Karen Guregian: 5 Patriots storylines to monitor in the coming weeks

May 26, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

We’re now heading into Phase 3 of the Patriots offseason program. This week, we’ll get our first tangible look at the players competing in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 team drills.

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Even though there’s no live contact, and the players won’t be in pads, there will still be plenty to glean from Mike Vrabel’s team in this setting.

Wednesday marks the media’s first opportunity to watch these sessions live and get an initial look at the new free agent additions and rookies as well as returning players.

The slate of voluntary practices over the course of the next few weeks will lead into the team’s mandatory minicamp June 15-17.

Here’s 5 of the most compelling storylines to monitor during those workouts in the coming weeks.

Mike Vrabel’s tabloid world

The Patriots coach has maintained a “business as usual” approach and demeanor in wake of last month’s New York Post story suggesting an inappropriate relationship with former Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini.

We’ve seen Vrabel conduct rookie minicamp, and also lead the team in its community day event on Wednesday. He’s been the same highly engaged, super energetic and completely in-charge coach that he was prior to the scandal, which has become a staple in the tabloid world.

On the surface at least, there hasn’t been an impact on the football team outside of Vrabel missing Day 3 of the NFL Draft to tend to family matters and counseling.

And while the roar has quieted down a bit, and all seems fine on the football front, there’s a sense that Russini may break her silence and talk at some point. That would present a whole new set of aftershocks to deal with.

It’s the proverbial other shoe to drop. It’s a bit of a ticking time bomb and ongoing storyline involving the Patriots coach. And something to continue to watch going forward.

Vrabel is expected to address the media on Wednesday.

The A.J. Brown trade

June 1 is 8 days away.

The commonly-held belief is the Philadelphia Eagles won’t deal star wideout A.J. Brown until after that date due to cap considerations.

The other expectation is that Brown will be headed to New England after that deadline. Between having the need for a No. 1 receiver, and Brown’s prior relationship with Vrabel while they were in Tennessee, it makes sense on so many levels for this to happen.

While other teams may be involved, all signs still point to Brown landing with the Patriots.

At this point, the biggest mystery will be finding out the cost.

What did the Patriots have to surrender to land the prize?

Will the Eagles be able to pry a first-round pick away from the Patriots. What else may be involved? Are there other picks, or players being moved?

The mystery should be solved in a little more than a week.

Year 3 Drake Maye

The Patriots quarterback had an MVP-worthy regular season in 2025. He was one of the biggest reasons the Patriots won 14 games, and were Super Bowl-bound.

Maye, however, didn’t have the best post-season. While he managed to get the job done in the wild card, divisional round and AFC Championship, his performance in the Super Bowl was nothing to brag about.

He was hampered a bit by a shoulder injury, and an offensive line that failed to protect him.

But looking ahead to his third season, his second in Josh McDaniels offense, there’s reason to expect Maye to be even better.

His knowledge and comfort in the system, and not having to learn another offense, should be a factor.

The Patriots also made moves to improve the offensive line, and if they eventually land Brown, Maye could soar to even greater heights even with a schedule that will be much tougher to navigate down the road.

How does Will Campbell look?

The Patriots starting left tackle and Maye’s all-important blindside protector is determined to prove he’s better than what he showed during the postseason.

And what he showed was troubling.

According to Next Gen Stats, Campbell allowed 29 pressures in the four postseason games he started. He had a high of 14 in Super Bowl 60.

In the aftermath, the LSU product, who battled through an MCL injury late in the year, said he expected more of himself and vowed to be better.

In order to improve, the recipe called for Campbell getting stronger and also correcting some technique issues.

With our first look in a practice setting, does he look bigger and stronger? And what about that technique?

Some of those answers will come in the upcoming practice sessions. But the real test will be when the pads come on during 1-on-1 drills.

The new kids on the block

Following the Super Bowl, the Patriots had some work to do to plug holes and take care of depth issues at a number of positions.

They had areas they needed to address to improve the team and keep momentum going in a positive direction after their Super Bowl appearance.

Their prize catches in free agency included veteran safety Kevin Byard, defensive end Dre’Mont Jones, offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker and wide receiver Romeo Doubs among others.

It’ll be interesting to see how much of a field general Byard, a three-time All-Pro, becomes in the defensive backfield, and how much of an impact he’ll have on second-year safety Craig Woodson, who starred during the post-season.

If Vera-Tucker can stay healthy, he’ll be a godsend on the line, playing next to Campbell.

How will the Patriots deploy Jones up front? And, can Doubs become a 1,000-yard receiver and go-to-guy for Maye playing in Josh McDaniels’ offense.

These are all elements to watch going forward.

The draft? Offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, edge rusher Gabe Jacas, and tight end Eli Raridon were the headliners.

It’ll be interesting to see how much rookie first round pick Lomu is utilized at left tackle. He appears headed for a swing tackle role as a backup, but he could push both starters.

As for Jacas, is he the answer to an inconsistent pass rush? He has an endless motor, and has many of the traits Vrabel craves in players.

Raridon, meanwhile, could make a good one-two punch with Hunter Henry. He profiles as a good pass-catching/run blocking tight end.

All of this sets the table for the next few weeks.