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Pats coach: QB Drake Maye's leadership skills 'a work in progress'

Mon Jun 9 3:39pm ET
Field Level Media

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye proved his football skills during a solid 12-start rookie campaign.

Heading into 2025, head coach Mike Vrabel wants to see his young signal-caller improve his leadership skills.

"I think that there is a lot of room to grow," Vrabel told reporters Monday, noting that Maye is just 22 and early in his pro development.

"I think there's a lot of natural leadership qualities. I think I have to encourage him, continue to encourage him and to put him in those positions to do that so that the players understand that there's a different version of all of us," Vrabel said. "There's one that's maybe off the field, there's one in the meeting room, and then there's a version on the field, which we all have to understand is somewhat different than what it may be off the field."

Vrabel, entering his first season as the head coach in New England, said leadership isn't the exclusive property of a quarterback.

Vrabel should know, having been a leader of the Patriots' defense as a linebacker during the 2000s before coaching the Tennessee Titans from 2018-23.

"I don't think it matters if you're a quarterback, offensive lineman, running back or defensive back. It's about your ability to reach certain players," Vrabel said. "Again, we don't want to have any gaps. Hopefully, you know what to do, you're prepared, you do things the right way, you're a good listener.

"I think you can adapt to what happens and adapt to the people you're talking to maybe based on what they need. Sometimes people need a little different encouraging, and sometimes you need a little bit of a firmer hand and maybe a little bit of a firmer stance. I think that's all important of understanding and getting to know each person before you can start to lead them."

Vrabel was asked whether Maye has been able to push his teammates without pushing their buttons or worrying about how his leadership style might affect his popularity.

"I think that's evolving and that's a work in progress," he said. "I think we're all learning each other a little bit. I think we're all learning the system and learning the plays, and once we master it, I think that's going to start to separate itself."

Maye made the Pro Bowl and went 3-9 as a starter last year after being drafted No. 3 overall. He passed for 2,276 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

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Player Notes

Marcus Harris Jun 9 2:10pm CT

The Buffalo Bills have signed free agent defensive lineman Marcus Harris to an undisclosed contract. Maddy Glab of BuffaloBills.com reported the news. Defensive tackle Devin Brandt-Epps was released in a corresponding move. Harris was drafted by the Houston Texans in the seventh round of the 2024 draft, but spent last season on the New England Patriots' practice squad. In five seasons of college ball (Auburn, Kansas), he notched 126 tackles (74 solo), 11.5 sacks, and 31.5 tackles for loss (47 games). The 24-year-old joins a revamped Bills' defensive front alongside former Pittsburgh Steelers starter Larry Ogunjobi, Casey Rogers, and second- and fourth-round rookies TJ Sanders and Deone Walker. Harris will compete for a spot on the roster.

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Germaine Pratt Jun 9 1:40pm CT

ESPN's Ben Baby reports that the Cincinnati Bengals are releasing linebacker Germaine Pratt ahead of the team's mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Cincinnati drafted Pratt with the ninth pick in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and he's appeared in 15 or more games in each of his six seasons, including 34 straight starts over the previous two. The 29-year-old tallied a career-high -- and team-leading -- 143 tackles (80 solo) in 2024, with two picks, two forced fumbles, and two recovered fumbles. Pratt formally requested a trade back in February, but after the Bengals could not find a suitable partner, they decided to cut ties with him. It seems favorable that he'll draw interest from another linebacker-needy organization.

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Kirk Cousins Jun 9 1:30pm CT

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that the Atlanta Falcons expect quarterback Kirk Cousins to be present for the team's mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Cousins was absent for the Falcons' voluntary OTAs in late May. Russini also noted that the 36-year-old still prefers "to be traded to a team where he could start." He'll enter 2025 as a backup for the first time since 2014, playing second fiddle to second-year signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. The list of teams that might trade for him is dwindling with the Pittsburgh Steelers' recent acquisition of veteran QB Aaron Rodgers, leaving the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings as the only likely candidates. Still, Cousins' contract poses an issue, forcing Atlanta to absorb a sizable amount. He projects to be a high-end backup as of now and wouldn't be worth selecting in drafts later this summer until that changes.

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Malachi Corley Jun 9 12:00pm CT

New York Jets second-year wide receiver Malachi Corley (undisclosed) has been banged up with an undisclosed injury during voluntary organized team activities. The new coaching staff has a vision for what role Corley can play in the offense, but it will be hard to carry out those plans until he can get back onto the field, according to head coach Aaron Glenn. The 23-year-old was taken in the third round (65th overall) last year out of Western Kentucky, but he had a minimal role in his first year in the NFL, catching three of six targets for just 16 yards in nine games played (one start). There's opportunity for Corley and others to have bigger roles this year behind WR1 Garrett Wilson, but Corley will need to get healthy first in what is expected to be a run-first offense under Glenn. For now, Corley is off the fantasy radar in standard 12-team fantasy leagues.

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Mason Taylor Jun 9 11:30am CT

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reports that New York Jets rookie second-round tight end Mason Taylor is starting to make waves during offseason workouts and looks like the tight end most ready to make an impact in the passing game for the Jets. However, if he's going to be on the field more than the team's other TEs, Rosenblatt thinks he needs to show more as a blocker. "I think he's been doing an outstanding job," head coach Aaron Glenn said. "It's not just the pass-catching that's what you guys see. But it's the blocking that really gets me going." The 21-year-old was a three-year starter in the SEC and could make an immediate impact for the Jets and fantasy managers as a starter sooner than later in his rookie season. Taylor has a real opportunity to see significant targets behind receiver Garrett Wilson, although New York's offense could lean on the ground game.

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Jeremy Ruckert Jun 9 11:30am CT

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt writes that New York Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert has shown progress as a pass-catcher this offseason. Ruckert was teammates with new quarterback Justin Fields in college at Ohio State, so he's been seeing a heavy workload during organized team activities. Still, Ruckert has plenty to prove coming off three disappointing seasons to start his NFL career, including regressing as a run-blocker last year. "I think he can help us in the passing game, he'll be a really good blocker," had coach Aaron Glenn said. "There's some technical things he can improve on." The 24-year-old former third-rounder (101st overall) in 2022 is still searching for his first NFL touchdown and has caught just 35 of 52 targets for 264 yards in his three seasons. With the Jets taking Mason Taylor in the second round of this year's draft, Ruckert's path to fantasy value is even more of an uphill battle.

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Chris Godwin Jun 9 11:20am CT

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin said that the New England Patriots offered him $30 million per year on a multi-year deal in free agency this offseason. However, Godwin turned down the Patriots to re-sign with the Buccaneers for $22 million per season. The 29-year-old was on pace for a career year in 2024 through the first seven weeks of the season before suffering a season-ending dislocated ankle. In addition to the Patriots, the Pittsburgh Steelers were another team interested in signing him this offseason. There are multiple reasons why fantasy managers should be skeptical of Godwin in 2025, with the biggest one being his recovery from his serious ankle injury. Additionally, he might not have the same volume with offensive coordinator Liam Coen now gone and Jalen McMillan and rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka in the fold.

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Jaire Alexander Jun 9 11:10am CT

The Green Bay Packers are releasing star cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) on Monday, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Packers were open to bringing Alexander back in 2025, but the two sides were unable to work anything out, and the two-time Pro Bowler will now hit the open market. The move to release Alexander will save the Packers around $17.1 million of the $24.6 million salary cap hit that he carried for this season. The 28-year-old defensive back missed time last year with a knee injury and has only played in 14 total games over the last two seasons, which was a big part of the reason the Packers are moving on. He's still on the right side of 30, though, so Alexander could bounce back as one of the better corners in the league if he's able to get healthy again. Alexander shouldn't linger too long on the open market before finding employment elsewhere.

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Jaire Alexander Jun 9 8:23am CT

Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander was released Monday, June 9.

Dameon Pierce Jun 8 10:40pm CT

KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson reports that Houston Texans running backs Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (undisclosed) are both expected to be ready for the start of training camp in late July. Mixon missed voluntary organized team activities this spring and was seen wearing a walking boot, but he's now in a small brace. Both Mixon and Pierce should be ready to go for the start of the 2025 season this fall, but it makes sense why Houston is expected to sign Nick Chubb to bolster their RB room. The good news is that Mixon's ankle injury is unrelated to the two ankle injuries he suffered last year. In his first year with the Texans in 2024, the 28-year-old was a Pro Bowler for the second time in his career with 1,016 rushing yards and 11 TDs on 245 carries in 14 regular-season starts. Mixon added 36 catches for 309 yards and another TD. Volume shouldn't be an issue in 2025, but health could be.

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Gabriel Davis Jun 8 10:30pm CT

Former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis is scheduled to visit with the New Orleans Saints, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Davis also recently visited with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants. He has plenty of money coming from the Jaguars and would likely command just a one-year deal from his new team. The 26-year-old suffered a meniscus tear in his knee in Week 11 last year against the Detroit Lions and missed the rest of the season, but he's expected to be fully ready for the start of the 2025 season. If the former fourth-rounder (128th overall) by the Buffalo Bills in 2020 out of Central Florida were to land in the Big Easy, he'd be battling for No. 3 duties with Rashid Shaheed behind Chris Olave and veteran Brandin Cooks. It wouldn't be the best landing spot from a fantasy perspective with either rookie QB Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler the two likeliest options to start under center.

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Cooper Kupp Jun 8 8:13pm CT

Seattle Seahawks WR Cooper Kupp has been lining up 'pretty much everywhere' during OTAs, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic, but Dugar believes Kupp will be used mainly on short-to-intermediate routes this season.

Fantasy Spin: With Jaxon Smith-Njigba locked in as the No. 1 option, Kupp should have the chance to take advantage of some favorable matchups. If he can stay healthy, Kupp could be a solid WR4.

Nick Chubb Jun 8 6:20pm CT

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, free agent running back Nick Chubb is anticipated to sign with the Houston Texans on Monday, assuming all goes well with his physical. The 2018 No. 35 overall pick was once one of the best running backs in the National Football League, amassing 1,210 carries for 6,341 yards while combining 52 trips to the end zone in his first five seasons. Unfortunately, Chubb suffered a serious knee injury in 2023 and hasn't been the same since. Joe Mixon currently sits atop the Texans' depth chart, with Dameon Pierce, Woody Marks, and Dare Ogunbowale occupying the other spots. As such, Chubb will have to battle for snaps in Houston, assuming he officially signs a deal. While that likely means Chubb's Pro Bowl days are over, especially since there are durability concerns, he could easily surpass everyone behind Mixon on the depth chart, giving him plenty of upside as an insurance policy.

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Lamar Jackson Jun 8 5:53pm CT

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson participated in only one of the voluntary workouts this offseason, but head coach John Harbaugh said Jackson looked good in that workout and is not bothered by the absences.

Fantasy Spin: Jackson likely will take part in the mandatory minicamp and should be on the field when training camp starts. He has been one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL over the last few seasons and will be a weekly starting option in all leagues in 2025.

Nick Chubb Jun 8 5:23pm CT

Free-agent RB Nick Chubb (Browns) is expected to sign with the Houston Texans Monday, June 9, as long as he can pass a physical, according to sources.

Fantasy Spin: Chubb probably will take over as the No. 2 running back behind Joe Mixon and probably will see some touches each game. Fantasy players can consider Chubb as a handcuff to Mixon but probably will not be a starting option most weeks.

Nick Chubb Jun 8 3:40pm CT

The Houston Texans are eyeing free-agent running back Nick Chubb to bolster their RB room behind Joe Mixon this year, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "I was told that he's hoping to sign here soon, and maybe he gets something done before a minicamp gets into a team. Four-time Pro Bowler," Fowler said. It's unlikely that Chubb re-signs with the Cleveland Browns after they drafted multiple running backs in April. Dameon Pierce, the backup to Mixon in Houston, had just 293 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 2024. A gruesome knee injury has kept Chubb to 10 games the last two years, but he did rush for 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022. The 29-year-old averaged a career-low 3.3 yards per carry in eight games in 2024, though, and there are valid concerns about whether he can ever be explosive as he once was before his knee injury.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Jun 8 3:03pm CT

Free-agent RB Nick Chubb (Browns) is receiving interest from the Houston Texans, and Chubb is believed to be interested in joining the team, according to ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler.

Fantasy Spin: Chubb would be the backup to Joe Mixon if he signs with the Texans and likely would see a limited workload during games. Fantasy players can monitor the situation because Chubb may not have a lot of value if he joins the Texans.

Bo Nix Jun 8 12:40pm CT

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix threw the second-most touchdown passes by a rookie QB in NFL history last year and could make even more progress in 2025, as he feels much more comfortable in his role going into his sophomore campaign. "I feel like I'm a lot further," Nix said. "Just spitting out play calls [is] a lot easier, and processing. It's a lot better. It's a lot more enjoyable not thinking right now as opposed to what I was doing last year. It's fun. It's fun to be in the know. It's fun to have a little bit more of an understanding of what's going on so I can be a little bit more beneficial to others and help them out along the way. I feel good. We're in a good spot." Nix is thinking less about footwork and mechanics and is able to react more quickly. In addition to being more comfortable in the same system, Nix has a new weapon in tight end Evan Engram, which should make him even more attractive as a midrange QB1 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Jun 8 12:30pm CT

ESPN's Jordan Raanan writes that New York Giants veteran quarterback Russell Wilson has been a natural mentor for all of the team's QBs this offseason, including rookie first-rounder Jaxson Dart. After signing in late March to a one-year deal in free agency, Wilson has quickly established himself as a leader and respected voice in the locker room. "I've always viewed it as you're always trying to be the best version of you, and then you're always giving back to everybody else," Wilson said. The 36-year-old organized a dinner this week with the QBs, O-linemen and running backs and also put together throwing sessions this offseason in various cities. While all of Wilson's reps this spring have come with the first-team offense and he will be the starter in Week 1, there will be plenty of pressure on him to perform well and to hold off Dart in 2025 after a disappointing 2024 campaign in Pittsburgh.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Ramsey Jun 8 12:10pm CT

As the Miami Dolphins and star cornerback Jalen Ramsey continue to work on a trade, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Ramsey isn't planning on attending mandatory minicamp this week, according to sources. Nothing is imminent on a Ramsey trade, but the 30-year-old seven-time Pro Bowler appears likely to be playing for a different team come Week 1 this fall. It's not a money issue, but rather a relationship issue with the Dolphins. A return to the Los Angeles Rams is possible for the former fifth overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders could also be in play to land Ramsey. In his second year with the Dolphins last year, Ramsey had 60 tackles (39 solo), a sack, six tackles for loss, two interceptions and 11 pass breakups in 17 starts.

From RotoBaller