March 2013 - New England Patriots Wiretap

Patriots Will Have Critical Decision To Make On Gronkowski In 2015

Nov 28, 2014 12:17 AM

A string of injury issues has put into question the longevity of Rob Gronkowski's career.

Gronkowski has posted several of the best seasons in NFL history at the tight end position, but the 24-year-old has had multiple surgeries on his forearm and now will undergo back surgery. Gronkowski missed his senior year in college after a major back injury.

The New England Patriots signed Gronkowski to a six-year, $53 million extension in 2012.

The Patriots will have a decision to make on the final day of the 2015 league year when they have a $10 million option bonus. If New England doesn't pick up the bonus, the remainder of his contract would be voided.

James Walker/ESPN

Tags: New England Patriots, Misc Rumor

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Gronkowski To Undergo Back Surgery

Jul 15, 2014 11:00 PM

Rob Gronkowski will need back surgery, which was expected and tentatively is planned for mid-June.

Gronkowski's arm, however, is healing with no sign of the infection resurfacing.

Albert Breer/NFL.com

Tags: New England Patriots, Injury

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Edelman Reworks Contract With Patriots

Nov 20, 2014 3:31 AM

Julian Edelman's new contract with the New England Patriots has been reworked to give the team more protection in case his foot doesn't heal properly.

Edelman was due to receive a $50,000 workout bonus, but $40,000 of that bonus has been converted to a roster bonus that vests during the first week of the season.

Edelman reinjured his right foot and has been a limited participant in the team's offseason program. 

Peter Berkes/SB Nation

Tags: New England Patriots, Misc Rumor

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Brady Wasn't Surprised Patriots Didn't Re-Sign Welker

Oct 23, 2014 6:24 PM

Tom Brady spoke about the departure of Wes Welker on Thursday. 

Welker left the New England Patriots, who replaced him by signing Danny Amendola to a five-year, $31 million contract.

"That's what happens. This is a, like I said, it's a very tough, competitive business, and nobody appreciated Wes more than I did and what he was able to accomplish for our team,” Brady told WEEI radio station in Boston. “He's moved on; he's in a good situation with another great team and a great quarterback. We always kind of kept in touch, we always will. He's one of my best friends." 

The Patriots signed Brady to an extension this offseason that runs until he's 40, which is without precedent for the franchise. 

"Of course I have feelings, but those feelings are very personal to me," Brady said about Welker. "I used to get caught up in anger and disappointment, but I don't make the decisions. These things aren't up to me. At some point you've got to realize the things that are out of your control, you've just got to let go, focus on my job and what I need to do. The game moves on, the team moves on, there's only so long you can dwell on the past, and at some point you've got to move forward.”

James Walker/ESPN

Tags: New England Patriots, IQ

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Gronkowski Undergoes Fourth Surgery On Forearm, Infection Gone

Nov 22, 2014 3:07 PM

Rob Gronkowski underwent a fourth surgery on his forearm on Monday.

A source says doctors believe the previous infection in Gronkowski's arm is now gone.

Doctors put new plates in to repair the previously broken left forearam.

The estimated timetable for recovery is around 10 weeks, assuming there are no setbacks.

Gronkowski will be evaluated in three to four weeks to determine whether he also needs back surgery.

Adam Schefter/ESPN

Tags: New England Patriots, Injury

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Brady More Confident Than Ever In Throwing Football

Jul 31, 2014 10:16 PM

Tom Brady will turn 36 this summer and he feels as though he continues to get better as a quarterback.

"Going into my 14th year, I have never had more confidence in how I am throwing the football," said Brady. "I've never felt better throwing the football."

Brady's throwing coach, Tom Martinez, died 15 months ago. Brady is now working with former MLB pitcher Tom House.

"I owe so much to Tom Martinez,'' Brady said. "He taught me so much about how to play the game and throw the football. He was so committed to me for so many years. I miss him every time I step on the field. I found Tom House, and really developed a rapport with him quickly. I've learned, and to me, the learning process is fun. The same way Tom Martinez was always there to watch and give me corrections, Tom House has told me why certain corrections need to be made. Look at a baseball swing and a golf swing. It's all mechanics. Look at how Barry Bonds swings. Look at how Floyd Mayweather punches. Mechanics. When you've got to fit it into the tightest windows, mechanics are crucial. And to me, the offseason is crucial. If you make a throw within four feet, that's not going to be good enough. You have to make the throw within four inches of your target. That's good enough. And that's why the mechanics you adjust and learn in the offseason are important. You're going to keep them during the season.

"Tom House, pretty soon after the season, said basically, 'All right, Tommy. Get to work.' That's the one thing that helps me move forward. There's nothing we can do about losing the championship game to the Ravens. It sucks. You move on. But, with Tom, I think I've learned some things this offseason that are really going to help me."

Peter King/Sports Illustrated

Tags: New England Patriots, IQ

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Gronkowski Could Undergo Back Surgery

Sep 2, 2014 1:36 PM

Rob Gronkowski may need surgery on his back in addition to a fourth surgery on his broken forearm.

Gronkowski recently underwent an MRI on his back to check on a disk issue from last season. A source said the injury is not considered serious.

"He is going to be fine long term," a source close to Gronkowski said. "[He is] not worried about the short term, i.e., start of training camp."

Adam Schefter/ESPN

Tags: New England Patriots, Injury

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Tyronne Green Signs With Patriots

Sep 2, 2014 1:36 PM

Tyronne Green has agreed to a deal with the New England Patriots.

Green spent the first four seasons of his career with the San Diego Chargers at guard.

Green played collegiately at Auburn.

Field Yates/ESPN

Tags: New England Patriots, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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Source: Belichick 'Hates' Tim Tebow As Player

Dec 12, 2014 2:31 AM

With Tim Tebow still looking to sign with an NFL team, many in the media have speculated that the New England Patriots could be a possibility due to the presence of Josh McDaniels.

McDaniels was responsible for the decision made by the Denver Broncos to draft Tebow in the first round.

But sources say it highly improbable and one said that Bill Belichick "hates" Tebow as a player.

"No chance," said the source. "Plus they wouldn't like the circus that comes with it."

Michael Silver/Yahoo! Sports

Tags: New England Patriots, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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Gronkowski Needs 4th Surgery On Forearm, Possibly 5th

Oct 31, 2014 5:33 AM

Rob Gronkowski will need a fourth operation to change the plate securing the broken bone in his left forearm.

The plate will be switched and the surrounding tissue will be tested. The concern is whether the infection has been completely flushed out, which would speed the recovery process.

If the infection is still there, Gronkowski will need a fifth operation.

Karen Guregian/Boston Herald

Tags: New England Patriots, Injury

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Gronkowski In 'Wait And See' Mode On Whether More Surgery Needed
Doctors are waiting to see if the infection on Rob Gronkowski's forearm has cleared.

Mike Reiss/ESPN

Belichick To Host Schiano, Bucs' Staff
Bill Belichick and Greg Schiano have never actually coached together despite their close relationship.

Don Banks/Sports Illustrated

Belichick Sees Patriots' Rookies As 'Eager' Group
Patriots are hosting 28 rookies and first-year players under contract as part of their minicamp.

Zuri Berry/Boston Globe