6 Rings and Football Things

In a game that was there for the taking for the Patriots, they gave it away, with Drake Maye throwing an interception on each of the final three drives of the game before ultimately falling to the Seahawks 13-10. Meghan Ottolini and Justin Turpin discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly from the Patriots' disappointing season-opening loss in Seattle.Plus, what does life without A.J. Brown look like for the Patriots? And how concerned should we be about Maye after his worst game as a pro?

The Patriots losing in Seattle was always feasible. But losing to Drew Lock after Drake Maye threw an interception on three straight drives? That was not.Dan Bahl and Jon Lyons react as the Patriots collapse in a season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks, while also losing A.J. Brown to injury in the process. Plus, Justin Turpin joins the guys, along with your calls!

The wait is over. After months of negotiating, Christian Gonzalez and the New England Patriots have agreed to a record-breaking four-year, $135 million contract extension.Meghan Ottolini and Justin Turpin react to the deal before being joined by Gregg Bell, Seahawks beat reporter for The Tacoma News Tribune, to preview Week 1 against Seattle from behind enemy lines.

Meghan Ottolini and Rich Keefe are joined by Patriots offensive lineman Mike Onwenu and special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer on a Patriots Friday ahead of the season opener in Seattle.

The 2026 season officially kicks off a week from Wednesday, with the Patriots traveling to Seattle for a Super Bowl rematch against the Seahawks. As they prepare for Week 1, what is the biggest concern on the roster, and is too much being made of the Patriots’ lack of depth? Meghan Ottolini and Justin Turpin discuss.Plus, another reason why the Patriots need to get the Christian Gonzalez deal done.

A lot has been made about the Patriots’ depth since Mike Vrabel’s comments last week. Just how big of a concern is it?Plus, the latest report from Adam Schefter on Christian Gonzalez and his potential contract extension is ... not great.Justin Turpin joined WEEI’s Rich and Ken with Ted Johnson to break it all down.

Patriots defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr joins Rich Keefe and Meghan Ottolini to discuss what excites him most about the defense heading into the 2026 season, the standouts from training camp, Kevin Byard’s impact, and more.

It was a busy Tuesday afternoon at Gillette Stadium as the Patriots held their final training camp practice open to the media. Meghan Ottolini and Justin Turpin had boots on the ground to break down everything that unfolded, including press conferences from Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf, Christian Gonzalez, and VP of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden, as well as all the latest developments from the practice field.

Scott McLaughlin and Justin Turpin discuss the Patriots’ 24-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in their second preseason game. How concerning are the team’s depth issues? Who have been the biggest standouts throughout training camp? Plus, with Devon Witherspoon signing a new deal a week ago, what’s the hold-up with Christian Gonzalez?

Two days of joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles are in the books, and Patriots fans should be feeling pretty good. Justin Turpin joins Rich, Ken, and Ted Johnson to break down the sessions, discuss the standouts, and more.

Mego joins Rich Keefe and Dan Bahl to share her thoughts on the Patriots’ two days of joint practices with the Eagles. Has the defense looked shaky with Christian Gonzalez out? Could his absence lead to a move involving one of the team’s offensive players?

The Patriots welcomed the Philadelphia Eagles to town Wednesday for the first of two highly anticipated joint practices. WEEI.com’s Meghan Ottolini and Justin Turpin break down everything you need to know, headlined by a monster day from the offense and A.J. Brown against his former team.

The guys try to make sense of the receiver room in New England with the likely addition of AJ Brown in a couple weeks. Do they have a role for Kyle Williams in year two?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!!

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.