It's already been a hectic NFL offseason, especially in New England where Super Bowl glory turned into free agency/trade surprises.
Offseason business of a more general level will pick up this week at the annual league meetings taking place in Arizona.
Plenty of NFL business – both on and off the field – will be discussed and even voted on.
While most of the NFL's 32 head coaches will meet with the media this week in an informal breakfast setting, the Boston Globe notes that Bill Belichick will missing the chance to chat with reporters. Belichick did not hold a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine, either.
The Globe had an interesting read over the weekend looking at high-priced free agent addition Stephon Gilmore and what makes the Pro Bowl cornerback tick. As part of that story, Globe reporter Ben Volin tried his best to keep up during an offseason workout with Gilmore and other NFL players.
The* Boston Herald says that while there will be no Belichick at the meetings, there is still plenty on the table for the Patriots in Arizona. The *Herald notes that Belichick's absence at the media breakfast is due to a "scouting conflict." The *Herald *Sunday Patriots notes look at how the team controls so much of what’s going on these days in major NFL storylines of the offseason.
The Providence Journal breaks down the potential rules changes that will be voted on this week at the NFL meetings.
ESPNBoston.com notes that the Patriots game in Mexico City this fall against the Raiders is likely to take place in November, possibly on Thanksgiving Weekend. ESPN has the Patriots in the top spot in its offseason power rankings. ESPN's AFC East reporters look at the impact that the Gilmore signing could have on the division. ESPNBoston.com has its always-interesting Sunday notes, leading off with an intriguing proposal to change kickoff/touchback rules once again.
Even without Belichick talking, WEEI.com says there is plenty for Patriots fans to keep an eye on at the league meetings. WEEI.com delves into the ongoing Malcolm Butler situation in its Sunday notes. WEEI.com passes along the Steelers saying they are “fine” after losing out on free agent linebacker Dont’a Hightower.
CSNNE.com has five things to look for at the annual meetings. CSNNE.com breaks down the film and breaks down what free agent running back addition Rex Burkhead brings with him to New England. CSNNE.com has one elite Ohio State prospect saying Belichick “scared” him at the school’s pro day. CSNNE.com also notes that Belichick and Matt Patricia took in Michigan’s talent-rich pro day late last week.
The Patriots don't have a player on NFL.com’s All-Under-25 team.
ESPN out of Cleveland looks at the Browns trade history, as the team reportedly gets set to make another run at a deal with the Patriots for backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Cleveland.com also wonders if the Browns will inquire about acquiring Garoppolo at this week's annual meeting.
