Patriots links 3/16/26: Pats building prime secondary

TEAM TALK

• Press Release:New Balance announced a long-term agreement that will have the brand serve as the official and exclusive athletic footwear and apparel of the Patriots and Gillette Stadium.
• Behind the Scenes:Free agents arrive at Gillette Stadium, discuss why they signed with New England. (3 min. video)
• Highlights:Drake Maye meets the new guys - WR Romeo Doubs spends his first day as a Patriot - Safety Kevin Byard III spends his first day as a Patriot.
• Photos: Patriots 2026 free agents sign their contracts.

LOCAL LINKS

• Mike Reiss shares some quick-hit weekend thoughts: Why Drake Maye was a good selling point to free agents; Romeo Doubs' competitiveness; A.J. Brown trade; AVP on Jets; Fullbacks unite; More!
• Steve Balestrieri's Sunday Patriots News: Patriots free agency an early success; Vrabel and Wolf lead roster overhaul with strategic new signings; More.
• Mike D'Abate spotlights the Patriots greatest area of need: Swing Offensive Tackle.
• Conor Ryan explains how new safety Kevin Byard predicted New England's breakthrough season in 2025. Hopefully I'm that final piece to make this the top secondary in the league."
• Mike D'Abate makes the case that Romeo Doubs has a chance of becoming the Patriots' next WR1.
• Khari Thompson tells us 5 things to know about Patriots new OG Alijah Vera-Tucker. 1. He primarily plays right guard, and so does Mike Onwenu.
• Jennifer Streeter reports WR Efton Chism III is spending the offseason training at Eastern Washington.
• Evan Cormier explains how Friday's contract decision solidifies Christian Barmore's place on the roster.
• Colin McCarthy explores 5 unsigned free agents that would be possible fits for the Pats.
• Andrew Gould relays Dianna Russini (The Athletic), who says the Eagles have decided not to trade A.J. Brown at this time," after having serious conversations" with the Patriots and Rams. However, Russini didn't fully shut the door on a deal occurring this offseason.
• Evan Cormier reports free agent LB Jack Gibbens is scheduled to visit the Cardinals this week.
• Ethan Hurwitz notes Pats LB Amari Gainer spent part of his offseason learning about movie production.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Aaron Schatz (ESPN) Five most improved teams, best signings. Pats included. /Click for commentary.
• Eva Geitheim (SI) One thing we learned about every team during Week 1 of free agency. The Patriots continue to upgrade on offense. More.
• Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) NFL free agency grades: Ranking signings, trades for all 32 teams from best (Chiefs) to worst (Jets). No. 20 Patriots: B-. /Click for commentary.
• Daniel Mader (Sporting News) Most overpaid players of 2026 free agency: Alec Pierce, Malik Willis lead list of risky contracts in 2026. No Pats.
• Daniel Chavkin (Sporting News) Biggest bargain contracts of free agency: Mike Evans, Tua Tagovailoa lead list. OL Alijah Vera-Tucker included.
• Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) Scouts Notebook: Seven overlooked free-agent signings that could pay serious dividends in 2026.
• Dan Graziano (ESPN) 2026 NFL free agency: Judging overreactions to deals, trades.
• Matt Bowen (ESPN) 2026 NFL free agency: Ranking the top 100 players available.
• Gary Davenport (Bleacher Report) Best fits for most intriguing available free agents in 2026. Patriots mentioned as best fit for TE David Njoku. /Click for commentary.
• Bill Barnwell (ESPN) Best team fits for top remaining free agents. No Pats.
• Josh Edwards (CBS Sports) 2026 NFL three-round mock draft: How free agency reshaped the first 100 picks. Pats pick Missouri EDGE Zion Young at 31.
• Diante Lee (The Ringer) NFL mock draft. Pats pick Ohio State Interior DL Kayden McDonald at 31.
• Jonathan Jones (CBS Sports) NFLPA nearing vote on new executive director from three finalists as union faces pivotal moment.