Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis played the first six seasons of his career with the Buccaneers, including three years as Tom Brady's teammate in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

What did Davis learn from his time with the legendary quarterback?

"Man, Tom was a great guy," Davis said at a press conference Thursday. "I was just telling somebody earlier today that I learned so much from him, and I didn't even have too many conversations with him. But just how he carried himself, how he went about the game. He impacted us on the field and off the field in Tampa, just from -- not just how serious he took practice and how focused he was, but also how diligent he was in his recovery. Everything he did to continue to be the same guy every day, taking care of his body. And he would give us little tips on what to do, just how to be a professional and how to be successful in this league and in this game."

The Patriots signed veteran Mack Hollins in free agency earlier this week, but they still lack a No. 1 wide receiver.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talked Thursday about the team's approach to upgrading that position.

"We'll continue to look at the wide receiver position as it relates -- through free agency, explore every option with other teams, and potentially, then we'll get to the point where we're looking at the draft," Vrabel said at a press conference.

FOXBORO -- Mike Vrabel on Carlton Davis’ impact on the defense opposite Christian Gonzalez:

"Hopefully a lot of cat coverage. ‘I’ve got this cat. You’ve got this cat. Let’s go to work.’"

FOXBORO -- Mike Vrabel smiles as he brings up the names of Eliot Wolf, Ryan Cowden, Matt Groh and Richard Miller (director of research) as making up the core group dealing with the chaotic nature of free agency.

Brandin Cooks played for the Patriots in 2017. He's now a free agent after two seasons with the Cowboys. Does it make sense for New England to bring back the veteran wide receiver?

The MMQB's Albert Breer discusses the possibility in the video below:

Members of Patriots leadership, including head coach Mike Vrabel and potentially team owner Robert Kraft, will hold a press conference at 1 p.m. ET today at Gillette Stadium to introduce their initial free agent signings.

Former Patriots safety Devin McCourty, who played eight seasons with Andrews from 2015 to 2022 and was a fellow team captain, reacted to the center's release on X and didn't seem thrilled about the move.

"Patriot legend…played every snap in the preseason in 2015 to earn a spot on the team and turned it into a decade. Shocked he didn’t get a chance to try to earn a spot on this team but will always be one of the greats," McCourty wrote.

Who can the Patriots target at center in NFL free agency after releasing David Andrews on Thursday?

The Athletic's Chad Graff offers up one possibility:

New England pursued free agent center Drew Dalman, but he chose to sign with the Chicago Bears instead on a three-year, $42 million deal, per Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal.

Cole Strange started the Patriots' final two games of the 2024 season at center and could retain that role in 2025, but the team's pursuit of Dalman suggests Mike Vrabel may be interested in an upgrade following David Andrews' departure.

Former Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer, who spent several years as Andrews' teammate in New England and currently hosts "The Quick Snap" podcast with Andrews, reacted to news of the veteran center's release on social media.

New Engalnd has shown "some interest" in Tennessee Titans linebacker Jack Gibbens, per MassLive's Karen Guregian.

Gibbens, who became a free agent when the Titans didn't offer him a tender in restricted free agency, has spent the last three seasons in Tennessee and played under Mike Vrabel in 2022 and 2023. He recorded 44 tackles in 10 games last season, including a 15-tackle effort against the Patriots in Week 8.

David Andrews, who will turn 33 in July and is currently recovering from shoulder surgery, may consider retirement this offseason, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.

If Andrews does retire, the Patriots are expected to host a "ceremony" for the 10-year veteran to "honor his widespread contributions over the last decade," per Reiss.

Sources: The Patriots are releasing longtime center and captain David Andrews. One of the team’s most highly-regarded leaders over the last decade and a two-time Super Bowl champion.