Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - Reason, Reloading and Rondale? New England Patriots Still Have Work to Do — 3/23/2021

Episode Date: March 23, 2021

The New England Patriots have made quite a few offseason moves. However, there is still work to be done in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Joining host Mike D’Abate is Steve Balestrieri of PatsFans.com. The duo discuss the positions on the Pats depth chart that still need work, members of the 2020 Patriots that have yet to sign with any team this offseason, and the prospect of Purdue WR Rondale Moore as a Patriots’ target in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.BetOnline AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus.Rock AutoAmazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You are Locked On Patriots, your daily New England Patriots podcast. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. Hello to all of you Foxborough faithful. You are now locked in to the Lockdown Patriots podcast. Today is Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021, and it's time for our weekly dose of reason. Here on your daily home for news notes and analysis infused with the occasional opinion on your six-time Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots. And greetings and Tuesday salutations to all of you out there, Pats Nation. Thank you for once again joining me here on the pod.

My name is Mike DeBate, your host of the Locked On Patriots podcast, which of course is a proud part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. And folks, because it's your team every day, that means your questions, comments, and feedback are always welcomed and very much appreciated. So share that feedback, send it to the internet by reaching out to me and following me on Twitter at MDABATEFPC.

And of course, while you're out there doing some Tuesday traveling through the Twitterverse, please be sure to follow the Lockdown Patriots account as well at LO underscore Patriots. Pats fans, the Patriots continue to march into the 2021 league year. And just a week ago at this time, we were all talking about that uncharacteristic aggression the Pats were showing when it comes to approaching 2021 free agency. The dust is starting to settle. Things are calming down a little bit,

but the Patriots are far from done from building their 2021 roster. There's still a lot of free agent questions out there, and all the moves that the Patriots have made in free agency might have just reset their draft needs board when it comes to the 2021 NFL draft. The Patriots still have some serious questions when it comes to both, and because they're serious questions, we need serious people to solve them. Luckily for us, today here on Locked On Patriots, it's Tuesday. And that means a visit from our resident voice of reason,

my good friend and Patriots Paisan, Steve Balistrieri of Patsfans.com. And today here on the pod, Steve and I will be discussing the Patriots' path to free agency. And despite the Patriots' best efforts to stack some positional groupings on the team, there are still positions on the depth chart that need some work, and Steve and I will be discussing those positions. We'll also take a look at the list of Patriots' homegrown free agents, meaning players that were on the 2020 Patriots roster that are still out there and available to be signed. Players like Lawrence Guy, who is reportedly flirting with the idea of heading to South Beach. James White still remains on the open market, as does Jason McCourty and a few others.

Steve and I will lend our thoughts on which player still out there on the open market surprises us most, and which do we believe will be the best fit to return to Foxborough. Last but certainly not least all, we always have our eyes on the 2021 NFL Draft. And considering all the moves that the Patriots have made within the last week, Steve and I will be providing our thoughts on whether or not that has reset the Patriots draft board, meaning the board full of their biggest needs. Could the Patriots now be dipping into a spot that we considered a strength just more than a week ago? All of these questions, and you know when Steve drops by, there's always one or two movie quotes that seem to pop in. But putting that aside, I always love the opportunity to talk ball with Steve.

Each and every Tuesday, he lends his wisdom and counsel like no other. And as always, it's once again my honor to welcome him here as my guest to Locked On Patriots as we discuss free agency, the draft, and we single out a player that has become quite the social media flavor of the month when it comes to drafting wide receivers. In fact, it's a name you'll recognize from yesterday's show here on Locked On Patriots when our good mutual friend Murph mentioned him as a potential Patriots diamond in the rough. Folks, an action-packed agenda.

You won't want to miss a second of the action. So sit tight, settle in, as Steve Balistrieri of Patsfans.com joins me here on the hot seat when the Locked On Patriots podcast continues. But first, Locked On listeners, football might be over, but the NBA, college basketball, the NHL, and that NFL equivalent of the hot stove are all in full swing. It's the perfect time of year to test your prognostication skills, and when you want to do so, there's only one place that has you covered and one place we trust. BetOnline.ag.

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Get in on the action. Head over to BetOnline.ag today, sign up, and receive your 50% welcome bonus on your first deposit when you use the promo code LOCKEDON. BetOnline, your online sportsbook experts. LockedOn listeners, get all the sports news you need in under 20 minutes with the Locked On Today podcast. Host Peter Bukowski updates you on the latest news in every major sport with the help of our local experts. Follow the Locked On Today podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Patriots fans, your New England Patriots continue to introduce their new acquisitions to the media,

and their depth chart definitely looks a lot different now than it did just a little over a week ago. But as stacked as the Patriots seem to be at a lot of these positions, and they are, where is there room for improvement? Is there room for improvement? Well, folks, you all know Bill Belichick the same way I do. There's always room for improvement. And here today to provide his wisdom and counsel on the subject and to help us break it all down with us is our resident voice of reason here on Locked On Patriots. As always, one of the best, most knowledgeable columnists that you'll find anywhere in Patriots media. You know his great work from patsfans.com, as well as being the co-host of not one, but two amazing podcasts, Patriots

4th and 2, and One Patriots Place. He is my Patriots Paisan, and despite what he will tell you, I'll continue to tell you week after week that he's worthy of all the praise he gets and then some. Steve Balistrieri joins me here today. Welcome back to Locked on Patriots, my friend. Oh, it's always a pleasure. Always a pleasure, and there's never a dull moment when it comes to New England and the Patriots. No truer words, bud.

Never a dull moment in Foxborough. There never can be a dull moment in Foxborough. And Steve, just a week ago today, the Patriots started that uncharacteristically aggressive march into free agency. And, you know, bud, some have praised the Patriots' moves. There are some that are calling their approach to free agency, quote, a clinic. This is not just fans. This is actual media members as well, really praising the Patriots for what they've done. But, you know, then there are the others, you know, those that like to think that social media snark makes them superior, sophisticated. Spoiler alert here, folks, it does not. It makes you look exactly the opposite, in my opinion. But, you know, to each

his own, buddy. Those types of analysts, analyst is the appropriate word to use, right, Steve? I mean, you know, not another word that begins with an A. I wouldn't refer to them as that. Anyway, I digress. Those analysts want to compare Bill's free agent haul to, quote, shopping at Target. By the way, that's another insult, folks, because there's nothing wrong with shopping at Target. What's the problem with shopping at Target? That's supposed to be an insult? Look, here's a little tip.

If you're going to try to troll for clicks, at least make sure that your insults make sense. Just my opinion. But regardless, the Patriots really filled the void at several key positions, Steve. Tight end, offensive line, linebacker, a lot of capable bodies at those positions, at least on paper. But you and I both know that they're not done yet, and there are still some spots on this roster that need a helping hand. Steve, now that the dust has started to settle on the first week of free agency,

where do the Patriots still need some help? And where do you see them looking to get that help? Yes. Well, before we start, I just wanted to piggyback off your initial comments there. The same people that are harping on Bill Belichick for, quote-unquote, overspending on free agency for players that they targeted are the same guys. And, uh, that were negative on bill. He didn't do enough to, uh, you know, he doesn't spend, never spends money. And, you know,

a common theme you, you mentioned earlier offline that you were on the Ted Karras, you know, conference call. Right. A common theme amongst all these free agents that they brought in was the chance to be coached up by Bill Belichick. And that was another thing we heard this spring, was that no one wanted to come to New England and be harangued by Bill Belichick.

Well, it seems like that one's out the window as well. But anyway, getting back to the second part of your question, where do they need to go? I still think they need a quarterback. I think, you know, and you and I talked about that. The contract for Cam Newton, I believe, was as a placeholder. It's a one-year deal. He was giving no illusions that he's anointed as the starter.

He's going to have to earn it. I still think they're going to draft a quarterback there. I think they need another running back, maybe one that can catch the ball out of the backfield, because I do believe that James White will not be returning, although I hope that's wrong. And I do think they need another wide receiver. Yeah, and I would agree with all of those assessments.

I think the way Cam's contract is structured, and we've talked about this several times, you and I, I've talked about it with Murph, some of my other guests, including Bob Soce over the weekend, we all agree that the way the Patriots structured Cam's contract leaves them a lot of flexibility to pursue another quarterback, whether it be through the draft, whether it be through free agency. I think they're more apt to go the draft route, but you never know. There's a lot of different possibilities that the Patriots could use with quarterback. Running back, I agree with you as well.

Murph and I had a pretty good conversation yesterday about Brandon Bolin possibly taking the role of that third down pass catching back out of the backfield. He might be able to handle a load for a year, but we agreed that this is the time to strike while the iron is hot, maybe look at draft prospects and bring in that player that could take on that role in subsequent years down the line. Even if it means that the Patriots have to accelerate using a rookie running back a little more than they've liked to in the past, it definitely does make sense. And wide receiver without question.

I think they're still going to be active free agent wise. And I think they're going to dip into a pretty good pool of wide receivers in the draft this year. Maybe not as abundant as a lot of people have been led to believe, but there are some good players in there. We're going to talk about a couple of them coming up. I am glad, though, that you mentioned Ted Karras. I did get a chance to sit in on that conference call. Even yesterday, Jalen Mills, Kendrick Bourne got a chance to meet the media

here in New England, and that was a common theme. Jalen Mills really kind of went viral on social media yesterday for his comments about getting a chance to meet and play for Bill Belichick. Kendrick Bourne echoed those sentiments. You heard Hunter Henry say great things about getting a chance to coming and playing with Bill. I'm glad that narrative is getting out there because the narrative about track free agents or not being the guy that anybody wanted to play for was so played out, was so, in my mind, utterly ridiculous that it was really just a very lazy argument. And look, bottom line, my friend, everybody has the right to their opinion.

There are players that don't like that system. It's not for everybody. But for the players that do and buy into it, there are a lot of players that are willing to do it, and maybe a few more than the national media was willing to give us credit for. So excellent assessment, and I agree with everything. But as much fun as it is to bring in the new faces and we've seen quite a few of them we're getting

a chance to meet them this week the patriots still have plenty of familiar ones that are looking either for a familiar home here in new england or perhaps a new one and you mentioned one in james white uh lawrence guy reportedly hosted on a free agent visit by the miami dolphins maybe there's a possibility he may join up with his friend and recent teammate adam butler down in south beach those guys made a good tandem here makes sense that brian flores would want to kick the tires on him uh jason mccordy still on the open market is there a player in this group of Patriots in 2020 that are unsigned right now that you believe is a good fit to come back to New England? Who is most likely to return here?

Who's most likely to leave? And is there anybody right now that the Patriots haven't signed from their homegrown talent? And I say homegrown folks, meaning they were on the roster last year. Is there anybody in that group that still surprises you that they haven't found a spot yet? Not really. I mean, I think that a guy like Lawrence Guy is – a guy like Lawrence Guy, but yeah, a player like Lawrence Guy. I think he's just testing the market to see what's out there for himself,

which to me, the fact that he hasn't signed anywhere yet is, is still a pretty good sign, which means he's keeping the door open to come back to new England. You know, as much as we talk about how hurt he is all the time. I, another guy I would like to see come back is Rex Burkhead because the versatility factor that he has. And we know he probably won't be

ready to start the season, but I think he's a guy that if you sign him and he's able to, you know, get his mobility back, I think he would be a valuable piece to add in maybe in the middle of the season. And then, you know, Jermaine Illuminor was another guy. He ended up as a backup. But, you know, there's always a market to have some good veteran backup offensive linemen because you'll never know when you need them. So he wouldn't be a guy I would be against coming back,

as well as Shalik Calhoun. Yeah, I think Shalik Calhoun right now is someone that could be a good fit. The Patriots did bolster their linebacking core. There's no question about it. Matthew Judon coming back. Kyle Van Noy coming back. You look at Raekwon McMillan, although he's a defensive end, he has played hybrid positions before. Add the fact that Chase Winovich, Josh Uche, Anthony Jennings, all big, you know, expectations

placed on their shoulders. It would probably be a minimal deal that Shaliqua Calhoun would put, but he's one of those guys that just always does his assignment. He plays it well, and he'll do whatever you need him to do on the field. And more often than not, if there was a big play that the Patriots made on defense when it was most needed last year, Shaliqua Calhoun was really often in the middle of that. So I think that's something that the Patriots will consider. I think they will look at that. So I think that's something that the Patriots will consider. I think they will look at that. But to me, I think the big surprise right now is Demir Bird. I think a lot of people looked

at the season that he had in 2020 saying that the Patriots really had, you know, good production out of him. There is a relationship there with Cam Newton that he had in the past. Those two seem to click pretty well. If Cam's coming back and is going to be your starter why not bring back demir and try to give him a little bit of uh you know speed and someone that he can rely on when it comes to continuity the additions of guys like nelson agalor kendrick bourne don't necessarily mean that demir is going to be back here in new england um he recently took to social media saying that he sums up his free agent approach in one word, patience. And I think that's a lot of, I think that's good advice for everybody, to be totally honest

with you. So that's a little bit of a surprise, but considering who they've signed, maybe not as much of a surprise as it should be, at least to me, maybe it is, but others will argue that maybe it shouldn't be. Obviously, McCourty is someone that you have to keep your eye on. There's a lot of veteran present there in the secondary, but again, the Patriots adding guys like Jalen Mills, obviously tendering JC Jackson. You want to see him return. Is this the end of Jason McCourty in New England? One can only tell.

And I like what you said on Burkhead because he's a guy that I've always been really high on. And I would love to see Rex come back, I think, in a minimal role where he doesn't have to be relied upon to carry a great shoulder of the load could be the best opportunity. And he loves it here in New England. So hopefully we can get this worked out. Pats fans, I hope that you're enjoying my conversation with Steve Balistrieri here today on this Tuesday episode of Locked On Patriots.

His wisdom, his reason always brings us back to a level-headed place here on Tuesdays, and I love having him here. But we're not done yet, folks. In just a moment, Steve Balistrieri will offer his thoughts on the upcoming 2021 NFL draft. A name that was mentioned here by our good friend Thomas Murphy yesterday has become quite the flavor of the month at wide receiver. We discussed that, and Steve also resets his Patriots draft biggest needs board when the Locked On Patriots podcast continues.

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so they know we sent you. Amazing selection, reliably low prices, all the parts your car will ever need. rockauto.com Patriots fan Steve Balistrieri joins me here today on the pod and Steve as I said in the previous segment uh the Patriots definitely made a huge splash into free agency that splash into free agency also I think may have reset some of their priorities especially those in the 2021 NFL draft we both alluded to the fact that the Patriots are likely to still be active in the 2021 NFL draft. We both alluded to the fact that the Patriots are likely to still be

active in the wide receiver market, meaning that they're going to be looking for help, whether it's free agents or whether it just might be a draft prospect. And Murph and I discussed some draft prospects at wide receiver yesterday. One name that he dropped as a potential diamond in the rough is Rondale Moore out of Purdue. And he's getting a lot of press lately without any question. People have described him as one of the most potential electric prospects in this upcoming NFL draft, but also one of the biggest wild cards in the process. Health concerns, size concerns, meaning height.

Definitely not size concerns in terms of belt this kid is built well apparently speed is not an issue for rockdale moore uh his pro day clocked him at running the 40 in 4.29 seconds folks by comparison it takes me a minimum of 4.29 seconds simply to get out of my chair so that should tell you what this kid is. You know, he's fast. There's no question about it. Steve, when you look at a prospect like Rondale Moore that has a lot of promise but some question marks, is this the ultimate Patriots pick? And would they be getting a steal here if they were able to get Rondale Moore in the middle part of this draft? Or is he someone that you would really consider taking higher up just to make sure that he's in your fold for 2021? Well, you know, that's a great question because, you know, when I look at this guy,

obviously you see the potential. I mean, he is just absolute lightning in a bottle when he's got the ball in his hands, whether it is, you know, a slot guy, you know, a jet sweep runner out of the backfield or returning kicks. I mean, you can easily see that. I saw some people on social media were saying he's just a shorter version of Tyreek Hill. And, you know, I think that isn't that far off. I mean, you can see that in his game. The biggest questions, as you alluded to, is, one, his size.

He measured out at 5'7", not 5'9", as people were listing him at, at his pro day. So that's obviously, you know, that's kind of a little bit of a red flag. But, you know, his height is one thing, but the other, you know, he was hurt in 2018. He was hurt in 2019. Or I take that back. He was hurt in 2019 and last year, you know, last year he had an injury. I know it was a hamstring in 2019. But, you know, even though he only played in three games, he had 30, what, 35, 34 catches. So, I mean, this is a guy that's really, really productive. I think, you know, he kind of reminds me a little bit of Golden Tate,

you know, when he came up, a little shorter, obviously. I think if the Patriots can get a guy like him and say, like, the third round it's worth taking a shot at it because you can see how productive this guy can be if he can stay healthy well said and you look at tape on rondo moore and there's really isn't a whole lot that he can't do uh run after the catch rondo moore can do it folks he can absolutely do it he's got an explosive burst with the ball in his hand, like Steve said. Very big contributor on special teams. I think a lot of people forget that this kid does have a very good track record, whether a return specialist or a rotational role on special teams. This kid can make plays there as well you know the Patriots love guys that are that versatile and can make you know game-changing moves on special teams as well as on the field he's a

vertical threat he can receive in the middle of the field he's not afraid to go and take the hit like I said he's built pretty well so that really gives him the the opportunity to be a threat there as well again durability issues size yes size is a concern there as well. Again, durability issues. Size, yes. Size is a concern. There's no question about it. Being listed at 5'7", you wonder if teams are going to shy away from him. But to me, I don't think that's so much of a concern. I think he can overcome that. It really is going to be about health. And are you getting a fully healthy Rondale Moore? If you do, you're getting a game changer, someone I think who can win you football games just on the merit of what he can do in terms of individual effort. That's how dynamic

this kid can be. But again, there are drawbacks. You mentioned the injuries that he's had over the course of the last couple of years. Could that allow him to drift down the draft board and might the Patriots take a flyer on him in the middle part I've seen some people say this guy's got a second round talent that the Patriots are going to need to take him in the second round if they want to you know be a part of something here so I'm always weary about players that get a lot of press right around this time because sometimes it can elevate their draft stock sometimes virtue lies in the middle and it settles back down but he'd look awfully nice in a Patriots uniform and boy I'll tell you if they're looking for a project uh someone that can really

be uh very good in a spread offense um I can imagine Josh McDaniels would love a guy like this because he's such a creative play caller. You can do a lot to scheme for a guy like Rondell Moore, but it'll be interesting to see what the Patriots do, but good analysis. And, uh, Hey, who knows, who knows what will happen, uh, you know, when it comes to the Patriots and the draft. And that leads me quite nicely into my final question for you today, bud.

And that is all the activity that we've seen from the patriots when it comes to free agency a lot of people have been saying well now they don't need to be as aggressive in pursuing offensive linemen by a free agency or now they can take a little bit of a back seat when it comes to tight ends or you know they may not be as aggressive with linebackers or veteran defenders. I think all of that is true. But one thing that to me is not sung enough in terms of its significance is the impact that the early wave of free agency will have on the big draft boards, on the Patriots draft board in particular, and their biggest needs. Steve, when you look at the Patriots now, this week, as opposed to where this roster

was last week, and where you were thinking they were going to be aggressive in terms of attacking the draft, I know you mentioned the quarterback position earlier, and I still think that's probably position one that they'll keep their eye on. But if you're going to reset the biggest needs draft board, what position now takes on a whole new significance that maybe it didn't have last week? Yeah, you know, that's another great question, Mike. I mean, you look at, you know, we identified so many holes on this roster, you know, prior to free agency starting and different things. And, you know, we looked at a lot of defensive players because we weren't sure that they were going, you know, to be able to get the guys that we envisioned for them offensively. So I'm looking defensively. They really, you know, linebacker in particular was, I thought, was a really, really thin spot for them.

Now, Donta Hightower's coming back. They got Matt Judon. You know, they picked up Raekwon McMillan, Kyle Van Noy. Now, all of a sudden, the linebacker is, you know, with Josh Uche and Chase Winovich. Now, it's, you know, that and the edge is a position of strength for them. Defensive line, same thing. We thought it was really weak.

I still think they could use a young guy in there, but it's not as glaring as it was, you know, just a week ago. So maybe, you know, a little bit lower draft projection guy, second, third, maybe even a fourth-round guy could come in and help out there. I'm still looking at quarterback. I think if they want to make a move at quarterback now, this would be a time for them to do it where the iron is hot. They've really addressed a lot of the holes on that roster.

And I think that, you know, if you set yourself up with a young quarterback, somebody that you can develop into becoming your next franchise guy, I think you're set up for the future because they, you know, with the way they structure these contracts, these are pretty team friendly. There's still a lot of, you know, money for them to go delve back into free agency if they have to. Yeah. And I think you make a good point on that. And I do think that when it comes to the Patriots draft board, these are positions that will get a little bit more of a look, obviously quarterback.

I think corner could be an option for the patriots as well on defense you look at now all of a sudden with the prospect of maybe stefan gilmore being on the trading block i know we're hearing a lot from patriots camp that they're not actively shopping him uh maybe they're trying to work out something where he comes back maybe at a reduced rate who knows uh with a contract extension but if they can't work that out and it looks like this is going to be an acrimonious breakup between the two sides do they try to deal him and get something in that regard then all of a sudden re-signing jc jackson at whatever cost whether a team does sign him to an offer sheet or not becomes paramount and the patriots would need to retain him do they have that other physical corner or that type of methodical corner that Stephon

Gilmore is to flank on the other side of him? That could be a position of need. And all of a sudden, a rookie could take on a whole new meaning in that defensive backfield. So always a lot to consider with the Patriots. And folks, we will continue to break these moves down each and every day and week after week here, marching toward the 2021 NFL draft in late April. And I am honored, beyond honored, to have this man alongside me to do so each and every

Tuesday. Steve, what can I say? I thank you for taking the time out, bud, to join me here on Lockdown Patriots. We love having you. And for the benefit of several of our new listeners here on the pod this week and last week, we welcome you once again. but please definitely follow my good friend here on social media and the great work that he does. Steve, let our new listeners know where they can find you

and what we can expect in the coming days and weeks from the great pen and the great voice of Steve Balistrieri. Well, Mike, as always, I appreciate that you offer to come on every week. I always look forward to it. This is one of my favorite times of the week. We have about 20, 30 minutes where we can shoot the breeze and talk football, and I miss doing that in person with you down at Gillette, but hopefully we'll be able to do that again sometime soon.

But, yeah, you can find me on social media. I'm on Twitter, at CB7SFG. I'm also on Facebook, Instagram, although I'm not as much on those as I used to be. But you can always find me on that. And, yeah, we'll be looking at, you know, what's next in free agency. We'll be writing about that. And now we're going to start digging back into the draft because now that some of these questions have been answered, you know, because I was asked a couple of times, why haven't

you done a mock draft? And I said, well, until free agency starts, you know, there's no sense in doing a mock draft because they may answer a lot of questions, which they have in free agency. So now we'll be able to maybe start doing our first mock draft. And as things go on, we'll do a second or third. Absolutely. And you know what? The one thing that I've learned is that the public can't get enough of mock drafts. They love them. They love to do them themselves. One of the great interactive times to be on social media.

If you're an NFL fan to be able to interact with accounts. I know I always love to provide insight wherever I can. Sometimes our listeners provide insight to me that I didn't have. And, and they're, they're great. They really get dialed into this. And again, folks you know, I'm always always honored to join Steve on the microphone. You. And again, folks, you know, I'm always, always honored to join Steve on the microphone. You mentioned being able to get, you know, together and being able to talk ball in person. Hopefully this year will be much better than the last when it comes to

that. But also it's just, it's always an honor to share the microphone with you. Two guys talking ball, no better way to spend a Tuesday. So until next week, my friends, stay safe and well. Thank you again for coming on today. And we look forward to doing this all again with you here next Tuesday, right here on Locked On Patriots. And I can't believe we didn't do a godfather call today, but we'll have to make that up next week. You're putting me on the spot here, but you know what?

We're always going to end with one uh you know whenever uh whenever we uh we do we join each other on the uh on the microphone we always end up uh sprinkling in the godfather and uh in some ways but just know steve there are things being negotiated that'll solve all your problems and answer all your questions. That's all I can tell you about my business right now. And, hey, one thing I learned from you is to think as the people around you think. And on that basis, anything's possible. I can't top that. There is no way to top that.

That is the perfect way to end it. Steve, what can I say, bud? Thanks a ton. More Godfather references from Steve and I next week and we'll even throw in a little Patriots football talk just for the just to make it official, folks. Thanks a ton, buddy. Talk soon.

Just like that, Patriots Nation, we're almost halfway through your work week, but we are only scratching the surface on the Patriots coverage here to come on Locked On Patriots. And by now, almost every Patriots fan knows that Cam Newton will be returning to New England for the 2021 NFL season. Most, maybe not all, but most Patriots fans do know that the other quarterback on the roster, Jarrett Stidham, is right now conducting throwing camps in California, and

they're being attended by a lot of Patriots players, both new free agent signings and Patriots players that were on the 2020 roster. Does this mean that a potential quarterback battle might be brewing in Foxborough? Well, to help us answer that question is a man who not only knows Cam Newton pretty well, but also Jarrett Stidham pretty well. Old friend of the program, Zach Blackerby, host of Locked On Auburn, will join me here on the pod tomorrow, and we will discuss the free agency impact and also the draft implications

on both Cam Newton and Jarrett Stidham, both former Auburn Tigers. Folks, you will not want to miss a second of the action, so to ensure that you don't, please subscribe to the Locked On Patriots podcast on platforms such as the Radio.com app, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts. Just make sure that you're staying locked in to Locked On Patriots. Once again, my name is Mike DeBate. I thank my good friend Steve Balistrieri for his time, his insight, and his appearance on today's pod.

But most of all, I thank you so much for listening and for continuing to make Locked On Patriots a daily part of your New England Patriots coverage. Until tomorrow, Foxborough faithful, stay safe, stay well, always be the change you wish to see in the world. Have a great day, everyone.