6 Rings and Football Things

The 2026 NFL schedule release, a tentpole event of the offseason, occurs in mid May. Audacy Original podcast ‘It's Always Gameday In Buffalo’ chatted with one of the men who's at the center of planning the NFL's broadcast schedule in a wide-ranging conversation that all football fans will enjoy.  It's time for one of our favorite episodes of the year! Sal and Matt are joined once again by the Vice President of NFL Broadcast Planning Mike North. They discuss the Bills home opener in the new stadium, how the NFL is looking at Patrick Mahomes' status in the early season, the decision around no more Monday Night Football doubleheaders, Fridays no longer being considered a short week, holiday matchups, growing the game with an expanded international schedule, who Mike thinks is the juiciest Bills opponent this year and much more!

Patriots insider Tom E. Curran joins WEEI Afternoons with Andy Hart, Ted Johnson, and Nick “Fitzy” Stevens to break down Christian Gonzalez’s contract negotiations, the Mike Vrabel situation, concerns about A.J. Brown’s knee, the Patriots’ draft plan, and more.

Who should the Patriots be eyeing in the Draft later this month? Sophie Weller joins Nick "Fitzy" Stevens to discuss with a three-round mock.

How will the offseason so far affect the Patriots' draft approach? Sophie Weller of Patriots Wire joins Nick "Fitzy" Stevens to discuss and preview what's to come.

We are less than three weeks out from the 2026 NFL Draft, and before you know it New England will be on the clock. Which way will they go with Pick 31? What are their draft priorities? We check in with one of coach Vrabel's favorites, Sophie Weller from Patriots Wire, to talk draft crushes, roster management, Edelman beer and more on the latest 6 Rings!

Tom E. Curran joins WEEI Afternoons with Andy Hart, Nick “Fitzy” Stevens, and Ted Johnson to discuss the importance of signing Christian Gonzalez this offseason, Mike Vrabel’s comments at the owners’ meetings, and the front office’s view on the receiver corps.

Mike Vrabel, Robert Kraft and Eliot Wolf shared their thoughts on last season, the roster, and their vision for 2026 at the NFL Owners Meetings in Arizona. Fitzy & Mego react to the biggest takeaways and bring fans into the conversation on an all-new 6 Rings.

Fitzy and Mego check in on all Patriots fronts with the 2026 NFL Draft just under a month away. Will Mike Vrabel and the Patriots make Christian Gonzalez wait for his extension? Reports on the Pats being aggressive in the draft for O-line help, 18-game schedules, replacement refs, and more.

Patriots insider Mike Giardi joins WEEI Afternoons with Andy Hart, Nick "Fitzy" Stevens, and Ted Johnson to discuss why the Patriots still haven't paid Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots' plan in the NFL Draft, and more!

Patriots insider Tom E. Curran joins WEEI Afternoons with Andy Hart, Nick "Fitzy" Stevens, and Andy Hart to explain why he believes there is a "better than a 50% chance" that A.J. Brown will be a Patriot, when New England will sign Christian Gonzalez, and more!

Turns out the New England Patriots have broached contract extension talks with star cornerback Christian Gonzalez, at least according to friend of 6 Rings Henry McKenna of FOX Sports. We catch up with Henry on those talks, all things Pats, his pre-draft thoughts, and Brady’s flag football mayhem on the latest 6 Rings.

Patriots insider Tom E. Curran joins WEEI Afternoons to discuss the latest rumors on A.J. Brown, the Patriots offseason, and how New England can find success once again in 2026.

The Denver Broncos are acquiring Dolphins star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for a 2026 first-, third-, and fourth-round pick. What does that mean for the Patriots? Andy Hart, Nick "Fitzy" Stevens, and Ted Johnson discuss. Plus, the Patriots have yet to retain any of their own free agents … why?

The first week of NFL Free Agency 2026 has passed and the Patriots have been very active, with nine new players in and nine departed from the 2025 roster. How do we feel about the new guys? Do we like the working class approach? Are the Pats better or worse now than when the season ended? Chris Scheim and Jon Lyons join Fitzy for a new Patriots Free Agent Grades edition of 6 Rings.

NBC Sports Boston Patriots insider Tom E. Curran joins Andy Hart, Nick “Fitzy” Stevens, and Ted Johnson to discuss whether the Patriots are a better team on paper than last year, the latest on A.J. Brown, positions to watch in free agency and the draft, and more!

From 'Reception Perception' (subscribe here): Matt Harmon and James Koh share their thoughts on the Doubs fit in New England after the team released Stefon Diggs. Whether it's the biggest stars in the league or new rookies bursting on the scene, you won't get better wideout information anywhere else. Along the way, they'll break down the biggest stories in the NFL and offer up a few big-picture fantasy football thoughts. Follow the guys on Twitter @JamesDKoh and @MattHarmon_BYB. Follow Reception Perception @RecepPerception. Download and Subscribe to the Reception Perception Show anywhere you get your podcasts. Watch segments of the show on YouTube at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matt Harmon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!!

2026 NFL Free Agency is underway, and the Patriots were reasonably active, though perhaps not as much as some fans wanted. Who’s staying? Who’s new? Who’s gone? What are our favorite moves? And what could be next? Fitzy & Mego discuss on an all-new 6 Rings!

Mike Giardi joins WEEI Afternoons to explain where the Patriots will spend their money this offseason, what wide receiver they will go after, and what they will do with Christian Barmore.

Patriots insider Tom E. Curran joins WEEI Afternoons with Andy Hart, Nick “Fitzy” Stevens, and Ted Johnson to discuss why the Patriots are releasing Stefon Diggs, the Bills trading for DJ Moore, and the Patriots’ plan in free agency.

The Patriots informed Stefon Diggs, their #1 wide receiver for the 2025 season and an emotional leader for the team, that they will be releasing him at the start of the 2026 NFL season. What does this mean for Drake Maye in Year 3 and the other receivers, and who will the Pats target to replace last season's top target? Fitzy and Mego discuss on an all-new 6 Rings.

How will the Patriots approach next week’s free agency, and who could they target? Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald joins Fitzy and Mego to discuss.

Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald joins Fitzy and Mego to break down what the future could hold for Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore, and the chances the Patriots make a move for AJ Brown or Maxx Crosby.

Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald joins Nick "Fitzy" Stevens and Meghan Ottolini to recap the 2026 NFL Draft Combine and discuss what he’s hearing from the Patriots rumor mill. What does the future hold for Christian Barmore and Stefon Diggs? Is there any chance the Pats make a move for AJ Brown or Maxx Crosby? Plus, what approach will the Pats take in free agency next week, and who could they target?

Mike Dussault joins WEEI Afternoons with Andy Hart, Nick "Fitzy" Stevens, and Dan Bahl to discuss the latest on the Patriots draft plans from the NFL Combine, the Patriots plan in free agency, and what players they will want to keep.

NBC Sports Boston’s Patriots insider Tom E. Curran joins WEEI Afternoons with Andy Hart, Nick “Fitzy” Stevens, and Dan Bahl to break down what the Patriots will do this offseason, their top draft needs, and which players they’re likely to retain.

My, my. Haven’t the leaders and personnel figureheads of the Pats been chatty at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine? And we love it. First, Eliot Wolf shared some insights, then Mike Vrabel chatted with every reporter, microphone, and podcast he could find. What did they say? What did we learn? What’s their grand plan? Fitzy & Mego discuss on an all-new 6 Rings.

New England Patriots EVP Eliot Wolf speaks ahead of the NFL Combine, addressing questions about Jerod Mayo, outside comparisons to Dan Campbell, and the direction of the franchise as it enters a pivotal 2026 offseason. The WEEI Afternoons crew breaks down Wolf’s comments and evaluates his role within a crowded Patriots front office... who’s making the final calls, how the power structure is shaping up, and what it all means for the team’s future.

Will this be a smooth, proactive offseason for the Patriots coming off their surprise Super Bowl run, or will drama set the tone for the 2026 season? Fitzy and Mego discuss a column Mego wrote for weei.com about the five biggest storylines that could set the table for the 2026 season.

Fitzy and Mego take a look at some wide receiver options out there via trade or free agency to potentially be the #1 New England has been lacking.

Stefon Diggs had 99 catches for 1,123 yards and five touchdowns in 21 games this season. Just as important, he emerged as a key voice and leader in the locker room. But is it a slam dunk to bring him back for the 2026 season? Fitzy and Mego discuss.

The Patriots have a significant decision and potential paycheck looming regarding 2025 leading receiver Stefon Diggs, who is on the books for over $20 million, not to mention $6 million guaranteed in March. Would the team benefit from letting their de facto emotional leader and best receiver from this past season walk and use that money on a younger, healthier replacement? Could they have gotten the most out of Diggs? And who should they look into? Fitzy and Mego debate as the 6 Rings 2026 Offseason officially begins!

From 'Reception Perception' (subscribe here): Matt Harmon and James Koh dissect this Patriots receiving corps and come up with ways for the team to improve on the boundary following their loss in the Super Bowl. Whether it's the biggest stars in the league or new rookies bursting on the scene, you won't get better wideout information anywhere else. Along the way, they'll break down the biggest stories in the NFL and offer up a few big-picture fantasy football thoughts. Follow the guys on Twitter @JamesDKoh and @MattHarmon_BYB. Follow Reception Perception @RecepPerception. Download and Subscribe to the Reception Perception Show anywhere you get your podcasts. Watch segments of the show on YouTube at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matt Harmon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!!

Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal joins WEEI Afternoons to discuss where it went wrong for the Patriots in their Super Bowl loss, the future for Will Campbell, and what New England should do with Stefon Diggs.

NBC Sports Boston Patriots insider Tom E. Curran joins Dan Bahl, Nick “Fitzy” Stevens, and Ted Johnson to break down Super Bowl 60. They discuss the biggest difference between New England and Seattle, what contributed to Drake Maye’s struggles, and whether Seattle showed a blueprint for slowing him down. Plus, Curran explains why he’s unsure if Mike Vrabel can ever replicate his 2025 season and discusses what’s next for Stefon Diggs and the offensive line.

From 'Reception Perception' (subscribe here): Matt Harmon and James Koh share their thoughts on a highly impressive second season from Drake Maye and where he and the Patriots can still improve.

Long-time NFL quarterback Brian Hoyer joins WEEI Afternoons with Andy Hart and Ted Johnson to break down what went wrong for the Patriots in Super Bowl 60 and who deserves the most blame. Plus, Hoyer explains Drake Maye’s ceiling, outlines his offseason priorities, and details why the future remains bright in New England.

Mark Schlereth, host of The Stinkin' Truth Podcast and analyst for NFL on FOX, joins Andy Hart and Nick "Fitzy" Stevens to discuss what went wrong for the Patriots in Super Bowl 60. Schlereth explains how Josh McDaniels put Will Campbell in a position to fail, how the Seattle defense disrupted the Patriots, and more. Plus, he explains why Campbell will be just fine at LT moving forward.

Fitzy joins The Bostonian vs. The Book podcast with Matt Perrault to discuss what went wrong for the Patriots in Super Bowl 60 and what’s next for New England.

Both things can be true... 1.) The Patriots had a great year 2.) It was an abysmal ending The future is still bright for Drake Maye, Mike Vrabel, and the Patriots. Nick "Fitzy" Stevens and Andy Hart discuss as they react to New England's 29-13 loss to the Seahawks, and the fallout to come.

Nick “Fitzy” Stevens and Jon Lyons enter The Lyons Den with Jon’s ideas and schemes on what the Patriots need to do to pull off the upset and bring home a seventh Lombardi on Sunday.

At Thursday’s NFL Honors, the Patriots were well represented among the major awards, though there were a few surprises and questionable selections along the way. Nick "Fitzy" Stevens and Jon Lyons discuss.

The NFL handed out its major awards Thursday evening, and by all accounts, the 2025 Patriots were well represented, though there were some blunders and head scratchers along the way. Fitzy reacts alongside the coach, Jon Lyons, before we enter The Lyons Den for Jon’s ideas and schemes on what the Pats need to do to pull off the upset and bring home a seventh Lombardi on Sunday.

John Boyle (@johnpboyle) joins Christian Arcand and Nick "Fitzy" Stevens live from California to discuss Super Bowl 60 between the Patriots and the Seahawks.

They say never underestimate your opponent, especially on the biggest stage. To keep Pats fans as informed as possible, we go "Behind Enemy Lines" for Super Bowl 60 with noted Seahawks voice Jacson Bevens of Cigar Thoughts to get a sense of who these Seahawks are, what makes them championship-caliber, how they view the Pats, and how a Super Bowl 60 win could ease the sting of Super Bowl 49. Follow Jacson @JacsonBevens and @CigarThoughts for all his football musings.

Fitzy joins our friends on The Sports Bar with Mike Danger and Gene Battaglia on The Fan in Rochester, New York, to poke some fun at the Bills fans, discuss Super Bowl 60, and more from around the NFL.

Everybody loves Super Bowl prop bets — from the anthem to player over/unders, touchdown scorers, MVPs, and the most random moments. Nick "Fitzy" Stevens is joined by Dakota Happas from FantasySpin.com to break down some of their favorites and maybe help you make a few bucks on "The Big Game."

Like his former head coach, Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft was once again left out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. How long can the snub continue? Nick “Fitzy” Stevens lays out why Kraft belongs in Canton.

NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Insider Tom E. Curran joins Adam Jones, Rich Keefe, and Nick “Fitzy” Stevens to discuss Drake Maye’s shoulder, the game the Patriots need from him, the Seahawks’ strengths, and who faces more pressure. Plus, Curran explains why the Patriots are back on this stage, why they are built for long-term success, and how their defense can lead them to victory.

Nick "Fitzy" Stevens and Meghan Ottolini discuss the key storylines to watch in the week leading up to the Super Bowl.

Is Drake Maye’s shoulder a cause for concern? Nick “Fitzy” Stevens and Meghan Ottolini discuss while looking back at New England’s improbable return to the big stage and what it means going forward.