The process of building a football team and filling out a depth chart is a year-long undertaking.
While the March opening of free agency and the April draft get the bulk of the offseason attention as NFL teams works to build championship-caliber squads, there are seemingly more moves along the way that get far less fanfare but have the potential to pay off big time in the long run.
The Boston Globe brings word of one of those glamor-free additions, as New England has reached a contract agreement with veteran offensive lineman Jared Valdheer to add depth to the tackle position. The Globe also writes about linebacker Kyle Van Noy saying that the Patriots have indeed turned the page on their Super Bowl LIII victory.
The Boston Herald notes that Van Noy said in Tuesday's meeting with the local media at Gillette Stadium that New England is already “onto the next” one. The Herald also passed along word of the Valdheer signing.
The Providence Journal says that Van Noy has found plenty of motivation after the Patriots recent success. The ProJo notes the Valdheer addition.
ESPN.com has the Valdheer signing.
WEEI.com wonders if trading for Van Noy is one of Bill Belichick’s best deals for the Patriots. WEEI.com passes along newly-elected Patriots Hall of Fame safety Rodney Harrison explaining how he almost signed with the Raiders rather than New England. WEEI.com passes along veteran Rex Burkhead talking about Sony Michel and the rest of the talented New England backfield. WEEI.com says the NFL’s proposal from the Chiefs to change overtime rules is obviously directly related to the Patriots and the AFC title game and an attempt to "exact revenge" on the team.
NBC Sports Boston notes that Harrison is among those who believe that retired tight end Rob Gronkowski will return to the Patriots at some point in the 2019 season. NBC Sports Boston has Van Noy saying quite clearly, “I want to win again.”
NFL.com ranks the best offenses in football, with Tom Brady's Patriots failing to make the cut for the top 10. Brady is part of NFL.com's look at the best fashion the NFL had to offer at the Met Gala. NFL.com predicts that Patriots first-round pick N’Keal Harry will be a member of the all-rookie team when all is said and done this coming fall. NFL.com grades New England as having the fourth-best draft with the class led by Harry.
USA Today cautions the Browns to slow down a bit because they are a long way from becoming the "new Patriots."
NESN.com has a film review of New England fourth-round rookie quarterback Jarrett Stidham. NESN.com also looks at a list of free agents the Patriots could target now that the compensatory pick deadline has passed.
