Patriots' Offseason Moves Set Stage for 2026 NFL Campaign
WHO:
Heavy NFL - Orlando Brown Jr. is the left tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Fox News - A.J. Brown participated in a minicamp at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 9, 2026.
Patriots.com - Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel expressed confidence in the edge group during minicamp.
Fox News - New England Patriots acquired A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Fox News - Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
Fox News - Quarterback Drake Maye.
Patriots.com - Roster includes Amari Gainer, Xavier Holmes, Quintayvious Hutchins, Gabe Jacas, Dre'Mont Jones, Harold Landry, Jesse Luketa, Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson.
WHAT:
Heavy NFL - Orlando Brown Jr. stated, "I really think — and I say this confidently — I really feel like we got the best pass protection unit in the NFL."
Heavy NFL - The Bengals return all five starters to their offensive line: Orlando Brown Jr., Dylan Fairchild, Ted Karris, Dalton Risner, and Amarius Mims.
Patriots.com - The Patriots' edge position was light during OTAs due to the absences of captain Harold Landry and rookie second-round pick Gabe Jacas.
Patriots.com - Dre'Mont Jones was the only multi-year signing of free agency on defense for the Patriots.
Fox News - The Patriots traded a 2028 1st-round pick and a 2027 5th-round pick for A.J. Brown.
Fox News - The Patriots had a regular season record of 14-3.
Fox News - The Patriots won three playoff games, including a 16-3 victory over the Chargers in the Wild Card round.
Fox News - The Patriots defeated the Texans and barely beat the Broncos in the AFC Conference Championship.
Patriots.com - Dre'Mont Jones had seven sacks last season.
Patriots.com - Elijah Ponder contributed four sacks, two fumble recoveries, and 99 snaps in the postseason.
WHERE:
Fox News - A.J. Brown participated in a minicamp at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Patriots.com - The Patriots' training camp location is not specified but involves the team's facilities.
WHEN:
Panthers.com - Training camp for the Carolina Panthers begins on July 23, 2026.
Fox News - Training camp for the Carolina Panthers begins on July 23, 2026.
Panthers.com - Players return for training camp on July 22, 2026.
WHY:
Heavy NFL - Brown emphasized the importance of protecting quarterback Joe Burrow, who has faced injuries that have affected the Bengals' performance.
Fox News - The offseason conversation has been dominated by an alleged affair between head coach Mike Vrabel and reporter Diana Russini, which may distract the team.
Fox News - The Patriots aimed to strengthen their roster after falling short in the Super Bowl.
Fox News - The acquisition of A.J. Brown is seen as a move to help the Patriots return to the Super Bowl.
HOW:
Heavy NFL - Brown received a two-year contract extension from the Bengals in March.
Patriots.com - The Patriots are monitoring the status of Harold Landry and Gabe Jacas, who may start training camp on the physically unable to perform list after offseason surgery.
Fox News - The Patriots utilized tight coverage and pressure packages to win playoff games without a dominant edge rusher.
Patriots.com - The Patriots' edge position was light during OTAs due to the absence of key players.
Orlando Brown Jr., the left tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals, confidently stated that he believes they have the best pass protection unit in the NFL. The Bengals are returning all five starters to their offensive line, which includes Brown, Dylan Fairchild, Ted Karris, Dalton Risner, and Amarius Mims, a crucial factor in protecting quarterback Joe Burrow, who has dealt with injuries impacting the team's performance. In March, Brown secured a two-year contract extension with the Bengals, solidifying his commitment to the team's success.