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FOXBOROUGH - Wednesday’s 90-minute OTA practice session provided a first glimpse at the 2026 Patriots.
Given the offseason workouts are voluntary, it came as no surprise there wasn’t perfect attendance.
Among the notables missing were Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins and veteran edge rusher Harold Landry. Rookies Gabe Jacas and Kyle Dixon were also absent.
The day started with individual drills and special teams work before the Patriots broke off into four periods of competitive 11-on-11 drills.
Here are a few of my leftover thoughts from the day.
Did Maye add weight or more bulk?
The Patriots quarterback, who had an up and down day, was asked during his press briefing following practice about his physical appearance. The opinion of the questioner was that Maye was a bit “thicker” and had put on some weight.
From my view watching the workout, there was nothing hugely noticeable when it came to Maye‘s physique. But that didn’t mean the questioner’s observation was off base.
As for Maye, he was amused by the notion and just chalked it up to getting his body right for the start of a new season.
“Yeah, I think that’s just part of having a long season and being able to take some time off, come back into it and get your body right for the beginning of the season,” Maye said. “And I think it’s kind of how the NFL works.
“It’s a long season and you tend to lose some muscle or lose some weight as the season goes on. You try to maintain that, that’s what you try to build during the offseason and maintain during the season. So, that’s kind of the nature of it.”
With the 17-game grind, it makes sense that players would lose weight and muscle along the way. So he’s basically put back on what he lost.
Beyond that, if Maye has put on weight, or added some bulk beyond the norm, that’s not something to worry about. That’s a good thing. The added weight will help him absorb the punishment he takes, and better withstand the pounding that comes with being a quarterback.
Doubs value on display
Maye and Romeo Doubs didn’t exactly sizzle at the workout. They missed connecting on a couple of deep balls.
But, given how Doubs was utilized, his versatility was on full display. Along with the deep balls down the sideline, Doubs ran slant routes over the middle of the field.
While Stefon Diggs was certainly productive, the 32-year-old wideout was pretty much limited to the middle of the field. That’s where he was most effective.
The younger Doubs, who is 26, has a bit more versatility at this stage.
Maye basically called their chemistry and connection a work in progress.
“I think it’s working. I think it’s building,” Maye said. “He’s eager. That’s the best thing you see in a new receiver, in a new offense like Romeo. It’s different terminology. He’s been in an offense for a couple of years with the same quarterback. I kind of have to learn how he likes to do things ... And I think it’s just going to be better and better. He’s a great player. He’s already been a great player in this league. So, looking forward to building that connection and finding his role in this offense.”
Moses the mentor
Last season, Morgan Moses took Will Campbell under his wing, and every other young lineman. He’d hold court with them following practice, giving them pointers based on his wealth of experience.
Wednesday was no exception.
At one point, the veteran right tackle was locked in discussion with rookie first round pick Caleb Lomu, who subbed in for him during team periods.
Lomu had just made a nice block, and Morgan was the first to tap him on the shoulder and pump him up. The two spent a few moments following the play, chatting, with Morgan presumably voicing his approval.
That never gets old.
Byard’s hands
The veteran safety has a reputation as being a ball hawk. Kevin Byard’s 36 career interceptions over his 10-year NFL career are evidence of that.
Watching him at Wednesday’s OTA practice, it was easy to see one of the traits that allows him to pick off so many balls.
He has great hands.
During one drill with coaches firing balls to the defensive backs from relatively close range, Byard made an amazing one-handed grab.
He managed to tip the ball up with his left hand, and reel it in with the same hand. He made it look easy.
Gonzo’s absence
Much ado about nothing?
Maybe. But that seems more like wishful thinking.
It’s hard not to think back to Gonzalez flashing the money sign while sitting courtside at a Celtics game in March.
As one of the game’s premier cornerbacks, he’s looking to be paid.
How much it will take to satisfy Gonzalez is another story. Currently, Trent McDuffie is the highest paid corner at $31 million a year.
How much beyond that is Gonzalez seeking? The assumption is $35 million at the very least.
It’s interesting that Gonzalez and Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon, the Seahawks top corner who is also in talks for an extension, share the same agent.
Whoever signs first, will take over as the highest paid corner. Whoever signs second will top that.
Barring an extension, the Patriots will pick up Gonzalez’s fifth-year option, tying him to the team through the 2027 season. After that year, they’ll have the option to use the franchise tag.
With this part of the offseason program being voluntary, it’ll be interesting to see if Gonzalez’ absence extends into mandatory minicamp. And or beyond that into training camp.
Gonzalez was on hand for the early meetings, but once the OTAs advanced to the onfield sessions, decided to stay away.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said both he and the team’s defensive coaches have had conversations with Gonzalez. So at this point, it doesn’t seem contentious.
Said Vrabel: “I know that his professionalism and being ready to go, or whatever personal choice some guys have during the spring, I’m confident that they’ll all be ready.”
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