New England Patriots
Live Blog EndedMar 13, 2025

NFL free agency recap: Pats release Andrews, continue adding on D

The Patriots introduced their free-agent signings while saying goodbye to their longtime center.

0:00
0:00 / 3:20
NBC Universal, Inc.

Trenni Casey is joined by Phil Perry and Mike Giardi to discuss how big of a deal it would be for the Patriots to sign Cooper Kupp

What to Know

The New England Patriots made one noteworthy free-agent signing Thursday after releasing their longtime center David Andrews.

Defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson, a first-round pick in 2020, signed a one-year deal to bolster the Patriots pass rush. Chaisson tallied five sacks last season with the Las Vegas Raiders.

New England has made a concerted effort to improve its defense this offseason, but there is still plenty of work to be done on the other side of the ball. The wide receiver and left tackle positions remain glaring needs as we wrap up Day 4 of NFL free agency. Will veteran wideout Cooper Kupp be the next major addition to the roster?

Check out our live blog below for a full recap of Thursday's events:

MAR 103:43 PM EDT

Updated list of Patriots' additions and departures

Mike Vrabel is wasting no time overhauling the Patriots' roster in free agency. Here's a list of additions and departures in New England that will be updated as more moves get made:

MAR 137:01 PM EDT

Callahan: ‘Mutual interest between Kupp and Patriots

Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald joined Phil Perry and Trenni Casey on Early Edition to discuss the likelihood of veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp signing with the Patriots:

Callahan: There's ‘mutual interest' between Kupp and Patriots
Andrew Callahan and Phil Perry join Trenni Casey on Arbella Early Edition to discuss the likelihood of the Pats landing Cooper Kupp
MAR 136:30 PM EDT

Patriots add another defensive piece

According to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, the Patriots are signing defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson.

Chaisson, 25, was selected in the first round (20th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The LSU product tallied five sacks in four seasons with Jacksonville before notching five sacks last year with the Las Vegas Raiders.

It's a one-year deal worth $5 million for Chaisson, per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.

MAR 135:39 PM EDT

Latest reports on Cooper Kupp's free agency, potential salary

Latest reports on Cooper Kupp's free agency, potential salary

Andrew Callahan and Phil Perry join Trenni Casey on Arbella Early Edition to discuss the likelihood of the Pats landing Cooper Kupp

Cooper Kupp is the most popular player remaining on the NFL free agent market, and several reports indicate that there are a bunch of teams interested in signing him.

Kupp played the first eight seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Rams, who released him on Wednesday.

ESPN's Adam Schefter said Wednesday night that the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and New England Patriots were among the teams to watch as Kupp weighs his options.

Boston Sports Journal's Mike Giardi reported Thursday that the Patriots have in fact reached out to Kupp. He also notes that the veteran wide receiver's asking price on a new contract is quite steep.

Read Full Article

MAR 134:09 PM EDT

The latest on Pats' Kupp pursuit

According to MassLive's Karen Guregian, the Patriots are interested in signing Cooper Kupp, but the veteran wide receiver's asking price is currently too steep. Five teams are in the mix for Kupp's services, per Guregian.

Mike Giardi of Boston Sports Journal added that it is believed Kupp would prefer to stay on the West Coast, but he hasn't closed any doors."

MAR 133:15 PM EDT

Report: Patriots interested in free agent LB Jack Gibbens

The Patriots have already signed two linebackers -- Harold Landry and Robert Spillane -- since NFL free agency began earlier this week, and it sounds like they are eyeing another player at the position.

"According to a source, the Patriots have shown some interest in Jack Gibbens, a restricted free agent with the Tennessee Titans who became a free agent after he wasn’t offered a tender," MassLive's Karen Guregian reported Thursday.

Gibbens made his pro debut with the Titans in 2022 and played three seasons in Tennessee, two of which came when Mike Vrabel was the head coach there. His best season came in 2023 -- Vrabel's last season as coach -- when he tallied career highs of 95 tackles, one sack and three pass breakups in 14 games.

MAR 132:07 PM EDT

Williams ready for heavier workload with Patriots

FOXBORO -- Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams was asked what he’ll do to maintain the level he showed in Philadelphia while being given a heavier workload in New England.

“Put in work,” he replied.

Williams also said he’ll leave “no stone unturned” when it comes to staying healthy and productive.

MAR 132:01 PM EDT

Jersey numbers for free agent signings revealed

The Patriots introduced four of their free agents signings -- defensive tackle Milton Williams, linebacker Robert Spillane, cornerback Carlton Davis and right tackle Morgan Moses -- at a press conference on Thursday.

The team also revealed jersey numbers for each player:

  • Carlton Davis: 7
  • Robert Spillane: 14
  • Morgan Moses: 76
  • Milton Williams: 97
MAR 131:48 PM EDT

Milton Williams: Patriots ‘made me a priority'

Milton Williams reportedly was close to signing with the Panthers on Day 1 of NFL free agency, but the Patriots stepped up and signed the star defensive tackle.

“The Patriots were the one that wanted me the most," Williams said at a press conference Thursday. "They made me a priority, so I made them a priority.”

MAR 131:38 PM EDT

Carlton Davis reflects on time playing with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay

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."

MAR 131:28 PM EDT

What's the plan going forward at WR?

FOXBORO -- 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.

MAR 131:27 PM EDT

Vrabel excited for the Davis-Gonzalez CB duo

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.’"

MAR 131:14 PM EDT

Vrabel identifies ‘core group' involved in free-agent decisions

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.

MAR 1312:51 PM EDT

Would a Brandin Cooks reunion make sense for Patriots?

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:

MAR 1312:20 PM EDT

Patriots to introduce free agents at upcoming press conference

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.

MAR 1311:39 AM EDT

Schefter: Patriots among teams to watch as Kupp weighs options

Schefter: Patriots among teams to watch as Kupp weighs options

Trenni Casey is joined by Phil Perry and Mike Giardi to discuss how big of a deal it would be for the Patriots to sign Cooper Kupp

The New England Patriots have spent a ton of money in NFL free agency so far, but they have yet to address arguably the No. 1 weakness on their roster: Wide receiver.

The best wideout available is Cooper Kupp, who was released Wednesday by the Los Angeles Rams in a cost-cutting move. Kupp had a great eight-year run with the Rams that included a Super Bowl title in the 2021 season, and now he must decide where he wants to write the next chapter of his career.

Which teams could be in the mix for Kupp now that he's a free agent?

ESPN's Adam Schefter mentioned a few teams, including the New England Patriots, during a SportsCenter segment Wednesday.

Read Full Article

MAR 1311:10 AM EDT

Devin McCourty ‘shocked' by David Andrews release

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.

MAR 1310:49 AM EDT

Who's left on the center market?

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:

MAR 1310:32 AM EDT

Patriots lost out on a center in free agency: Report

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.

MAR 1310:23 AM EDT

Brian Hoyer reacts to David Andrews' release

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.

MAR 1310:18 AM EDT

Patriots release longtime center David Andrews

Patriots release longtime center David Andrews

Scott Zolak offers instant reaction to the news that the Patriots are releasing veteran center David Andrews.

The New England Patriots have parted ways with one of their most respected players.

Longtime center David Andrews has been released, the team announced Thursday.

"David Andrews' career success is a shining example of what every NFL prospect should strive to achieve," Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft said in a press release. "As a rookie free agent, David earned a starting assignment at center in his NFL debut, a position he anchored for the next decade.

"His leadership, work ethic, and dedication to the team earned him the respect and admiration of his coaches and teammates, who elected him as an eight-time team captain. The importance of his leadership during his career cannot be overstated. David is a true professional, and his impact on this organization will be felt for many years to come. On behalf of the entire Kraft family and the New England Patriots, I want to express my deepest gratitude for his countless contributions, and we look forward to celebrating his remarkable career."

Read Full Article

MAR 139:51 AM EDT

Patriots showing interest in Titans linebacker: Report

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.

MAR 139:44 AM EDT

David Andrews could retire after release

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.

MAR 139:24 AM EDT

Patriots planning to release David Andrews: Sources

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.

Contact Us