Patriots links 3/19/26: What about RB depth?

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 8: Lan Larison #34 of the New England Patriots returns a kickoff during the second half NFL Super Bowl LX football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TEAM TALK

• PatriotsupdatedFree Agent TrackerandMock Draft Tracker.
• Patriots Draft Countdown: The crew discuss QBs & WRs, latest news and Mock Drafts. (39 min. video)
• Patriots Catch-22: Evan Lazar & Alex Barth break down the latest NFL news, Roster reset (offense) and Draft talk. (2 hours)

LOCAL LINKS

• Mark Daniels reports the Patriots signed veteran CB Kindle Vildor to a one-year contract. The 28-year old Vildor has ties to Mike Vrabel's Titans.
• Conor Ryan identifies 3 roster needs Patriots must still address after their free-agency spending spree: A No. 1 wide receiver, an explosive pass rusher and depth at offensive tackle. /Click for commentary.
• Alex Barth's Patriots Draft Preview: QBs - Running backs: a developmental addition on Day 3 would help round out the RB room and add good competition for that third spot.
• Karen Guregian looks at the current Patriots wide receiver room, and questions whether it will be enough to aid Drake Maye, without adding A.J. Brown.
• Mike D'Abate writes how the FB Reggie Gilliam signing puts the future in doubt for veteran FB-TE hybrids Jack Westover and Brock Lampe.
• Sara Marshall notes Kevin Byard III made things difficult for new Dolphins QB Malik Willis in 2025 - he can do the same for the Patriots this season.
• Mike D'Abate sees the Patriots financially fit enough to address a Christian Gonzalez contract extension.
• Jennifer Streeter takes another look at the Patriots new coaching staff additions.
• Mark Morse shares his post-FA Patriots Mock Draft:. Pats pick Arizona RT Max Iheanachor at 31.
• Nick Goss posts a mock draft roundup: Latest predictions for the Patriots' first-round pick.
• Mike D'Abate reports former Patriot captain Matthew Slater will deliver this year's Providence College commencement address. /Nice!
• Samantha Genzer recaps Tom Brady bringing jokes and more to his appearance on Jimmy Fallon.
• Nick O'Malley notes former Patriot Detrich Wise co-owns Cambridge restaurant Veggie Galaxy, which was named the best vegan-friendly restaurant" in America.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Tony Pauline (Essentially Sports) Patriots work out Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr. at Pro Day, meet with Georgia Tech QB Haynes King at Pro Day.
• Gilberto Manzano (SI) The eight most improved teams heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. No Pats.
• Karl Rasmussen (SI) Ranking the 10 best wide receiver groups in the NFL. No Pats.
• Mike Kadlick (SI) 6 Trades we still want to see happen this offseason. A.J. Brown to Patriots included.
• MMQB (SI) Debate: Moves NFL GMs should have made during Free Agency.
• Karl Rasmussen (SI) NFL Compensatory draft picks explained and why they're so important.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) NFL officially announces 2026 proposals from Steelers and Browns. Cleveland wants to expand the range of draft picks that may be tradedfrom three years to five. /What's to stop an insecure GM from making deals that will hamstring the team down the road (after he's fired).
• Eva Geitheim (SI) Why the Browns' new rule proposal is a bad idea-especially for Cleveland.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Tom Brady would never say never" to playing Olympic flag football in 2028
• Eva Geitheim (SI) Disaster awaits the NFL if replacement referees return in 2026. /My lord, the carnage!