Patriots links 6/29/26: Pats locked & loaded at receiver

LOCAL LINKS

• Mike Reiss shares some quick-hit weekend thoughts: Will Christian Gonzalez’s extension get done before camp? Plus: Scotland calling, A.J. Brown analytics, More.
• Steve Balestrieri’s Sunday Patriots News: Offseason deep dive, player spotlights, Romeo Doubs the X-Factor? Plus, comments on the CBS Sports piece that list the Pats having the 3rd-worst offseason; More.
• Ethan Hurwitz identifies some burning questions ahead of training camp that the Patriots must answer. 1. What’s up with Gabe Jacas?
• Khari Thompson‘s Patriots 2026 position preview: Wide receivers edition.
• Ethan Hurwitz looks at how Carlton Davis can take the secondary to even greater heights.
• Ethan Hurwitz explains why fans shouldn’t overreact to Christian Gonzalez’ contract status.
• Ethan Hurwitz says the Pats could potentially have an edge rusher issue on their hands very soon and suggests trading for talented Giants Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who could transform the offseason.
• Phil Perry ranks the 25 most important Patriots for 2026: Nos. 25-21 – Nos. 20-16 – Nos. 15-11 – Nos. 10-6 – Nos. 5-1.
• Patriots On SI ranks the top 25 Patriots of 2026: No. 23 Caleb Lomu remains top OT backup for now.
• Phil Perry‘s NFL play caller rankings: McDaniels climbing after stellar 2025.
• Ethan Hurwitz hears from ILB coach Vinnie DePalma, who earned a promotion this offseason after spending the previous two seasons as a defensive assistant. “I’ve been dealt an incredible hand of cards”
• Pats Interference podcast: Andrew Callahan optimistic CB Christian Gonzalez will be extended. (8 min.)
• All-32 podcast: Mike Giardi kicks off a two-part series ranking the top 32 NFL QBs for 2026. (32 min.)

NATIONAL NEWS

• NFL Nation (ESPN) 2026 NFL rookie updates: Tracking all first-round draft picks. Caleb Lomu included.
• Albert Breer (SI) NFL Takeaways: Where every NFL team stands at summer break; Quick thoughts on the Vikings’ QB battle, the Ravens’ Jesse Minter era, the Saints’ surprising amount of talent and what if Maye finds another level in 2026?
• Thomas Martinez (Chargers On SI) Chargers have full circle moment as Justin Herbert follows in Tom Brady’s footsteps.
• Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) Scout’s Notebook: Long-shot picks for major NFL awards in 2026. Offensive Player of the Year: A.J. Brown.
• Frank Schwab (Yahoo! Sports) NFL offseason power rankings: No. 29 Browns start over again after trading Myles Garrett.
• Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) Seven players who deserve to make their debut in the NFL Top 100 of 2026. No. 1 Drake Maye.
• Grant Gordon (NFL.com) Top 100 Players of 2026, Nos. 100-91. No Pats.
• Mike Kadlick (SI) NFL uniform rankings: Every team’s 2026 look, from worst to best. Patriots 20th.