Latest news with #NewEnglandPatriots
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'A dead end': Insider claims Patriots could release Stefon Diggs immediately to void $25M guarantee
Stefon Diggs' future with the New England Patriots is uncertain (Image via AP) New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs may find his future with the team in jeopardy just months after signing a massive contract — all because of a viral yacht party clip featuring rapper Cardi B and what appeared to be a bag of pink powder. The footage, which lit up social media, raised serious questions about Diggs' conduct off the field, especially given his high-profile arrival in New England. He inked a three-year, $69 million deal with $25 million guaranteed in March, and expectations were high for the former Buffalo Bills star. But now, the Patriots may be rethinking their investment. NFL insider says Patriots could cut Diggs to protect guaranteed money NFL insider Albert Breer weighed in on the controversy during an appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub, revealing that the Patriots could take immediate action depending on the explanation Diggs gave head coach Mike Vrabel. 'I think it's going to be hard for anybody, the league is going to look into this, and they're going to hit a dead end cause they're not going to be able to prove what was in the bag,' Breer said. 'So then, it's up to the team to make a decision. ' Breer also suggested that if the Patriots want to protect their financial interests, they would need to act swiftly. 'And if the team wants to recoup any of the guaranteed money, they have to cut him right away,' he explained. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo 'Because you can't hold him on the roster for two weeks and then decide, 'OK, we're done with you then.'' Mike Vrabel sends a warning and keeps Diggs talks private Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel didn't address the video directly but made it clear that player behavior matters. Speaking after an OTA practice, Vrabel said, 'Obviously, we want to make great decisions on and off the field... the message will be the same for all of the players. Try to make great decisions.' When asked about his private discussions with Diggs, Vrabel was firm: 'Any conversations that I've had with Stefon will remain between him and I.' Also Read: Is Tyreek Hill the fastest NFL player? Showdown with Olympic champion Noah Lyles could prove it soon As speculation swirls, Diggs' absence from recent practices has only added fuel to the fire. Whether it was a warning, a suspension, or something more serious, his NFL future with the Patriots now hangs in the balance — and the pink powder mystery may be the tipping point.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
5 standout Patriots players from second open OTAs practice
The New England Patriots held their second open OTAs practice on Wednesday, which served as an opportunity for media members to view the team's ongoing offseason work. It's important to take everything with a grain of salt at this point in the year. The players aren't practicing in pads, and they are easing their way into the mix before things ramp up over the summer at training camp. Advertisement OTAs are about establishing a foundation that the team can build on later. With that said, this is still a competition with everyone vying for a roster spot. So every rep matters on the football field, and the coaches are clearly viewing it as such. Here are the five Patriots players who stood out the most at the second open OTAs practice: WR Kyle Williams May 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) runs with the ball during rookie camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Kyle Williams' ability to separate on routes has stood out early, and it has made him one of the more intriguing rookie receivers in the league. He made the play of the day on Wednesday after making an adjustment to catch a ball over the shoulder against a defender. Advertisement It was a savvy play from a young receiver who could be in the mix right away for the Patriots' offense. The combination of Williams and Stefon Diggs could be a game-changer for the receiving corps. DT Milton Williams Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams (93) celebrates on the podium after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The defense clearly has an advantage in this kind of setting. No one is wearing pads, and it's harder for the offensive line to hold off defenders without the same violence they'd be able to implement under full contact. However, Williams' power along the defensive front has been evident from the start. He can push a line backward and ruin a comfortable pocket. That was evident on Wednesday as Williams and company constantly muddied the pocket for the Patriots' quarterbacks. EDGE Keion White Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Keion White (99) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Speaking of pushing the pocket, Keion White looked impressive coming off the edge. He's had some solid matchups against rookie left tackle Will Campbell right out of the gate. The Patriots are hoping he finds a way to live up to his full potential under Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams. White has flashed the potential to be a dominant defensive playmaker in the league for years to come. Advertisement It certainly helps having reinforcements like Milton Williams and Christian Barmore in the mix, along with veteran Harold Landry III and rookies Joshua Farmer and Bradyn Swinson. RB Lan Larison May 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Lans Larison (34) breaks a tackle during rookie camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Undrafted rookie Lan Larison, who worked in with the top offensive unit last week, stood out for a second straight week. He hauled in the most receptions in team drills by catching 4-of-4 passes aimed in his direction. Some wondered if Larison would even make the team when he initially signed. Now, the question is whether he could potentially push veteran Antonio Gibson for the No. 3 running back spot in New England. LB Robert Spillane Mar 13, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane discusses his recent free agent addition to the Patriots with the media at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Robert Spillane was all over the field at practice. He made it to the ball so quickly that some wondered if he might have known the offensive plays before the ball was snapped. That can happen when practicing against the same unit for multiple days. Granted, that still doesn't take away from the fact that Spillane is a playmaker. He was one of the more underrated signings in free agency, but his actual ability on the field might make it one of the best signings in 2025. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook. This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 5 standout Patriots players from second open OTAs practice
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Will Stefon Diggs get suspended before his Patriots debut after the yacht video scandal?
Stefon Diggs' offseason antics have stirred controversy for the New England Patriots (Image via AP) In what should have been a focused offseason for the New England Patriots, new wide receiver Stefon Diggs has found himself at the center of a growing controversy. A video showing Diggs partying on a yacht instead of attending voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) has ignited debate about his commitment to his new team—and raised questions about his recovery from a season-ending ACL tear in 2024. Patriots hopeful for Stefon Diggs' return, but controversy clouds progress After tearing his ACL in Week 8 last year while playing for the Houston Texans, Diggs' future in the league became uncertain. Though Houston had restructured his contract shortly after trading for him, the injury essentially ended his stint there. The Patriots, however, took a gamble—signing the former Pro Bowler to a three-year, $69 million deal, hoping he could become a reliable target for rookie quarterback Drake Maye under new head coach Mike Vrabel. Despite the injury, Diggs was brought in to be the team's No. 1 receiver—a veteran presence for a team entering a rebuild. But the optimism surrounding the signing has been tested in recent days. Earlier this week, a video surfaced of Diggs aboard a yacht, reportedly handing out a questionable substance. While OTAs are voluntary, the optics were far from ideal for a team trying to foster discipline and unity under a new regime. Mike Vrabel keeps it professional amid media storm Coach Vrabel addressed the issue without directly criticizing his player, telling the media: 'Any conversations that I've had with Stefon will remain between him and I and the club… the timelines, and the prognosis, we're working hard to get him back and be ready to go. When he's here, we'll coach him and have him ready to go.' Vrabel's comments were measured, but the underlying message was clear: presence matters, especially when expectations are high. The situation could escalate further. The NFL is expected to review the yacht video for possible violations of the league's substance policy. If any wrongdoing is confirmed, Diggs could face disciplinary action, including a fine or suspension. While he's never been suspended in the NFL, he did serve a one-game ban in college for 'touching an official in the face.' Also Read: 'A drug dealer': Stefon Diggs accused of handing out 'pink cocaine' on boat party with women as NFL stays silent With the Patriots set to kick off the 2025 season against the Raiders, all eyes will be on Diggs—not just for his performance, but for how he handles the scrutiny now shadowing his return.
USA Today
5 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Julian Edelman sends message after seeing new-look Patriots practice
Julian Edelman sends message after seeing new-look Patriots practice Julian Edelman could barely contain his excitement levels after watching the new-look New England Patriots team practice for the first time on Friday. The three-time Super Bowl champion watched as the Patriots continued their offseason preparation for the 2025 NFL season. There have been significant changes since the last time Edelman visited a team practice. Mike Vrabel was hired as the new head coach, and he gutted the old coaching staff by bringing in new and more experienced faces. The team has also made major roster changes, including a massive spending spree in free agency to bring in multiple standout players, like Milton Williams, Stefon Diggs, Morgan Moses, Carlton Davis III and Robert Spillane. They are also believed to have had the best draft on paper with a total of 11 rookie prospects being selected. "Just got back to Foxborough, watched practice, watched coach Vrabes, watched all the new guys, watched all the old guys," said Edelman. "My excitement levels are literally through the roof. It's insane. We got hope, guys. We're all the same record, but we've got Vrabes. We've got the young buck, [Drake Maye]. We've got a bunch of whole new guys sprinkled in, and we've got some fun, foundational—let's go!" Vrabel's arrival, coinciding with the new roster talent and the second year of quarterback Drake Maye, has given Patriots fans newfound hope for the 2025 season. FOX Sports' Colin Cowherd even went as far as predicting New England to make the playoffs. Even if that prediction is a reach, there is no denying the fact that the Patriots are better positioned than they were a year ago. This time, it actually feels like they'll have a fighting chance. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
What are the odds Patriots do the unthinkable and cut Stefon Diggs?
What are the odds Patriots do the unthinkable and cut Stefon Diggs? Stefon Diggs hasn't even taken a rep in competitive 11-on-11s for the New England Patriots, and there are already questions surrounding his future with the team. The boat hasn't even left the dock yet (pun intended), and some are already wondering if the Patriots are having second thoughts. This all comes only two months after he signed a three-year, $69 million deal with New England. Yikes. The Patriots didn't have to wait long to get smacked in the face by the often talked about Diggs drama. It used to be something Patriots fans would laugh about and troll the Buffalo Bills over relentlessly. Issues would pop up between Diggs and quarterback Josh Allen, and the cryptic tweets would start to flow. It was a gleeful time for Patriots fans. Now, for better or worse, Diggs is New England's problem. That's a lesson the Patriots learned the hard way over Memorial Day weekend, after a viral video surfaced of Diggs on a boat entertaining a group of women and passing out a bag with an unknown pink substance. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged that he was aware of the video, but he wouldn't go into potential private conversations he might have had with Diggs over the incident. "Obviously, we want to make great decisions on and off the field, and we're hoping that with our time here on the field today, and when you don't have a script and we're on the call periods, that we're making great decisions," said Vrabel. "So the message will be the same for all of the players. Try to make great decisions. Any conversations that I've had with Stefon will remain between him and I." The Patriots aren't cutting Diggs after this one incident, but Vrabel could have his authority put to the test early if more incidents follow. There might also be a shorter leash on Diggs if the talent isn't up to par. Sure, he has looked great in the multiple video workouts he constantly shares on social media. But he's still a 31-year-old player coming off a torn ACL injury. If he isn't a game-changer for the Patriots offensively, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the team weighing the potential headaches and diminishing talent. 98.5 The Sports Hub's Mike Felger doesn't see Diggs being cut over the boat incident, but he does see the possibility of the team moving on for other issues. "Here's why they might cut him: They just invested a ton of money in him, and he's due a lot of money coming up," said Felger, who gives Diggs a 60 percent chance of making the team. "What if they deem him to be a bad investment? What if he's not in shape? What if he's not doing things to keep himself in shape? What if he's not showing up to the stadium rehabbing on the schedule they want him to?" Even NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry wouldn't completely close the door on the possibility of Diggs not making the team. "I put it at an 80-85 [ percent chance that Diggs makes the team]. I do think this is a significant story though, and it's significant not only for Diggs in a vacuum. But is he going to be good this year?" Perry asked on Arbella Early Edition. "They really need him to be good this year. He's coming off an injury. He is where he is in terms of his age, and he's not with the team right now. Yes, it is voluntary, but you got guys like Mack Hollins who is here and clearly dealing with something physically and just hanging out." Diggs put Vrabel in a tough spot in his first year as the Patriots' head coach. Vrabel should be in front of the media answering questions about practice and getting ready for the 2025 season. Yet, he's dealing with off-the-field issues for a player who didn't even show up to voluntary practice. That isn't to say the two sides can't right the ship. Say whatever you want to say about Diggs' questionable behavior at times, but no one can question his work ethic. Diggs is one of the hardest-working receivers in the NFL. So there's hope that he'll be in shape and ready to go when he's in the building. But there's a reason why Diggs wasn't the Patriots' first target in free agency, despite all of his talent. Was it worth it? That's a question Vrabel and the Patriots will be asking themselves until Diggs finally steps on the field. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
