Benjamin Watson
FILE - The NFL logo is shown on the field during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Detroit. A late-season surge in COVID-19 cases had the NFL in 2021 looking a lot like 2020, when the coronavirus led to significant disruptions, postponements and changing protocols. The emerging omicron variant figures to play a role all the way through the playoffs, including the Super Bowl in Los Angeles, where California has always been aggressive with policies to combat the spread of the virus. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski, File)
NFL teams could lose draft pick for interview violations

By Rob Maaddi Jan. 05, 2022 09:42 AM EST

FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2004, file photo, New England Patriots wide receiver David Patten scores on a 25-yard reception from Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Foxborough, Mass. Tom Brady won his first Super Bowl throwing to Troy Brown, Jermaine Wiggins and David Patten and earned his seventh ring firing passes to Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown and Rob Gronkowski. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, File)
With journeymen receivers or stars, Tom Brady just wins

By Rob Maaddi Oct. 02, 2021 02:13 AM EDT

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones looks for an opening from the pocket while performing field drills during an NFL football practice, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton on Tuesday, Aug. 31, clearing the way for rookie Mac Jones to open the season as New England's quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Jonnu Smith, Henry ready to help QB Jones in opener for Pats

Sep. 06, 2021 08:40 PM EDT

New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith, right, catches the ball while performing a field drill as tight end Hunter Henry (85) looks on during an NFL football practice, Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Back on field, Smith eyeing possibilities for Patriots TEs

By Kyle Hightower Jul. 28, 2021 03:55 PM EDT

FILE - In this March 1, 2020, file photo, Utah defensive back Terrell Burgess prepares to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Teams are now sending scouts, coaches and general managers across the country for 103 college pro days replacing this year's combine in yet another NFL adaptation to the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
AP source: NFL exploring changes to scouting combine

By Rob Maaddi Apr. 21, 2021 10:13 PM EDT

FILE - Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) makes a touchdown catch against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Carr (39) during the first half an NFL divisional playoff football game in Baltimore, in this Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, file photo. The Patriots have agreed to sign free agent tight end Jonnu Smith in their biggest move to date to fill the void created by the departure of Rob Gronkowski. Smith, who was selected by the Titans in the third round of the 2017 draft, agreed Monday, March 15, 2021, to a four-year, $50 million deal, his agent Drew Rosenhaus told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, FIle)
New Pats TE Jonnu Smith eyeing 'fresh start on the journey'

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 23, 2021 02:58 PM EDT

FILE - Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) makes a touchdown catch against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Carr (39) during the first half an NFL divisional playoff football game in Baltimore, in this Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, file photo. The Patriots have agreed to sign free agent tight end Jonnu Smith in their biggest move to date to fill the void created by the departure of Rob Gronkowski. Smith, who was selected by the Titans in the third round of the 2017 draft, agreed Monday, March 15, 2021, to a four-year, $50 million deal, his agent Drew Rosenhaus told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, FIle)
Pats add Jonnu Smith in 1st big upgrade since Gronk's exit

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 15, 2021 02:36 PM EDT

Marqise Lee, Matt LaCosse bring Pats list of opt outs to 8

By Kyle Hightower Aug. 02, 2020 07:47 PM EDT
BOSTON (AP) — The number of New England Patriots who have decided to sit out the season because of concerns over the coronavirus continues to grow. ...

FILE - In this Aug. 16, 2016, file photo, Denver Broncos nose tackle Kyle Peko (90) takes part in drills during the team's NFL football training camp in Englewood, Colo. Peko is opting out of the season because of the coronavirus. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
On Football: NFL opt outs more prevalent than many expected

By Barry Wilner Jul. 29, 2020 03:22 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2019, file photo, Marshall kicker Justin Rohrwasser (16) hits a 53-yard game winning field goal against Western Kentucky during an NCAA college football game in Huntington, W.Va. New Patriots kicker Justin Rohrwasser says a tattoo on his arm is not representative of a loosely organized right-wing militia group that has adopted the symbol. Rohrwasser, who played at Rhode Island and Marshall, was taken 159th overall in the fifth round of the draft Saturday, April 25, 2020. (Sholten Singer/The Herald-Dispatch via AP, File)
Patriots don't draft QB, but address several other needs

By Kyle Hightower Apr. 25, 2020 09:42 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 22, 2019, file photo, Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt reacts during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Cleveland. The Browns opened a unique free agency period by placing a second-round tender on running back Kareem Hunt, who played eight games last season after returning from an NFL suspension. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
NFL bars player and team personnel travel in free agency

By Barry Wilner Mar. 16, 2020 06:15 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 19, 2020, file photo, Tennessee Titans' quarterback Marcus Mariota warms up before the NFL AFC Championship football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo. The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed on a contract with free agent Mariota to provide an experienced backup behind starter Derek Carr. A person familiar with the deal said Monday, March 16, 2020, the Raiders reached the deal with the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
The Latest: 49ers safety Jimmie Ward gets 3-yr deal to stay

By The Associated Press Mar. 16, 2020 12:01 PM EDT

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy, left, arrive for an NFL owners meeting in New York, Thursday Feb. 20, 2020. The NFL's labor committee met Thursday morning before presenting to the owners the current state of ongoing negotiations with the players' union on a new labor agreement. With the league eager to reach a collective bargaining agreement with the players in the next few weeks _ the current deal runs out in March 2021 _ team representatives were summoned to New York to discuss the NFL's proposal.(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
Player reps not voting on NFL labor deal; more talks Tuesday

By Barry Wilner Feb. 21, 2020 01:38 PM EST

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady warms up before an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots 1/4/2020

Jan. 04, 2020 07:59 PM EST

New England Patriots running back Sony Michel scores a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Dolphins stun Patriots 27-24, denying NE first-round bye

By Kyle Hightower Dec. 29, 2019 04:46 PM EST

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady passes against the Buffalo Bills in the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Against Dolphins, Patriots playing for week off in playoffs

By Jimmy Golen Dec. 26, 2019 07:09 PM EST

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Alex Okafor (97) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots 12/8/2019

Dec. 08, 2019 04:47 PM EST

Philadelphia Eagles' Nelson Agholor (13) cannot catch a pass in the end zone against New England Patriots' J.C. Jackson (27) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
Edelman’s TD pass leads Patriots over Eagles 17-10

By Rob Maaddi Nov. 17, 2019 07:57 PM EST

New England Patriots' Julian Edelman runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles 11/17/2019

Nov. 17, 2019 03:48 PM EST

New England Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson catches a pass in front of Cleveland Browns linebacker Mack Wilson in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Patriots' Watson plenty familiar with Ravens' defense

By Glen Farley Oct. 30, 2019 07:19 PM EDT