Patriots mailbag: Did Robert Kraft’s comments potentially harm contract negotiations with Christian Gonzalez?
Welcome back to the mailbag. This week, readers have questions about Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, Gabe Jacas, and more. Let’s get to it.
Given how much Kayshon Boutte has improved and given that Mike Vrabel was intent on acquiring A.J. Brown, and given that Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams potentially look like solid contributors, why did he need Romeo Doubs and his $68 million contract? Isn’t he redundant?
— Peter Accardi, Boston
I do think that Doubs was viewed initially as the No. 1 if they couldn’t land Brown. (I also think that while they liked Boutte, I don’t believe anyone anticipated this sort of start to the summer.) But Doubs has some other things in his favor, including the needed level of positional versatility to succeed in a Josh McDaniels offense. While he lined up mostly as boundary receiver last year, he has just enough slot experience to be proficient there if needed. Ultimately, with quality receivers, it’s like starting pitchers, you can’t have enough of them.
Would it be feasible to send one of our wide receivers (not named Kayshon Boutte) to address our depth needs at corner?
— Tito Blanco, Portland, Ore.
Certainly. Boutte’s play this summer has created some depth — and by extension, some roster flexibility — that opens trade possibilities. The likeliest name here might be Williams, but he’s going to have to really pop in the preseason for people to consider him a trade candidate. I still wouldn’t trade anyone until Labor Day, because the inevitable injuries over the course of camp will shift the market. But the surplus at receiver could eventually create an opportunity for a trade at an area of need for the Patriots.
Weakest position group on team? Chances that Kyle Williams doesn’t make the team?
— Danny Richmond, West Windsor, N.J.
Edge rusher. Even with Jacas in the building, there are more questions at that spot than any other. That being said, there’s a great opportunity for a youngster such as Elijah Ponder or the slimmed-down Bradyn Swinson to make an impact. Also, if Jacas can acclimate quickly and Harold Landry can get healthy, you can probably start to feel better about the position.
As for Williams, it’s going to be a challenge. His best path forward might be locking down the kickoff returner role. He showed promise there last year in limited reps. If he can prove he has some special teams value, that would be an excellent way to ensure that he sticks around.
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I’m aggrieved by Robert Kraft taking the contract talks with Christian Gonzalez public. Gonzalez seems like a fairly private person, which Kraft should know. Even if it was an honest mistake by Kraft, it comes across as inconsiderate. And if done on purpose, it’s a major breach of trust in my opinion.
— Adam Shepherd, Woburn
Does Kraft realize how damaging his comments regarding Gonzalez could potentially be? With all of his experience, how does he not know to refrain from commenting on situations like ongoing contract negotiations?
— Andy Miller, Canton
Everyone negotiates differently. That being said, I wonder how those statements played with Gonzalez’s camp, especially when you consider the cornerback’s personality, and how he’s always handled his business out of the spotlight. He keeps his inner circle close, and he’s a quiet guy. At the end of the day, I’m not sure how much it all matters. These sorts of talks can change quickly and dramatically. But I’d be curious to get the unfiltered opinion from Gonzalez’s camp on Kraft’s comments.
The Patriots seem real thin on defense with not much quality depth at all positions. Do you think they will add to the mix before the end of training camp? And what is the status of rookie edge rusher Gabe Jacas?
— Dan Frost, Concord
I think there’s always the possibility of player movement during the summer, especially as pads go on and teams start to get a better handle on their rosters. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear about the Patriots making calls and adding depth if the players they have in camp are underwhelming. As for Jacas, he remains on the non-football injury list. When he’s cleared, I would be cautious about immediate expectations, especially since he missed spring workouts.
Are there any under-the-radar extension candidates before the season begins?
— Ed Jones, Portland, Maine
I could see Christian Elliss (whose deal runs out after this season) as a possibility. I also think Brenden Schooler (his deal is up after 2027) is another good candidate. It’s worth noting there are a handful of others going into the final year of their contracts, including Hunter Henry, Mike Onwenu, Mack Hollins, and DeMario Douglas. Lots of personnel decisions to make on some intriguing players.
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Some questions have been edited for length or clarity.
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