Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - Training and Trading? New England Patriots begin OTA, Julio Trade Rumors Heat Up? — 5/25/2021

Episode Date: May 25, 2021

The New England Patriots have kicked off phase three of their offseason program by beginning OTA on Monday. Joining Mike D’Abate is Steve Balestrieri of PatsFans.com. The pair discuss the Patriots s...trong attendance at OTA, what it means for the veterans and new faces, and the latest rumors surrounding Julio Jones.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

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Starting point is 00:00:00 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 into the Locked On Patriots podcast. It is Tuesday, May 25th, 2021, and it is 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 Patriots fans, at the conclusion of today's episode,
Starting point is 00:00:47 be sure to check out my colleagues NFL analyst Brian Peacock and former NFL scout Matt Williamson as they host Locked On's Peacock and Williamson every Monday through Friday. Brian and Matt give you the national perspective all around the NFL, covering all the latest news and insight on every team, draft pick, and move around the NFL. Get your picks, previews, and much more every weekday with the Peacock and Williamson Podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast Network.
Starting point is 00:01:13 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. And greetings and salutations, Patriots Nation, and thank you for joining me here on this Tuesday episode of 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,
Starting point is 00:01:33 that means your questions, comments, and feedback are always welcomed, very much appreciated. So share that feedback, send it to the internet by reaching out to me and following me on Twitter at M-DATEFPC.
Starting point is 00:01:46 And while you're out there doing some Tuesday traveling through the Twitterverse, please be sure to follow the Locked On Patriots account as well at LO underscore Patriots. Patriots fans, we're on to another day in your work week, which means another round of Julio Jones trade rumors. And as we said yesterday here on the pod, reports continue to circulate that the Patriots are among the favorites in landing the 32-year-old wideout. In fact, reports circling around Tuesday afternoon indicate that Julio's preferred destinations
Starting point is 00:02:15 are the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans. At the time I'm recording this podcast, nothing credible out there to indicate that a deal has been agreed upon or that both sides have a behind-the-back handshake deal that will be announced on June 2nd. Is it possible? Theoretically, yes. Anything is possible. But as for me personally, I haven't heard anything to back up that claim. But whether Julio Jones' next NFL destination is New England or not, one thing that's certain and everybody can agree on. His presence is going to change the complexity of whatever wide receiver core he's added to. Julio Jones may have had a subpar year in 2020 due to missing time because of injury, but he's still more than capable of
Starting point is 00:02:55 being a wide receiver one on pretty much any staff. And the social media fan accounts out there are a buzz with bringing Julio to town. A lot of them photoshopping images of Julio Jones wearing a Patriots jersey. Some out there claiming to hear things from quote-unquote inside Gillette. There's a lot of information out there, and it's hard to keep track on what's credible and what's not. Well, luckily for us today here on Locked On Patriots, our resident voice of reason is here to help us sort out the real from the not-so-real, and most importantly, to lend his wisdom and counsel on the subject.
Starting point is 00:03:26 That's right, my Patriots paisan, Steve Balistrieri of Patsfans.com, will join me here today on the hot seat, and we'll discuss some of those Julio rumors circulating out there. Whether Steve believes that New England is the most likely destination for Julio Jones in 2021, and if in fact the Patriots do pass on the opportunity to acquire him, will they regret the decision? Steve and I will also talk a bit more about the tangible news from Foxborough, and that is yesterday's beginnings of the third phase of offseason workouts. Several key Patriots players have reported to Gillette Stadium to start OTA. 21 players on offense, 24 players on defense,
Starting point is 00:04:07 three key special teamers, all were spotted by Patriots.com cameras as they worked out. But what can OTA really tell us? Well, Steve and I will give our opinions as to what it means for savvy veterans, new faces, and especially rookies. Folks, an action-packed agenda today on the pod. Anytime Steve is here, he always brings us back to a place of level-headed reason. And with all the news circulating the rounds here when it comes to Patriots fandom, we need that voice of reason now more than ever. Our Tuesday conversation with Steve Balistrieri of Patsfans.com when today's episode of the Locked On Patriots podcast continues.
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Starting point is 00:05:46 Why spend up to twice as much for the same parts? Go to rockauto.com right now and see all the parts available for your car or truck. Make sure to put Locked On in their How Did You Hear About Us box so they know we sent you. Amazing selection, reliably low prices, all the parts your car will ever need. rockauto.com. Patriots fans, it is Tuesday, and it's time for our resident voice of reason to lend his wisdom and counsel here on Locked on Patriots. My good friend is one of the best and most knowledgeable
Starting point is 00:06:18 columnists that you'll find in Patriots media, really across NFL media anywhere. You know his great work from Patsfans.com, as well as being the co-host of two amazing podcasts, Patriots media, really across NFL media anywhere. You know his great work from Patsfans.com, as well as being the co-host of two amazing podcasts, Patriots 4th and 2, and of course, One Patriots Place. He is my Patriots paisan, and despite what he'll tell you, I say this every week, folks, just keeps getting more and more true each week, he's worthy of all the praise he gets, and then some.
Starting point is 00:06:44 Steve Balistrieri joins me here today. Welcome back to Locked On Patriots, my friend, for your weekly appearance. Thanks, Mike. I appreciate it, as always. I always love talking some football with you, and it's one of the highlights of my week. Always one of the highlights of my week as well, my friend. Anytime you can sit down and talk ball with a good friend is always enjoyable.
Starting point is 00:07:07 But when that good friend is as knowledgeable and as in tune as you are, it only makes it better. And it makes it so much more interesting for the listener as well. They don't have to hear me drone on and on. They can hear your great wisdom and counsel. And it definitely, I think, elevates the quality of the show each and every week that you're here, my friend. And how lucky are we? There's never a shortage of things to talk about with the patriots is there steve there's always always a lot going on a lot circulating around this team uh we'll start with the logistics first before we take as rodney dangerfield would say a trip into fantasy land you know um this is
Starting point is 00:07:41 a little more realistic a little more grounded. Patriots kicking off OTA, organized training activities, in Foxborough yesterday. Media access very limited, although the media will be in attendance on Thursday. But Patriots once again enjoying strong attendance for these organized training activities. And they usually do. That's pretty much a foregone conclusion for the Patriots, obviously taking 2020 out of the equation last year. They usually do enjoy pretty good attendance throughout the roster. And when I'm looking at the rundown of the players that were spotted at Gillette, all three quarterbacks were there. That's big. Cam Newton, Mac Jones, Jarrett Stidham, all in attendance.
Starting point is 00:08:20 Some new faces, Hunter Henry, we saw Nelson Agu agalor kendrick bourne got our first look at danny vitale practicing with the team of course danny was one of those opt-outs for the 2020 season he's trying to crack the roster at the fullback position steve ota can be a polarizing topic um some of the 2 to 6 p.m experts on life uh like to claim uh that they're essential one minute then downplay them the next of course you add a quarterback named tom brady into that discussion that changes its complexity completely but that's conversation for another day but we'll deal with the here and now ultimately the value of ota is determined by the players it's determined by the coaches contrary to what you're here folks
Starting point is 00:09:03 it's not determined by the media so steve from an offensive standpoint what are the coaches. Contrary to what you're hearing, folks, it's not determined by the media. So, Steve, from an offensive standpoint, what are the coaches looking for in OTA, and how valuable is it for the players that are involved? Well, I think it's very valuable for the guys who are there, especially the new guys. And the Patriots have a lot of new faces on their offense. So I think it's especially valuable for them because right now when you're getting into phase three of the OTAs, which they're entering now, and so they're allowed to spend six hours a day in the facility,
Starting point is 00:09:38 two hours a day on the field, it gives them the first on-field look at what the offense and defense are going to be looking like. So, you know, they're allowed to do situational drills seven on seven, 11 on 11, although no contact. But it gives the players that first opportunity. Okay, we've seen it, you know, in our playbooks. We've seen stuff on film of how they run things.
Starting point is 00:10:06 Now they've given them a chance to run through it. And if you're a new guy to the team, as we all know, the Patriots offense is a little bit on the intricate side. So I think it's very valuable for them. You know, we have a rookie quarterback trying to make the team, and we all know that, well, he's going to make the team. However, comma, he's going to try to become the starter. So it's important for him to start getting that chemistry because a lot of these guys haven't worked together,
Starting point is 00:10:38 and they haven't worked in this system. So in that aspect, I think it's very important. Absolutely. It really is very important and i want to fact check myself for just a moment here i know just a moment ago folks i said all three quarterbacks four quarterbacks brian hoyer was there as well yesterday so i don't want to definitely not downplay brian's uh impact and i think one of the big reasons why he was brought in was for workouts and activities like this but i agree with you
Starting point is 00:11:05 especially for the new guys you saw hunter henry getting loose being able to work out with his new teammates guys like nelson agalor kendrick bourne it's very valuable on the offensive side of the ball for a wide receiver to be able to get a synergy with the quarterback learn the route running tree study the playbook understand the tendencies not only of the coaching staff but also of the players that you're playing with uh it really is an invaluable uh you know piece of information uh and really an invaluable learning tool for a lot of players and i'm glad to see that the patriots are continuing that trend in strong um act in strong attendance because it shows the player buy-in um a lot of people might scoff at it or roll their eyes and say, well, yeah, it's because, you know, Bill makes them do it. He's not making them do
Starting point is 00:11:49 anything. These are organized training activities. They are voluntary. Take a look at the opposite side of the ball. Even though some prominent members of the defense were not spotted, Dante Hightower not spotted, although I believe that was for personal reasons. Stephon Gilmore wasn't spotted. Devin McCourty, Lawrence Guy. Attendance was still solid overall. 24 defensive players were identifiable on the photos provided by the Patriots. And that group includes some of the offseason additions. Guys like Jalen Mills, Devon Godchow, the rookies Ronnie Perkins, Cam McGrone actually
Starting point is 00:12:22 there as well. Steve, the names of the players that were not spotted, and keep in mind folks, just because they're not spotted doesn't mean that they still won't report or that they're not working out or not engaged, but those players are savvy veterans. You know they're not trying to learn the nuances of the game. They're not trying to decipher the tendencies of the coaching staff. They know it. They know it well, and they'll be ready to go when they need to be. But for those players that weren't there, do you expect it to affect them adversely? Or I guess the contrary, Steve, is the players that were there, what are they going to take away from attending OTA, especially on the defensive side of the ball? Well, again, you
Starting point is 00:13:03 mentioned a lot of the veteran players. I want to say Donta Hightower got married just a couple of days ago, if I'm not mistaken. He might be on his honeymoon. So if that's the case, he probably arranged that specifically so he'd miss the first go around in the OTAs. Guys like him, it's not as important other than the fact that, you know, from the aspect of, you know, calling out the plays and calling out the signals.
Starting point is 00:13:34 But, you know, guys like Juwan Bentley were there, I believe. So, you know, for the newer guys like the Matt Judons and, you know, some of the other guys they drafted as well as the new additions to a free agency. The big thing defensively is just learning the signals and, you know, learning where they're going to have to be. Because the big thing with defense, I think, is when contact comes. And that's when things start coming together. You know, we've seen this, you know, the first days of training camp,
Starting point is 00:14:09 you know, even with a veteran-laden roster, where there's no hitting involved, you know, it seems like the offense is always ahead of the defense a little bit because, you know, they seem to have it going on more. I think the defense, in my opinion, and there's plenty of people that will disagree with that, I think they get more value out of it when the contact starts coming in, when the cornerbacks and defensive backs can start jamming at the line of
Starting point is 00:14:41 scrimmage, things like that. So I think it's important. I think it's very important that those guys are there. I'm not so worried that the veterans weren't there for the voluntary part. A lot of these guys work out with trainers and whatnot in the spring, and they're taking care of business. I'm not concerned with it whatsoever. Yeah, and I agree with you, especially when it comes to the veterans and someone like a Devin McCourty, you know, has been through this process.
Starting point is 00:15:09 Inevitably, Murph and I talked a little bit about the likelihood of Stephon Gilmore maybe holding out or trying to, you know, renegotiate a contract deal, things of that nature. You know, those rumors are going to start to circulate. They did it, you know, even last year in a very shortened abbreviated workout schedule uh those are going to be there but i for one i'm not putting a whole lot of stock into that at least not now uh these uh you know attendance at something like this for a player that has the uh the amount of um you know experience that uh that you have and i'm glad that you mentioned um h, high tower and, uh, the, uh, the, uh, you know, his, um, recent nuptials, you know, that's definitely, uh, you know, something that will take precedence, but, you know, Dante is another player that's been through
Starting point is 00:15:54 this several times. He knows the ropes and he'll be able to come back in even missing, uh, the 2020 season due to opt out. That's not going to change his knowledge of the game and how he prepares for the game. He'll be there when it counts. And I truly believe we'll see him on the field this year as well. Steve, you always, always take us to a better place on Tuesday. You know, you have a way of being able to bring us back to a level headed place. Your reason, your wisdom, your counsel. That's why we love having you here. But we're not done yet, folks, because the Julio Jones trade rumors are still the hot
Starting point is 00:16:29 topic of discussion here in Foxborough. And in just a moment, Steve Balistrieri and I will take a look at the current odds of Jones ending up in New England. And we're also going to try to read the tea leaves a little bit and take a look at what the Patriots might be missing if in fact they lose out on acquiring Jones's services. Find out when the Locked On Patriots podcast continues. Locked On listeners, get all the latest news, odds, and info for all of your sporting needs, including Major League Baseball, the NBA, NHL, all of your UFC, MMA action, and of course the NFL
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Starting point is 00:19:33 There's, you know, a lot of different rumors, a lot of different opinions on that. That may be a conversation for another day. That's between Shannon, Julio and whoever uh you know might have either orchestrated that or if julio was indeed caught completely off guard um but one thing is for certain whether it was part of a pre-planned um i guess best way for me to put it is part of a pre-planned uh strategy uh to help uh maybe shoot his way out of town or whatnot, or whether or not Julio was indeed just completely caught off guard by Shannon and put his raw emotion out there. That's how he feels. He wants to be out of Atlanta. And immediately upon that happening, the Patriots jumped and leapfrogged,
Starting point is 00:20:17 I want to say, to the leaderboard of teams that have the ability to acquire him. As a matter of fact, our friends over at BetOnline.ag have the Patriots currently listed as the ability to acquire him. As a matter of fact, our friends over at BetOnline.ag have the Patriots currently listed as the favorites to Land Jones's services. They currently list their odds at minus 150. So Steve, when you look at this story, this situation, is it just a matter of the Patriots needing a number one wide out in the minds of a lot of fans and media out there that's vaulting him to the top of this list? Or do you believe that where there's smoke, there's fire, and that the Patriots might be more interested than just the reported internal conversations that they've had to try to acquire Jones' services?
Starting point is 00:21:02 Well, I guess I'll try to answer those one at a time. Number one, I know that a lot of fans have been fed, you know, this myth that you have to have a number one wide out to win a Super Bowl. And I would encourage everyone to look at the six Super Bowls that the Patriots won and ask where the number one wide receiver was. And I don't think you could sit there and say they had a true number one on any of those teams. You know, the only time they really had a number one, I think,
Starting point is 00:21:35 in the Belichick era was the years they had Randy Moss there, and unfortunately they came up short. So do they need a number one? No. Would having a guy like Julio Jones make the team much better? Obviously. I mean, he's been extremely productive throughout his career. However, you know, he's getting up there.
Starting point is 00:21:59 He's now 32 years old. When guys start to lose a little bit of that edge. But, I mean, even last year with the hamstring ailment, I think he still averaged, I want to say, about 85, 86 yards a game last year, which is still very, very good. My question would be, okay, I mean, we know he has a lot of respect for Cam Newton. The two worked out together that, from what I've heard and read,
Starting point is 00:22:27 they're close friends off the field. So there's that level of respect and friendship there. So would, you know, Jones like to come to New England and play with Cam? I don't doubt that for a second. Do I doubt that the Patriots, you know, kick the tires on this? Not at all. I mean, when there's that level of talent that's there, it's in your best interest to at least explore it.
Starting point is 00:22:53 That's a great point. But honestly, I think that number, putting the Patriots up there, is really, really high. And I'll give you my feelings on this. I think Atlanta would rather – we know they don't want to trade Jones to the NFC, but I think when it comes to AFC opponents, I think the last team they would want to trade him to is New England. And I go back to that 28-3, you know, debacle for them,
Starting point is 00:23:27 that the Patriots have been rubbing their nose in it for quite some time. And if I'm Arthur Blank, I tell my GM, if you were going to trade him to the AFC, I want New England at the bottom of the list. Now, you know, all things being equal, if the Patriots give the same, you know, all things being equal, if the Patriots give the same, you know, offer similar to what other teams are doing, that's where I would put them. I think they're going to have to expand upon that amongst AFC teams to do that.
Starting point is 00:23:58 And the only issue I have with Jones coming, he's been that go-to guy, that number one guy, as we've said. Would he accept a lesser role in coming to New England? Because the Patriots offense, as we've seen in the years when they were successful, depends on working through the tight ends, getting everybody involved. That includes your tight ends, your running backs, your wide receivers. Would Jones, you know, at this stage of his career, would he accept that? Or is he still insisting on being that go-to guy?
Starting point is 00:24:33 Yeah, if you heard me groan in the background, folks, when Steve brought that up, it's because I was nodding my head in unison and just really marveling at how right on the money that is. And I think that's a point that not a lot of people are bringing up. And maybe because it doesn't fit the narrative or maybe because it's inconvenient to some of the arguments that are saying that this is just a foregone conclusion, the Patriots need to do everything they can to get him. Matt Chatham, who we know very well, analyst for Nesson Former to Wing One Patriot,
Starting point is 00:25:03 knows how this team works as well as anyone. He's been in on the inside when it comes to that locker room and knows Bill Belichick and his tendencies very well. And he brought this up yesterday about the Patriots making a move to acquire a quote unquote wide receiver one, knowing that they just went out and spent a good amount of money to acquire a very solid Z receiver in Nelson Aguilar, a speedster, someone that can get after the ball, really become a threat down the field, but also that too tight end set. When you look at an alpha wide receiver coming into this room all of a sudden, and Julio Jones would absolutely inherit the X receiver role.
Starting point is 00:25:42 We know that there's no question about it. He would ultimately and automatically become that alpha wide receiver in this group. You look at how the three wide receiver set and a two tight end set, that's awfully tough to run when you do have an adequate or above average running game like the Patriots have. So it's about spreading the ball all over the place. It's not so much about what Julio can do for your team. It's really, in a lot of ways, about what you can do for Julio in a lot of ways as well. And I know he doesn't have a no trade. He can't dictate where he's going to go.
Starting point is 00:26:16 But that's going to be a factor. And when you've spent 10 years with a team, and from what I can understand, there doesn't seem to be any acrimony although after yesterday maybe that's not the case any longer but um there never seems to be any acrimony between these two sides you have to think that they're going to work out a mutually beneficial situation for both he and the team uh the patriots have the ability to absorb the cap hit uh they can be creative with that our good friend miguel laenzan, the Pats cap, joined you on One Patriots Place.
Starting point is 00:26:48 I'm sure that was a topic of discussion. Miguel's going to join us here at the end of the week on Locked On Patriots. We'll definitely be talking about that. But the Patriots can make it work within the cap. And they do have the assets. They're not afraid to go to that next level to trade the draft picks that you need.
Starting point is 00:27:04 I'm also glad that you mentioned the hard feelings between the Patriots and the Falcons organizations. And look, we hear this all the time, bud. We hear about, oh, 28-3. Yeah, but they traded for Mohamed Sanu. A different circumstance. The Patriots had to give up a second rounder for Mohamed Sanu. And first of all, I don't think they would have had to do that if, A, it wasn't the Atlanta
Starting point is 00:27:24 Falcons, and B, if it wasn't at the trade deadline. So they're going to hold their feet to the fire a little bit as well. This could get interesting. I think the Patriots are going to be as active as they can, but I don't think they're going to go above and beyond or overpay or oversell for someone like Julio. As dynamic as he is, I said yesterday on the pod that there was a crack, a fissure, if you will, in my enthusiasm. And it's still there, even after the events of yesterday and all of these betting odds and oddsmakers information circulating. I just I feel more pessimistic than optimistic about him coming here.
Starting point is 00:28:01 Maybe I'm wrong. Hopefully I am for the sake of Patriots nation and Julio will be in a Patriots uniform. But that also leads me quite nicely into my final question for you today, bud. And that is if in fact the Patriots decide that they're not going to go the extra mile for Julio Jones's services and he ends up elsewhere, you mentioned that it's likely that it will be in the AFC, that their last resort would be to trade him to an NFC team that would allow them to hurt the Falcons en route to whatever type of contention that they have and having to see him repeatedly throughout the
Starting point is 00:28:36 season. Definitely not within the division, but within the conference, I don't think they'd want to do it. That would likely mean that a contender, because that's where Julio wants to go. He doesn't want to go to a team where they're going to be wasting his services and missing the playoffs. A contending team would be the one to land him. And Baltimore is a team that's rumored heavily. Tennessee is a team that's rumored heavily. We're hearing Denver throwing their name into the mix if they are indeed in the mix for someone like Aaron Rodgers. My question to you, Bud, is how much would the Patriots regret it if Julio Jones goes to another contender? Does that automatically take them out of contention in the AFC?
Starting point is 00:29:15 Or are they still a team that can compete even with Julio Jones hauling in passes from another quarterback on another team? Well, the other day I said myself, as the team is currently constructed, I believe they can compete for a playoff spot. I do. You know, on paper. Now, a lot of things will have to go right. They'll have to stay healthy. They'll have to get production out of a lot of new players.
Starting point is 00:29:43 And then chemistry will have to get production out of a lot of new players, and then chemistry will have to gel. And depending on how well that chemistry gels, they can make some noise. I think this defense is going to be much, much better, which will automatically help out your offense. And we know the offense needed some help. I think they've addressed all those concerns this year, at least, like I said, on paper. Will they regret it?
Starting point is 00:30:10 Time will tell. I mean, we'll see. Excuse me. I still believe Julio Jones is a very, very good football player. He's going to be productive no matter where he goes. I guess a lot of it will depend if he ends up with a, you know, a rival of New England. There's still some rumors that he might go to the Jets. So I think Baltimore is probably the most likely location for him to land,
Starting point is 00:30:43 you know, because you look at that team, they have a very good defense. They have a very solid, if not outstanding, running game. And, you know, you add him to that mix, and all of a sudden that passing game becomes really, really good. So that's who I'm thinking he's going to end up with. I hate to be the wet blanket here. I think there's still a chance he could end up with New England. I'm just not putting it as high as other people are.
Starting point is 00:31:15 Yeah, and I agree with you on that. I think Baltimore, from a logistical standpoint, from just a realistic standpoint, I think is probably their best option. And I think that is where he'll probably end up. But again, folks, Steve and I are just giving our opinions here. We're just giving our prognostication, if you will. There's still a lot that needs to be worked out. And ultimately, we're going to continue to hear these rumors at least until next week um obviously june 2nd being the date where
Starting point is 00:31:46 atlanta can unload him and obtain a great amount of cap relief which is something they're in desperate need of right now atlanta is right now incapable of signing their entire uh you know rookie class and that's something that they will need to unload some serious cap space in order to be able to do it. And the best opportunity for them to do that is on either June 2nd or after to be able to gain nearly $15 million in cap relief, because right now there are less than $500,000 in cap space available. Can't operate in the season with that type of cap space. So Atlanta willlanta will do something where he ends up to anybody's guess right now but we'll find out within the coming days and weeks steve thank you so much for taking the time out to join
Starting point is 00:32:35 me here today on the pod before i let you go my friend let everyone know where they can find you and what great work they can look forward to when it comes to the great pen and the great voice of Steve Balistrieri. Well, thanks, Mike. As always, thanks for having me. You can find me on Twitter at SteveB7SFG. I'm also on Instagram and Facebook. But you know how it goes. We're going to be looking at what's being released from OTAs. And again, you know, right now until the media gets there, we're only knowing what we see through the pictures that the Patriots released. So, folks, take everything with a little grain of salt.
Starting point is 00:33:15 I don't put it above Bill to make sure that some of the pictures of some of these vets aren't getting in there. As we all know, Bill loves to mess with the media and there could be a lot more veterans there and he's just telling them don't release any pictures of these guys. So we'll be looking at
Starting point is 00:33:36 that. And we're also going to be looking at possible trade scenarios after that June 2nd deadline where teams can start saving money by jettison numbers off the cap. There's a lot of cap strat teams out there. We'll be looking at some of those. Oh, and by the way, you'll be joining Murph Claire and I on our next one Patriots play.
Starting point is 00:34:02 So we look forward to that. Absolutely. You guys get to turn the tables on me and you get to put me on the hot seat. And ironically, we're going with it once we're going with a one Patriots place, clean sweep here to begin the week. The countess of the countess of class herself will be joining me here tomorrow. So that'll be good. So I'll be able to really, you know, put the heat on your seat and then you guys can return the favor. It's my honor
Starting point is 00:34:26 and my privilege to be on One Patriots Place with you guys, which can be now found on E2GSports.com. Steve, thanks again, my friend. We look forward to talking ball with you again here next week on Locked On Patriots. In the meantime, stay safe and well. And definitely always a pleasure
Starting point is 00:34:41 and always my honor to have you join me here each and every Tuesday, buddy. And so, Patriots fans, we are nearly halfway through your work week, but we haven't even begun to scratch the surface of Patriots news notes and analysis right here on the pod. So to ensure that you do not miss a single second of the action, download, subscribe to and follow the Locked On Patriots podcast on platforms such as Spotify, the Odyssey app, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts, just make sure that you are staying locked in to Locked On Patriots.
Starting point is 00:35:14 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.
Starting point is 00:35:36 Have a great day, everyone.

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