending his first eight years in the league in Los Angeles. Kupp is going to have a number of suitors once he is released. Which teams could be the best fits for Kupp?

Seattle Seahawks

This offseason has been incredibly busy for the Seattle Seahawks. First off, the team traded starting quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. Seattle signed former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold to a 3 year, $100 million dollar deal to replace Smith. The Seahawks also traded star receiver D.K. Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and wideout Tyler Lockett is also leaving the team. Trading for Cooper Kupp makes a lot of sense for the Seahawks. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is an emerging superstar for the franchise at wide receiver. However, there is not much else for new quarterback Sam Darnold to work with. This is where signing Cooper Kupp could come into play. A duo of Smith-Njigba and Kupp would be difficult for opposing defenses, and would make life easier on Sam Darnold in his first season in Seattle.

Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have also had a busy start to free agency. They have made a slew of upgrades on their interior offensive and defensive lines as well as re-signing running back Aaron Jones. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy will take over as the starter. The Vikings are a great fit for Cooper Kupp as he has seen great success in the past with coach Kevin O’Connell. O’Connell was the Rams offensive coordinator when Kupp won the triple crown in 2021. He is a proven elite offensive mind and integrating Kupp into an offense with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson will give opposing defenses nightmares. This will make life very easy on McCarthy in his first season as the starter.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem to be ready to compete now. They signed Milton Williams to a massive contract, making him the third highest paid defensive tackle. New England should target a wide receiver to pair with second year quarterback Drake Maye. Cooper Kupp is the perfect option. Kupp can run any route and has elite hands, making him a friendly target for quarterbacks. Maye showed a lot of potetnial last season but there was simply not enough help around him. If the Patriots can sign Cooper Kupp it could open up another dimension to this offense.

Main Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Imagine holding a lottery ticket that could either save your franchise or haunt it for a decade. That’s the First Pick Paradox in a nutshell—a high-stakes gamble where “can’t-miss” prospects sometimes miss spectacularly while overlooked gems shine. It’s like “Black Mirror” meets “Draft Day,” where every decision splits the timeline into infinite possibilities. For the Tennessee Titans, holding the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft isn’t just a golden ticket—it’s a Schrödinger’s cat of pressure, hope, and sleepless nights.

Now, picture this: A team with the league’s worst record (3-14) suddenly holds the keys to draft royalty. Do they grab a franchise quarterback or a generational edge rusher? It’s the NFL’s version of “The Hunger Games”—survival hinges on strategy, not just talent. The Titans aren’t just picking a player; they’re choosing a path that could redefine their future. And as free agency shakes up the board, the paradox sharpens: Do you fix glaring needs or chase transcendent talent?

The Titans’ Generational Gamble

Tennessee’s front office claims they won’t pass on a “generational talent” at No. 1. Translation: Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, who led college football with 24 tackles for loss in 2024, is their target. But here’s the twist—Centerstage Sports agent Drew Rosenhaus recently revealed Carter has a stress reaction in his right foot, though he insists his client will “put on a show at his pro day.” Meanwhile, the Titans released veteran Harold Landry, creating a gaping hole at pass rusher. Carter’s raw power and explosiveness could fill it, but is he worth skipping a quarterback in a Quarterback-driven league?

It’s a classic First Pick Paradox playbook. Think “Moneyball” meets “Ocean’s Eleven”—weighing analytics against gut instincts. The Titans’ 2024 defense ranked 28th in sacks (27), and Carter’s 6’3”, 250-pound frame screams “game-wrecker.” But passing on a quarterback like Miami’s Cam Ward, the 2024 Davey O’Brien Award winner, risks repeating the Deshaun Watson-era Browns’ mistakes. Ward threw for 4,313 yards and 43 touchdowns last season, yet Cleveland’s quarterback carousel still spins like a “Stranger Things” upside-down world.

Meanwhile, the New York Giants at No. 3 are flirting with Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, a polarizing prospect with 41 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2024. GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll were spotted chatting up Sanders at the East-West Shrine Bowl, sparking rumors of a smokescreen—or genuine interest. Besides, either it’s the biggest smokescreen ever, or the Giants are in love. In today’s NFL, drafting for upside often trumps immediate fixes.

But the First Pick Paradox cuts deeper. For every Patrick Mahomes, there’s a JaMarcus Russell. The Titans’ choice will ripple across the draft, forcing teams like the Patriots (No. 4) and Jaguars (No. 5) to pivot. Will they chase Travis Hunter’s two-way stardom or Mason Graham’s defensive anchor potential? The clock’s ticking—and the stakes are higher than a “Squid Game” elimination round.

Ripple effects and reinvented blueprints for the first pick

The First Pick Paradox isn’t just Tennessee’s problem—it’s a league-wide fever dream. Take the Browns at No. 2, who skipped quarterback for Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a Swiss Army knife who could play wide receiver or cornerback. “Hunter has a credible path to becoming a Pro Bowl player at either receiver or cornerback,” ESPN’s Field Yates noted. Cleveland’s gamble mirrors the NBA’s “positionless” trend, prioritizing versatility over traditional needs. But in a division with Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, does avoiding QB2 spell doom?

Meanwhile, the Raiders (No. 6) doubled down on nostalgia, trading for Geno Smith and drafting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty—a Barry Sanders-esque rusher with 2,601 yards in 2024. New coach Pete Carroll is rebuilding his “Legion of Boom 2.0”, but in a pass-happy league, betting on a bell-cow back feels like rewinding to “Friday Night Lights.” Yet Jeanty’s 7.0 yards per carry and 30 touchdowns can’t be ignored. It’s a high-risk, high-reward play—the essence of the First Pick Paradox.

Even contenders aren’t immune. The Chiefs (No. 31) grab Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons to protect Patrick Mahomes after their Super Bowl LIX loss exposed shaky tackles. “Simmons allowed just one QB pressure and no sacks on 152 pass-blocking snaps last season, which was good for the lowest pressure rate allowed (0.7%) by any tackle with at least 100 pass block snaps. Kansas City gets a steal here,” per CBS Sports. For Philly (No. 32), replacing Josh Sweat with Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton (29 TFL since 2023) keeps their trenches fearsome. These picks aren’t sexy, but they’re chess moves in a league where championships are won in the trenches.

The paradox reshapes everything. Teams now draft like “Moneyball” savants, blending analytics with existential dread. Do you chase the next Travis Kelce (Michigan TE Colston Loveland to the Chargers) or lockdown corners (Texas’ Jahdae Barron to Green Bay)? The answer lies in balancing desperation with vision—a tightrope walk where one misstep triggers a rebuild.

The draft’s new reality

The First Pick Paradox isn’t going away. It’s the NFL’s version of “The Matrix”—a system where choices define realities. For the Titans, picking Carter or Ward will write their next chapter. For the Giants, Sanders could be Daniel Jones’ successor or another cautionary tale. And for the league, 2025’s draft in Lambeau Field isn’t just about talent—it’s a referendum on risk, patience, and the eternal quest for the perfect pick.

In the end, the paradox reminds us: There are no sure things, only calculated leaps. Whether teams soar or crash depends on how they wield the double-edged sword.

Main Image: Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK

The post The First Pick Paradox and How the Double-Edged Sword Has Reshaped Draft Strategy appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Nine-year veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett has signed a new contract with the Arizona Cardinals. Brissett, a former third-round pick, spent the 2024 season with the New England Patriots but has also played for the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Commanders.

Fowler: Jacoby Brissett plans to sign with the Cardinals.

— NFL NEWS (@fantasynflnews.bsky.social) March 11, 2025 at 5:35 PM

Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals, Agree to Contract

Jacoby Brissett entered the season as the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots. Signing a one-year deal with the team, Brissett was supposed to give New England adequate play at the quarterback position while first-round pick Drake Maye developed on the sidelines. This plan lasted all of five games, as Brissett struggled behind a poor offensive line and unreliable weapons. In total, the quarterback made five starts while completing 59% of his passes for 826 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Brissett originally entered the league as a third-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Selected by the Patriots, the North Carolina State product entered the league as the third quarterback on the depth chart. However, he had to start in two games after Tom Brady received a suspension and backup Jimmy Garoppolo suffered an injury. While on the field, the rookie completed 61.8% of his passes for 400 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions while guiding the team to a 1-1 record.

Despite his success as a rookie, the Patriots traded Brissett to the Indianapolis Colts prior to the 2017 season opener. Filling in for an injured Andrew Luck, Brissett completed 58.8% of his passes for 3,098 yards, 13 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He returned to his backup role in 2018 but became the primary starter in 2019 following Luck’s surprise retirement.

After spending the 2020 season backing up Philip Rivers, Brissett spent the next few seasons bouncing around the league as a high-end backup and bridge quarterback. Since signing his rookie contract, the quarterback has completed 61.1% of his passes for 11,400 yards, 53 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions.

Main Photo: Gregory Fisher – USA Today Sports

The post BREAKING: 50-Game Starting Quarterback Signs Contract With Arizona Cardinals appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The NFL draft is usually a quarterback lovefest—think The Bachelor finale, but with more playbooks and less rose-giving. This year? The 2025 Quarterback class cupboard feels emptier than a nacho platter at a Super Bowl party. With no surefire franchise saviors hogging the spotlight, positions like defensive line, tight end, and even safety are crashing the first-round conversation like uninvited guests who end up stealing the show.

Welcome to the 2025 draft, where “Who’s that?” might just be the most asked question. While teams scramble to find the next Patrick Mahomes, the real drama lies in the trenches and beyond. Think of it like Stranger Things shifting focus from Hawkins High to the Upside Down—less obvious, but way more intriguing.

Quarterback carousel spins into uncertainty

The New York Jets’ signing of Justin Fields feels less like a grand romance and more like a rebound fling. After 14 straight playoff misses and a messy breakup with Aaron Rodgers, Gang Green tossed Fields a two-year, $40 million “prove it” deal. But let’s be real: Fields’ résumé—4-2 as a Steelers starter last year, 16 career fumbles in 2022—is about as reliable as a TikTok weather forecast. Yet here we are.

BREAKING: Jets signing QB Justin Fields to two-year, $40M deal with $30M guaranteed. (via @rapsheet, @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/YJVKoikwuM

— NFL (@NFL) March 10, 2025

The 2025 Quarterback class? It’s thinner than the plot of Riverdale’s final season. Scouts are lukewarm on Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward, while Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart feel like lottery tickets with scratch-off odds. Hence, this isn’t a group that’ll have GMs sprinting to the podium. So, what’s a Quarterback-needy team to do?

The Jets, for example, are betting on Fields’ legs (1,143 rushing yards in 2022) and a young supporting cast featuring Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. But if this experiment flops? Cue the Curb Your Enthusiasm theme—it’s back to the drawing board for a franchise that’s mastered the art of disappointment.

While the Jets’ Fields experiment grabs headlines, other Quarterback-needy teams are navigating the draft’s murky waters with varying strategies. The Pittsburgh Steelers, left scrambling after Fields’ exit, are eyeing a reunion with Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers. While flirting with trade targets like New England’s Joe Milton—a raw but rocket-armed project buried behind Drake Maye.

Speaking of the Patriots, they’re all-in on Maye as their franchise cornerstone. As they leave Milton as trade bait despite his untapped potential. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans (picking first overall) face a dilemma: reach for a shaky Quarterback prospect like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, or snag Penn State’s generational pass-rusher Abdul Carter and kick the Quarterback can down the road.

Even teams like the Saints and Rams, lurking in the mid-rounds, are gambling on developmental options. Options like Tyler Shough or Jaxson Dart—proof that in a Quarterback drought, desperation and creativity go hand in hand.

Defensive Linemen Steal the Spotlight

If quarterbacks are the draft’s main course, this year’s defensive line class is the loaded nachos you can’t stop eating. Penn State’s Abdul Carter, a 6’3”, 250-pound edge rusher with a stress fracture and a top-five grade, headlines a group so deep it could fill a Marvel ensemble. Georgia’s Mykel Williams (6’6”, 260 lbs) and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart (4.67-second 40-yard dash at 267 lbs) bring Black Panther-level athleticism, while Michigan’s Mason Graham anchors the interior like a fridge full of bricks.

“You can’t have enough good ones,” Bears GM Ryan Poles said, referencing the Eagles’ D-line dominance in Super Bowl 59. Eleven defensive linemen could go in Round 1—a tidal wave of talent that’s forcing teams to rethink their boards. Even Colorado’s Travis Hunter, the two-way unicorn, is getting CB1 buzz despite playing receiver 50% of the time.

Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock is slipping faster than a grocery bag with a hole. Critics point to his “uneasy” pocket presence, but Kurt Warner offered context: “I just want to see him more solid in the pocket and the ability to process quickly so he doesn’t have to get uneasy after first look and go create a throw. To stay in there, see it, understand it, and get the ball out a little bit more on time than I saw.”

When you’ve been sacked 94 times in two years, wouldn’t you twitch? Behind Colorado’s Swiss cheese O-line, Sanders’ toughness (playing through injections, per Deion Sanders) might be his best selling point. Besides, this draft isn’t about finding a hero…

It’s about building a roster that can survive without one. With Quarterbacks stuck in purgatory, teams are stockpiling defensive monsters, versatile tight ends (Penn State’s Tyler Warren is this year’s Gronk-lite), and hybrid playmakers. The Jets’ Fields gamble? It’s a subplot in a bigger story.

In a year without a Caleb Williams, you either get creative or get left behind. So grab your popcorn. The 2025 Quarterback class might lack star power, but the chaos? That’s must-see TV.

Main Photo Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images

The post 2025 NFL Quarterback Class Opens Door for Under-The-Radar Positions To Dominate Draft Chatter appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.