Chris Hogan has taken a unique path to his new big paycheck with the Patriots.
The former Penn State lacrosse player turned to football for just one season at Monmouth. Then, he began the long road of an undrafted player.
But the work paid off as, Hogan is now the biggest addition of New England's offseason to date, jumping from Buffalo to its division rival in New England.
The Boston Globe has Hogan saying it was “surreal” to be courted by New England as a restricted free agent, though he downplayed being described as the prototypical Patriot. While Hogan is arriving in Foxborough, Sealver Siliga is leaving, signing with the Seahawks after going untendered by the Patriots.
The Globe also passes along an Associated Press story with the NFL acknowledging, for the first time, that there is a connection between playing football and the brain disease CTE.
The Boston Herald says Hogan is anxious to fit into the Patriot Way.
The Providence Journal focuses on Hogan’s atypical ascension to prize NFL free agent.
ESPNBoston.com says there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to Chris Long potentially fitting with the Patriots, after the former Rams Pro Bowl defensive lineman visited Foxborough on Monday. The site notes that former Texans free agent wide receiver Nate Washington also visited New England on Monday. ESPNBoston.com also breaks down the performance-based pay bonuses that New England’s players earned in 2015, led by Malcolm Butler’s $319,000 paycheck.
ESPNBoston.com looks at what led to Akiem Hicks landing in Chicago as a free agent departure.
CSNNE.com notes the NFL and the NFLPA working on a deal that might lessen Roger Goodell’s power in terms of discipline for off-field conduct violations. CSNNE.com also has Hogan looking to get to work with Tom Brady as soon as possible.
WEEI.com says the Hogan signing might also be with an eye on getting the special teams in New England back on track. The site is also doing a series of prospect profiles who might fit as Patriots leading up the draft, looking at North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz, who many think could be a top-five pick in late April.
NFL.com has Eric Weddle signing with the Ravens, despite rumors on Monday that the Patriots might be in the mix for the former Chargers Pro Bowl safety.
ProFootballTalk.com notes the Patriots may be hosting free agent cornerback Antwan Blake on a visit this week.
