Even though most of the NFL world has shut down for summer vacation with players and coaches alike dispersing to their chosen relaxation spots, not everyone is enjoying the calm before the training camp storm.
At this late point in the offseason, with teams' 90-man rosters stocked up, there remains a group of unsigned veteran free agents still looking for work. One of those guys, receiver Eric Decker, would apparently like to find a home in Foxborough.
The Boston Globe notes that Decker, who played last season in Tennessee and caught 54 passes in 16 games, made a pitch to continue to his career with the Patriots.
"At this point in my career, I want to go somewhere where I can compete for a Super Bowl and be in a good system and be with a quarterback that my skill set would be an addition to the team," he said in an interview on Sirius XM NFL Radio.
The Boston Herald runs an Associated Press story on the growing pains that face Mike Vrabel in his first year as the head coach of the Titans.
ESPNBoston.com analyzes the Patriots use of the “big nickel” defense and how the team values the safety position.
ESPN.com proposes a trade that would send guard Shaq Mason to the Seahawks in exchange for safety Earl Thomas.
WEEI.com has a fan columnist saying that Tom Brady owes the Patriots – and more importantly the team’s fans – at least two more years of play. WEEI.com also writes that Brady's dad was right all along, things are going to end badly for the QB in New England.
NBC Sports Boston notes Decker saying he’d be a “good fit” for the Patriots. NBC Sports Boston also writes that Brady’s “waffling has become wearying.”
NFL.com lists the 11 best players in the history of each AFC East team, including the Brady-led Patriots roster.
CBSSports.com says New England tight end Rob Gronkowski is among a dozen prime candidates to sign a contract extension prior to the start of the 2018 season.
NESN.com passes along Willie McGinest predicting that Brady will retire if the Patriots win the Super Bowl this coming February in Atlanta.
Forbes.com takes a look at Patriots rookie “thumper” Ja’Whaun Bentley.
Boston.com ponders which sleeper player could be a major contributor for the Patriots in 2018.
MassLive.com looks at Devin and Jason McCourty, as well as Matthew Slater, hosting a political forum this week in Massachusetts.
