While many Patriots players reported for the opening of voluntary workouts at Gillette Stadium on Monday, Tom Brady was reportedly not part of the group.
For the second straight offseason Brady is apparently forgoing the workouts, but a report from NFL Network was notable beyond its update on the quarterback's offseason program plans. In a tweet, NFLN reported that while Brady wasn't taking part in the opening of workouts, TB12 does plan to "bulk up" for the 2019 season.
NBC Sports then followed up on the Brady "bulk up" report with some more detail indicating that the quarterback who finished last season at 223 pounds would like to begin 2019 “around 232.”
While Brady's playing weight and workout plans may be in question at this point, his future spot in the Patriots Hall of Fame is not. But potential induction is a bit closer for three other former Patriots stars as Richard Seymour, Mike Vrabel and Rodney Harrison were announced as the finalists for the 2019 induction class into the Hall. Fans can now vote online through May 3 for the candidate most worth of a red jacket.
Elsewhere, the Boston Herald continues to preview the draft from a Patriots perspective with a look at the low priority position of safety. The Herald also notes that Brady is likely to follow the same offseason plan that he did a year ago.
The Providence Journal reports that trade-addition defensive end Michael Bennett joined Brady in skipping the opening of the offseason program.
ESPNBoston.com observes that Bill Belichick celebrates his 67th birthday on Tuesday and wonders if the Patriots boss with coach into his 70s. ESPNBoston.com also has word on Brady and Bennett skipping voluntary workouts.
NBC Sports Boston declares that Belichick shows no signs of slowing down as he turns 67. NBC Sports Boston looks at how Russell Wilson’s massive contract extension with the Seahawks could affect Brady and the Patriots. NBC Sports Boston takes a closer look at the three Patriots Hall of Fame finalists. In an annoying slideshow, NBC Sports Boston wonders if it's time to draft the next big running back in New England.
NFL.com has the league announcing on Tuesday that it will announce the 2019 regular season schedule on Wednesday night. NFL.com predicts a pair of perfect top two picks for each team on draft weekend, with New England curiously getting a quarterback and a safety. Prior to the official schedule release, NFL.com looks at the top 19 games of 2019 and New England is a part of four of the most compelling contests.
NESN.com offers up a running back who might make sense for the Patriots in each round of the upcoming draft. NESN.com also breaks down a big cornerback who might interest New England.
CBS Boston passes along word that the Patriots worked out a couple more prospects – two quarterbacks – heading toward the NFL Draft.
