Patriots Drake Maye Earns Massive Honor In Collector Community originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

If trading cards are your thing, you’re going to love the most recent news emerging from New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye’s camp. 

World-famous collectible trading card company Topps has once again struck an agreement with the NFL to bring football players back to the catalog. The first pack will be released on April 15, and the cover athlete for the collection is none other than AFC Champion Drake Maye.

OFFICIAL: Cam Ward & Drake Maye are your Topps Chrome Football cover athletes! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/FLUYfdXJsX

— Topps (@Topps) April 3, 2026

It’s very interesting to see that of all the quarterbacks in the NFL, Topps believes New England’s young gunslinger will move the most product. And if Tyler Holzhammer’s research is any indication, this may be for good reason.

“He finished the season as the most searched NFL player on eBay,” Holzhammer wrote in an article published by The Athletic. “He was so popular among football card collectors that he had 31-times more cards graded by PSA than Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who beat Maye out to the season’s MVP award.”

Maye is shaping into a face of this league at just 23 years old, and this latest honor is just further proof.

More NFL: All New England Patriots Picks 2026 NFL Draft

Free agency in the NFL always brings hope. Teams spend big money to fix the problems they are dealing with. However, not every plan works out. Some signings fail even before the season starts.

The 2026 offseason had several crazy moves. A few teams went all in and paid top dollar for players with big question marks. As a result, many of these deals already look risky.

MORE: NFL: Biggest hits from the 2025 NFL draft class

In many cases, teams paid for potential instead of proven performance. Some players showed flashes but never stayed consistent. Others got star-level money without matching production. On top of that, a few teams ignored better and cheaper options, which makes these deals even harder to understand.

Coaching changes also matter. A player who fits one system may struggle in another. Meanwhile, injuries add even more risk. Paying big money to someone coming off a serious injury rarely feels safe.

These deals are not failures yet. Still, based on value, fit, and timing, they already look shaky. Here is a ranking of the worst NFL free agency signings of 2026.

5. New England Patriots – Romeo Doubs (Four years, $68 million)

The Patriots needed a wide receiver, so the idea makes sense. However, paying Romeo Doubs this much feels like a stretch.

Doubs has shown potential, but he has not been consistent. More importantly, he has never reached 1,000 receiving yards in a season. That is a concern for a player being paid like a top target.

In addition, New England had other options. They could have drafted a young receiver or pursued someone like A.J. Brown. Pairing a proven star with a rookie might have been a smarter plan.

Instead, they paid big money for an unproven player. Now, Doubs must perform like a true No. 1 receiver right away.

4. Cincinnati Bengals – Boye Mafe (Three years, $60 million)

The Bengals needed defensive help, which makes this move understandable. Even so, signing Boye Mafe comes with clear risks.

Mafe never became a full-time impact player in Seattle. In fact, his playing time dropped over the last two seasons. In 2025, he was on the field for only half of the defensive snaps.

That raises concerns, especially since Seattle’s coach Mike Macdonald is known for strong defenses. If he could not get more out of Mafe, it is a red flag.

Now, Cincinnati is paying $20 million per year. That is a big investment for a player who was not a full-time starter. As a result, defensive coordinator Al Golden must get the best out of him.

MORE: NFL: Biggest misses from the 2025 NFL draft class

3. Washington Commanders – Odafe Oweh (Four years, $96 million)

Odafe Oweh earned this deal after a strong short stretch. However, that run lasted only a couple of months.

Before that, he struggled with consistency during his time with the Ravens. Over several seasons, he never fully broke out. Therefore, this deal feels like a gamble on potential.

Another concern is fit. Oweh will no longer work with Jesse Minter, who helped him perform well. That could impact his production.

On the positive side, head coach Dan Quinn has a strong track record with pass rushers. Still, paying nearly $100 million for an inconsistent player is risky.

2. Indianapolis Colts – Alec Pierce (Four years, $114 million)

Alec Pierce brings only one top skill, deep receiving ability. In fact, he has averaged over 21 yards per catch in recent seasons.

However, he is not a complete receiver. That is where the problem lies. The Colts are paying him like a true No. 1 option, even though he hasn’t proven it yet.

Moreover, comparisons to players like Tyreek Hill highlight the gap in overall ability.

To make matters worse, Indianapolis traded Michael Pittman Jr. to free up money. That decision adds even more pressure on Pierce.

Now, he must expand his game and perform every week. Otherwise, this deal could quickly look like a mistake.

MORE: NFL: Top 7 players who played for the most teams

1. Indianapolis Colts – Daniel Jones (Two years, $88 million)

This is the most questionable move of the offseason. The Colts put themselves in this position.

They moved on from Anthony Richardson early. Then, they traded two first-round picks for Sauce Gardner. These decisions pushed them into a win-now mode.

However, the roster does not fully support that approach. That makes signing Daniel Jones even more confusing.

Jones is also recovering from a torn Achilles injury. That alone brings a lot of uncertainty. On top of that, he has struggled with consistency throughout his career.

Now, the Colts are paying $88 million for two years. That is a huge risk for a short-term solution. Simply put, this move feels desperate.

Final thoughts

Free agency is always a gamble. Sometimes risks pay off, but other times they fail. In this case, these deals already show warning signs. Each one comes with major questions about value, fit, or health. Teams are clearly betting on upside and quick fixes. However, in the NFL, that approach does not always work.

Rob Gronkowski, 7 Others Nominated For Patriots Hall Of Fame originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots Hall of Fame voting process is officially underway...

The Patriots' voting panel, which consists of journalists and longtime franchise contributors, will pick between eight former players: fullback Mosi Tatupu, wide receiver Wes Welker, tight end Rob Gronkowski, offensive lineman Logan Mankins, defensive lineman Julius Adams, linebacker Dont’a Hightower, safety Lawyer Milloy and kicker Adam Vinatieri. If a player receives the requisite number of votes, he will be made one of three finalists that will be voted upon amongst fans -- with the player who receives the most votes ultimately earning induction.

Gronkowski, 36, is certainly the biggest name listed, as there is an argument to be made that he is not only the greatest tight end of his generation but the greatest tight end of all-time. The Patriots signed the four-time Super Bowl champion to a one-day contract to allow him to retire a member of the franchise on Nov. 12, 2025.

Gronkowski, who finished with 602 receptions, 9,024 receiving yards, and 91 touchdowns across 131 games with the organization, was named a Pro Bowler on five separate occasions and an All-Pro on four separate occasions -- all of which were during his time in New England.

Hightower is the only other player to make the list in his first year of eligibility. Welker, Mankins, Adams, Milloy, and Vinatieri have previously been finalists, with the latter recently earning his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026. Tatupu is the lone player on the ballot to retire before the turn of the century.

ESPN's Mike Reiss not only shared a snapshot of who is voting on the three finalists, but how the process will change in 2027 on Wednesday.

More NFL: Ex-Patriots Captain Kyle Dugger Finds New Home Following Midseason Trade

Final Patriots Unrestricted Free Agent Reportedly Meets With AFC South Squad originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots came into the offseason with six unrestricted free agents, and only one of them remains unsigned.

K'Lavon Chaisson, Jaylinn Hawkins, Austin Hooper, Khyiris Tonga and Vederian Lowe were all unrestricted free agents after the end of last season and have all signed with new teams. Offensive lineman Thayer Munford Jr. is the lone unrestricted free agent who has not signed with a new team, but according to Mike Reiss, he has met with the Tennessee Titans.

Free-agent OT Thayer Munford Jr., who played in 9 games last season for the Patriots (143 snaps, primarily jumbo TE), visited with the Titans," Reiss wrote on Wednesday. "Munford had been on the injury report late in the season (knee) and underwent surgery after the season."

Munford has been in the NFL since 2022. He was originally a seventh-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. He played 370 snaps as a rookie, but saw plenty of action in his sophomore season. He played 56.6% of offensive snaps and played in 14 games. He was not a star, but he is a solid depth piece for any offensive line.

Munford was waived by the Raiders in August and signed with the Patriots' practice squad. The Cleveland Browns signed him to the active roster, and he was waived in October. He was re-signed to their practice squad, but the Patriots signed him to the active roster in November.

He could be a cheap addition for the Titans, who have been very active in free agency this offseason.

NFL Draft Profile: Ole Miss' De'Zhaun Stribling Will Go Sooner Than Anticipated originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots can take their pick of positions to address during the 2026 NFL Draft.

It’s easy to see them targeting someone who can rush the passer, depth options at linebacker and/or tight end, competition along the offensive line, someone who can provide a spark to the skill position group, and... well, pretty much anything else you can think of.

I just don't think they can do it all…

If the club intends on putting itself in a position to regularly contend, it will need to prioritize things perfectly and put together another superb draft class -- which might just include Ole Miss Rebels wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling:

Bio:

De'Zhaun Stribling
School: Ole Miss
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 207 lbs
Hand: 10"
Arm: 31 5/8"
Scouting Combine: 4.36 (40), 36" (Vertical), 10' 7" (Broad)
2025 Stats: 15 G, 55 REC, 811 REC YDS, 6 TD

Pros: 

Stribling racked up frequent flier miles during his collegiate career, spending time at Washington State, Oklahoma State, and Ole Miss. I'd usually mention that as a knock, but it's hard to hate on someone who had seasons of at least 50 receptions, 600 receiving yards, and five touchdowns at each stop...

• DOESN'T WASTE ANY TIME GETTING INTO HIS ROUTES
• ADJUSTS WELL TO THE FOOTBALL, BACK SHOULDER IS HIS BREAD AND BUTTER
• INCREDIBLE IN SPACE, CAN OUTRUN ALMOST ANYONE ON SLANTS/GO BALLS
• NATURAL HANDS CATCHER
• HAS A PLAN, ISN'T EASILY DETERRED OFF ROUTES
• WORKOUT WARRIOR

Cons: 

Stribling's game is rather linear, which brings about questions as to what his role will be and whether or not there is space for him in an offense that asks its receivers to be multiple.

• HIS GAME RELIES ON STICKING OUTSIDE
• WOULD LIKE FOR HIM TO PLAY STRONGER AT THE CATCH POINT
• CHANGE-OF-DIRECTION IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT

UNREAL TD CATCH FROM DE'ZHAUN STRIBLING 🔥 pic.twitter.com/FqHDHnh3L1

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 28, 2025

Grade and Player Comparison: 

Stribling isn't a fit for everyone, despite being exactly that across three different schools during his collegiate career. If he's going to catch on, he will need to be given opportunities to work on the outside of consistent contributors -- whether those come in the form of slot receivers, tight ends, running backs, etc.

If he finds that role, the sky could be the limit.

GRADE: 77/100
PLAYER COMP: Jalen Tolbert

The Patriots ______ De'Zhaun Stribling:

"must have a plan for"

New England has clear and obvious interest in the player, as it met with him on two separate occasions and brought him in on an official pre-draft visit.

Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams are expected to compete for the lion's share of reps on the outside, however. Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, and Efton Chism III are options on the inside, so versatility from those other players won't be as important. The Patriots are probably tantalized by the sheer talent, but they will need a plan if they intend on making the soon-to-be rookie a contributor.

More NFL: Patriots Offseason Preview: Everything Team Must Address In 2026