It’s NFL Combine Week, which means the offseason is about to ramp up in the NFL.

All 32 teams will be represented in Indianapolis this week as the draft evaluation truly begins, with prospects being interviewed in person before showing their skills in what is essentially the biggest job interviews of their lives. Pro Days at college campuses around the country will follow throughout the month of March.

Aside from draft prep for Eliot Wolf, Ryan Cowden and Mike Vrabel, there’s plenty of other business to take care of as well…

Chaisson returning?

Both John and I have been pretty adamant about the need to keep Chaisson here if possible. While getting a Christian Gonzalez extension done is also important, keeping guys that bought in and helped evaluate the culture put in place this season need to stay around. Chaisson, Jaylinn Hawkins, Khyiris Tonga and – for the right price – Stefon Diggs are all on that list.

On Saturday, Chaisson had a post on his Instagram story indicating he may be close to a return with New England. While the ‘official’ league year doesn’t start until March 11, getting things solidified with Chaisson early would be a strong start to another important offseason.

Diggs deadline approaching

March 13 is an important date for the Pats when it comes to Stefon Diggs. On that day, $6 million becomes guaranteed with his contract, which means if the Patriots want him around for a second season, they’ll probably have to work something out before that date. However, if the team releases him between March 13 and June 1, they would save $12.5 million against the cap, despite eating $14 million in dead cap money. Obviously, the ongoing legal issues play a part in this, but if you go back to how adamantly the team defended Diggs when the accusations came out (especially compared to Christian Barmore), it would be surprising if both sides don’t figure something out, at least based on everything we’re hearing.

It’s important to remember that Diggs is not a free agent and is still technically under contract, but within the next two weeks, New England and Diggs need to decide exactly how much he’s worth moving forward, especially after disappearing in the playoffs.

Maybe some answers at the Combine?

Eliot Wolf is scheduled to get the week started for Patriots’ media that beat the snow out to Indy when he answers questions Tuesday at 10 a.m. On Wednesday, Vrabel is one of just four NFL coaches or executives currently scheduled to address reporters. He’ll be talking at 1:00 p.m.

We probably won’t get any true, clear cut answers, but either Wolf or Vrabel could certainly paint a clearer picture on where things might be heading with all of the guys mentioned above.

Springer set to be a keynote speaker in Newport

Clinic season is upon us. It’s our favorite time of the year and it all kicks off at Gillette Stadium this coming weekend (Friday & Saturday) with the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association clinic. The first weekend in March, it’s The Big New England Football Clinic down in Newport, RI. Late last week, Big NEFC announced that Patriots special teams coach Jeremy Springer will be a keynote speaker on Friday morning.

As someone who has dealt with Springer from a ‘regular’ media standpoint and heard him speak at the Gillette clinic when he first got hired, the passion is never wavering with this guy. Doesn’t matter what day of the week it is or where it is, he just loves talking ball. Looking forward to catching up with him (hopefully), we’ll be able to grab a quick interview.

A few local names to watch at the NFL Combine that could fit for the Patriots

There are five guys representing BC and UConn out in Indy this week. Four of them could realistically help the Patriots this offseason.

BC offensive linemen Logan Taylor and Jude Bowry, along with EDGE rusher Quintayvious ‘Q’ Hutchins will represent the Eagles. It’s no secret the Pats should be in the market for more offensive line help and with Doug Marrone now in Foxborough after spending time with BC two years ago, there won’t be a coach in the NFL with more intel on BC guys than Vrabel. Not only that, but one of Mike’s sons Tyler – who played at BC – was also a ‘consultant’ in the BC O-line room in 2025.

Hutchins made waves at the Panini (should still be Reese’s) Senior Bowl when he put an offensive lineman on his ass during drills.

UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano and wide receiver Skyler Bell are also going to be in Indy. While the Pats aren’t in the market for a young QB (Fagnano will get drafted after putting up almost 4,000 yards, 28 touchdowns and 1 pick), Sky Bell could be a legitimate weapon in Foxborough. Bell is extremely fast and catches seemingly everything thrown his way. Last year, he finished with 101 catches for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns. He’s 6’0,” 185lbs. so it’s not that deep threat like AJ Brown, but Pop Douglas is in entering the final year of his rookie deal and may not be a lock to remain here, given the production the team has gotten out of him since the draft in 2023.