Naturally, the coach controversy reached Drake Maye as he was giving an interview to Jonathan Hall of 7News. “We’re here for coach. We love coach… what he’s done for us this past year — you can’t speak into words. Just thankful he’s our head coach. I know he’s dealing with some stuff off the field… we’re here for him.”

Due to the Vrabel-Russini scandal, the head coach missed the final day of the draft. However, he is back, and Patriots players say the energy is great and nothing has changed inside the team’s locker room.

Vrabel and Maye’s debut year was special

Mike Vrabel came to the Patriots when the team was in complete disarray. In his first year, he not only fixed the team, but also led them into the Super Bowl, despite a losing effort. He also formed a special connection with then-second-year QB Drake Maye.

Maye was the runner-up in MVP voting as well. Maye led the NFL in completion percentage (72), passer rating (113.5), QBR (77.1), and also had 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions. He was absolutely stellar throughout the whole season.

The Patriots want to avoid Super Bowl hangover talks

The term ‘Super Bowl hangover‘ refers to the decline in performance for NFL teams that appeared in the Super Bowl a season prior. The fact is that this offseason, all points sign to the Patriots suffering from this.

Add that to the fact that their schedule will be much harder than last year and this season could be a nightmare for the Patriots. It’s time to be put to the test, since the team’s character is getting challenged right now. At least quarterback and heac coach are still in-sync.

Jiles departs New England having spent two years on the practice squad and signing a futures deal in February, but he never played an official game for the team. He is 25 years old.

After spending time on the Seahawks’ practice squad, 24-year-old tight end Marshall Lang had two separate stints with the New England practice squad last season. Now, it’s up to waiting if the AJ Brown trade with the Eagles actually materialize.

Patriots need AJ Brown more than ever

The Patriots didn’t have the best of drafts, and controversy around Mike Vrabel has this team in the middle of a PR crisis. Add that to the actual need to add a star wideout and the AJ Brown move needs to happen or this team could go into disarray.

This team is fresh off a Super Bowl appearance, but now it appears like it is destined to suffer the classic Super Bowl hangover. The Patriots have to make moves and prove that they still belong to the top-tier level of the NFL.

AJ Brown would thrive with Drake Maye at QB

AJ Brown is an elite weapon and arguably a top five wideout in the league. Pair him to the MVP runner-up and one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the NFL like Drake Maye, and this could be an unstoppable duo.

Brown excels at contested catches, physicality, raw speed, and intermediate-to-long routes. The Patriots had Stefon Diggs last season and that was enough to get to the Super Bowl, and AJ Brown is much better at this point than Diggs. Hence, he could put this team in a whole new level.

“The Patriots want AJ Brown and the Eagles are willing to move on from AJ Brown. I expect that this trade will come together on June 1…it’s not gonna be hard to get it done…I believe in the end it will involve a future 1st round draft pick, my guess is a 1 in 2028,” Adam Schefter reported on The Pat McAfee Show.

In Foxborough, they are looking for a replacement following the departure of Stefon Diggs. The idea is for it to be one with experience, talent, and explosiveness—something Mike Vrabel knows very well about Brown from their time together with the Tennessee Titans.

Why would A.J. Brown arrive in New England as of June 1?

The rumored arrival of A.J. Brown in New England is strategically timed for after June 1 to maximize salary cap flexibility for the Philadelphia Eagles. By waiting until this date, the Eagles can split Brown’s massive $43.4 million dead cap hit across the 2026 and 2027 seasons, rather than absorbing the entire penalty in a single year.

This accounting maneuver provides Philadelphia with roughly $20 million in immediate cap relief, making the trade financially viable, while allowing the Patriots to officially acquire their projected WR1 for quarterback Drake Maye.

Patriots look to fill the void left by Stefon Diggs

In his lone season with the New England Patriots, Stefon Diggs was a highly productive weapon for Drake Maye, recording 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and 4 touchdowns in 17 games during the 2025 campaign.

Despite leading the team in catches and yards, his production dipped in the playoffs—averaging only 27.5 yards per game across four postseason appearances—and he faced significant off-field legal issues late in the year.

The aerial attack of Drake Maye in New England so far

Stefon Diggs is gone, Romeo Doubs has arrived, and Kayshon Boutte is still on the roster. These are the options that Drake Maye currently has in his receiving corps ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

On Wednesday night, Vrabel informed the media that he will be absent from the final day of the draft. This decision follows the publication of photos showing him with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort. In response, Vrabel announced he would begin seeking counseling this weekend, stating that he needs to be “the best husband, father, and coach” he can possibly be.

The Patriots have rallied behind their head coach during this difficult time. The club issued a supportive statement, emphasizing that the health and stability of their staff’s families remain a higher priority than football operations.

“The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being. Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment.

“We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process. While he will not be present at the facility on Saturday, we know the draft evaluations are complete and Eliot Wolf and his personnel staff are prepared to execute our draft as planned this weekend.”

What happened with Mike Vrabel and Diana Russini?

On April 7, 2026, the New York Post published photos of Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and NFL insider Dianna Russini at the Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona. The images, reportedly taken in late March, showed the pair holding hands and embracing.

Both Vrabel and Russini—who are married to other people—initially downplayed the photos. Vrabel called suggestions of an affair “laughable,” while Russini claimed they were part of a larger group of friends. However, as more details emerged and the “group of friends” story could not be verified, the situation escalated.

“I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father, and coach that I possibly can be,” Vrabel said in a follow-up statement. “This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person.”

Dianna Russini resigned from The Athletic on April 14, 2026, after an internal investigation began. Through her X account, she shared her resignation letter, stating she was stepping aside to avoid the “media frenzy” and to protect her family.

“…This media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept,” Russini said.

“Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.”

“A name that has come up in trade talks is #Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte, who is entering the final year of his contract, according to multiple league sources,” Jordan Schultz revealed on X. “With Romeo Doubs coming in and the eventual AJ Brown trade, teams believe he could be available for the right price.”

Although Boutte had his share of prominence under Mike Vrabel last season, the arrival of new reinforcements could force him to look for a new team. If his departure is finalized, he would follow in the footsteps of Stefon Diggs, who is no longer a Patriots player.

Boutte proved to be an important weapon for the Patriots

During the 2025 NFL season, New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte emerged as a highly efficient deep threat, hauling in 33 receptions on 46 targets for 551 receiving yards. Despite a limited number of targets, Boutte made a significant impact in the red zone and downfield, recording 6 touchdowns and an impressive 16.7 yards per reception.

His reliability was further highlighted by a strong 71.7% catch rate and a solid 71.8 PFF receiving grade, solidifying his role as a key playmaker in the Patriots’ offense.

The Patriots’ receiving corps

With the arrival of Romeo Doubs from the Green Bay Packers and while awaiting what may happen with A.J. Brown, these are the receivers Drake Maye currently has at his disposal heading into what’s next:

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that AJ Brown is likely getting traded from the Eagles to the Patriots. However, why are these teams waiting until June 1st? Well, it’s because the cap hit of trading AJ Brown is one of $40 million. As for the Patriots, it really doesn’t matter.

By waiting until June 1st, that salary cap charge can be split between this and next year, hence making it more friendly for the Eagles. Also, Schefter reported that they can wait without hesitation, as the team rather have capital for the 2027 and 2028 drafts than this one.

Will the Eagles go for a WR in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Philadelphia Eagles have fueled their wide receiver room by bringing in Elijah Moore, Dontayvion Wicks, and Hollywood Brown. All signs point to Devonta Smith getting the WR1 slot, but the new names aren’t household ones, so the 2026 NFL Draft could be a way of reinforcing the room further.

Rumors have been around the league stating that Omar Cooper Jr. could be very well in the radar of the Philadelphia Eagles. Cooper is a highly-touted prospect in this 2026 NFL Draft, and could be a huge addition to the Eagles roster thanks to his skillset.

The Eagles have a new scheme on offense

With the arrival of Sean Mannion as the new offensive coordinator, the Eagles will change a lot in comparison to last year. Mannion should be focusing on giving Saquon Barkley the ball to open the offense with play-action, where Jalen Hurts thrives.

Last season, the Eagles were very stagnant on offense, with all AJ Brown, Saquon Barkley and Devonta Smith having lesser years than expected. That included a dip in level of quarterback Jalen Hurts. Mannion now needs to galvanize the troops and exploit their talents.

“The Eagles begin their offseason workout program today and WR A.J. Brown is not expected to attend as he awaits clarity on his future, sources tell The Insiders,” Mike Garafolo said on X. “There’s nothing mandatory before June 1, when trade talks with the Patriots and perhaps others likely resume.“

For his part, ESPN‘s Adam Schefter stated that the Eagles are open to a potential trade, with the Patriots among the most interested in acquiring his services. Eventually, this storyline will reach a final decision in the near future.

The connection between A.J. Brown and Mike Vrabel

AJ Brown and the head coach’s bond was forged during their three successful seasons together with the Tennessee Titans, where Vrabel’s leadership helped Brown establish himself as one of the league’s premier deep threats. During their time in Tennessee, Brown was exceptionally productive, recording back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in his first two years and totaling 2,995 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns under Vrabel’s tenure.

Given the Patriots‘ aggressive roster building in 2026 and Vrabel’s public admiration for Brown’s competitive drive, a reunion in Foxborough would provide the elite offensive spark New England needs. Additionally, the departure of Stefon Diggs as the primary veteran receiver has left a gap for this team to fill heading into what’s next.

Which receivers remain in the Philadelphia Eagles?

The potential departure of A.J. Brown could deal a major blow to the Philadelphia Eagles receiving corps. The main figures right now are DeVonta Smith and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who recently played for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Philadelphia has an opportunity to add talent

The biggest upcoming event is none other than the Draft, which will begin on Thursday in Pittsburgh. These will be the eight opportunities the Philadelphia Eagles will have to bring in young talent from college football:

• 1st Round: No. 23
• 2nd Round: No. 54
• 3rd Round: No. 68 (via Jets)
• 3rd Round: No. 98 (compensatory pick)
• 4th Round: No. 114 (via Falcons)
• 4th Round: No. 137 (compensatory pick)
• 5th Round: No. 178 (compensatory pick)
• 6th Round: No. 197 (via Falcons)

In recent months, the departure of A.J. Brown has been a persistent rumor, with the Rams and Patriots emerging as potential suitors. Nevertheless, it seems like New England has the best chance to land him.

Nick Foles, former quarterback of the Eagles, strongly believes it is only a matter of time before A.J. Brown is out of Philly, targeting the Patriots as the best fit for the wide receiver.

“I think New England would make a lot of sense because of his history [with coach Mike] Vrabel,” Foles said on Fox29. “I think that’s obvious, right? And I think he even said he grew up a Patriots fan, if I’m correct. So that would be like two-fold situation. But really because [G.M. Howie Roseman’s] not shutting it down. That’s a big thing. And he’s gonna have a lot of strategy behind it. He’s gonna get something he wants by — I think it’s going to come to a point where he realized last year was very difficult.”

June 1st: The key date for A.J. Brown

For many fans, it seems strange that A.J. Brown has not been traded yet despite the ongoing rumors. However, there is a reason for the delay, and it is entirely due to finances.

According to reports, the Eagles are waiting for June 1st to trade Brown to avoid a 2026 cap hit of over $40 million. A move after that date would result in a hit of less than $20 million.

Foles has stated that Brown wants out due to the ongoing struggles of the offense. While the club has a new offensive coordinator in Sean Mannion, the wide receiver may feel he needs a fresh start elsewhere to truly shine.

“They have a first-year coordinator in Sean Mannion,” Foles said. “You don’t want to deal with, you know, what they dealt with last year with A.J. Now, A.J. had merit looking back. Like, why was he frustrated? Well, it was the concepts of the offense and how it was [run] with Kevin Patullo. Looking back, that’s maybe what the frustration was. Was it with Jalen Hurts? I don’t know. I’m not in the facility. No idea. But because of those things and different people I know around the league that know A.J. a little bit . . .what I’ve gathered is, [he] wants to be traded, but I also think like he wants to be traded to specific places.”

Drake Maye was at The Masters last weekend and said, “Everybody says, ‘You’ll be back.’ It’s not that easy. So, we’ve got to get back to work, and I’m looking forward to trying to prove to myself that I can get back and just have another year to get a chance at it.”

While Maye obviously wants to go back to the Super Bowl, his feet are grounded, as he knows it’s quite a difficult thing to achieve. He did it in his second year, but every year is different and the NFL constantly presents new challenges.

Maye doesn’t have a WR1

Last year, the Pats had Stefon Diggs, who surpassed 1,000 yards and was not only the best, but also the most experienced receiver on the roster. However, he is not there anymore and the Patriots have failed to bring another star to the roster.

As of now, their best receiver is Romeo Doubs, who was signed this offseason. However, he is nowhere near at the level that Diggs is. Hence, it remains to be seen if the team will use its draft capital, or trade for a top-tier addition.

The other challenges in front of the Patriots

This year, their calendar will be way, way tougher. Last season, the Pats had one of the easiest schedules in the NFL according to strength of opponents. However, by going to the Super Bowl, that will change drastically.

Also, their playoff run was marked by conveniences. During the Wild Card round, they faced a Chargers team with a depleted offensive line. In the Divisional round, Texans’ quarterback CJ Stroud gave away four interceptions, and in the AFC Championship game, they faced a Broncos team without Bo Nix, who got injured a game prior.

On Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that the Patriots hosted Daniels for a pre-draft visit. The former Kansas Jayhawks standout is regarded as a high-upside developmental talent, though he is projected as a mid-to-late round selection rather than a first-round pick.

According to recent comments from head coach Mike Vrabel, improving the running game is a top priority this offseason. The addition of a mobile quarterback like Daniels would provide depth at a vital position and offer a “safety net” to avoid placing excessive pressure on Maye should injuries arise.

Drake Maye is the undisputed QB1, but 2026 brings new challenges

Drake Maye is coming off a spectacular breakout season in 2025. Under the guidance of Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the former first-round pick finished as the NFL MVP runner-up, throwing for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns. However, the postseason proved to be a learning experience for the young star.

While Maye led the Patriots to Super Bowl LX, his performance in the championship loss to the Seattle Seahawks—where he was sacked six times and struggled with a minor shoulder injury—left some wondering how much more room he has to grow.

Great things are expected for Maye in 2026. Following the release of Stefon Diggs in March, the club is reportedly aggressively pursuing Eagles star A.J. Brown. Such an addition would provide Maye with an elite veteran target to replace Diggs’ production and help the offense take the final step toward a championship.

Will the Patriots draft Jalon Daniels?

Scouts have given Jalon Daniels a 5.66 prospect grade, labeling him a “developmental backup” with the potential to eventually become a starter. New England clearly sees something unique in his tape, likely valuing his mobility and the fact that he was healthy for his final two collegiate seasons.

With Tommy DeVito currently serving as the primary backup, Daniels could be a valuable late-draft addition. Scouts have noted his athleticism is among the best in the 2026 class, and for a Patriots team looking to add a different dimension to their playbook, Daniels represents a low-risk, high-reward investment.

“We want to be more consistent running the football,” Vrabel said, per MassLive’s Karen Guregian. “This isn’t like we’re going to run it every single play. It’s just that I felt like there were too many times where we wanted to run it, and it was just inefficient.

“Now we popped some, which was great. We had some explosives. … But I want to be able to do it more consistently to allow for some of the run actions in the passing game to really come alive. It’s a tough league if you have to sit there and drop back and throw the football as much as we did in the last game of the season.”

The Patriots were sixth in rushing yards in the regular season and ranked 13th in yards per attempt. Definitely, Vrabel will have a lot of work ahead if he wants to improve these statistics.

Two key rushers for New England

In the 2025 season, the Patriots’ backfield was led by the duo of Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson. Stevenson concluded the regular season with 603 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns on 130 carries, while also proving his versatility with 345 receiving yards and 2 scores.

Meanwhile, Henderson made an immediate impact by tallying 911 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns on 180 attempts, adding 221 yards through the air. Despite a dominant 14-3 record and a Super Bowl LX appearance, Vrabel demanded even greater efficiency from his ground game to ensure New England remain the AFC’s physical benchmark in 2026.

Opportunities to strengthen the Patriots’ backfield

With the goal of once again winning the AFC East and returning to the Super Bowl for revenge, the New England Patriots will have 11 opportunities in the upcoming draft to continue strengthening their roster:

• Round 1: Pick 31
• Round 2: Pick 63
• Round 3: Pick 95
• Round 4: Pick 125
• Round 4: Pick 131
• Round 5: Pick 171
• Round 6: Pick 191
• Round 6: Pick 198
• Round 6: Pick 202
• Round 6: Pick 212
• Round 7: Pick 247