TE · TB
general
Patriots tight end group gets reinforcements at training camp
Yahoo Sports NFLSource ↗
C.J. Dippre returned to practice on Wednesday
CJ Dippre
TE · TB · 24 yrs · exp 1 · Alabama
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News
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general
Patriots training camp notebook: Intensity dialed down on Day 3
The New England Patriots held their third practice of training camp on Monday on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium. Tempo slowed down for a shortened walkthrough session as they continue through the five-day ramp up period. Here’s what went down throughout the day. Returnees: FB Reggie Gilliam (rest) PUP/NFI: ED Gabe Jacas , RB Terrell Jennings , TE C.J. Dippre, ED Harold Landry III, S Brenden Schooler Injuries: N/A The Patriots active roster featured perfect attendance on Monday as Reggie Gilliam returned after a veteran rest day on Sunday. Five players remained on injured lists, including Gabe Jacas who continues to work through his rehab. “We were going to evaluate him, we are going to see where he is at. This is all part of the process,” Mike Vrabel said before practice. “So, I am again, cautiously optimistic that he will work his way through the return to play, and we will get him back out there.” Walkthrough style: As the Patriots often did last season, the intensity was dialed back as players wore bucket hats and sneakers for a jogthrough style of practice after three days of speed work (run tests plus two practices). “This is something that we feel like can help us be able to learn and still develop and install it at different paces,” Vrabel explained. “It was good for us last year. If we can handle that, then hopefully we can continue with this. When we work, we work. I think you guys noticed that. Then being able to come out there today and still act like a professional football team and take care of the details and some of the technique, but just at a different pace.” Players after practice noted the pace helps with the mental side of the game, which then helps them play with more confidence as the work translates back to full-speed. Wide receiver splits: As the offense and defense each split into units across two fields, Drake Maye worked with A.J. Brown , Romeo Doubs , Mack Hollins , Kayshon Boutte , and DeMario Douglas consistently throughout the day. In the first session, Kyle Williams was part of that group while Efton Chism III worked on the opposite field. Following a special teams period, the second-year receivers swapped fields for the second full-team session. Maye’s group: With jobs to be won at the third running back and tight end spot, it was notable to see Lan Larison and Tanner Arkin also on the field with Drake Maye. Through three practices, Larison has been the first back to receive carries behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson while Arkin has been a consistent presence behind Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon. Offensive lines: It was no surprise to see Will Campbell , Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson , Mike Onwenu, and Morgan Moses protecting Drake Maye from left-to-right. In front of DeVito, Andrew Rupcich served as the center with Ben Brown and Caedan Wallace at his sides. Tackle duties were then mainly left for Marcus Bryant and Caleb Lomu, who continues to show his versatility. “Try to get him some jumbo tight end work, and he will play some tackle, he will play some guard,“ Vrabel said of Lomu. ”We are just going to look at some versatility and see where he fits and how he can help us, but there will be a lot of things that are going to be new to him and some techniques that are different and run schemes and pass protection.“ Other notes: In a reoccurring theme through three days, the offense continued to practice tempo even in a slower setting. QB coach Ashton Grant served as the offensive coordinator on the second field. Tempo will increase as the Patriots retake the practice fields on Tuesday for Day 4 of camp which is set to start at 10:15 a.m. ET
general
Why Mack Hollins could be a secret weapon in Patriots' offense
The New England Patriots are exploring the possibility of using wide receiver Mack Hollins as a tight end due to depth issues at the position. Hollins' size (6-foot-4, 221 pounds) and willingness to block make him a potential candidate, despite the inherent challenges of switching positions. His versatility could offer a unique solution for the Patriots' offense, especially with a lack of experienced veteran tight ends on the roster
TE · TB
general
Patriots to put Brenden Schooler on NFI list
Pro Football TalkSource ↗
The Patriots put three players on injury lists earlier this week and head coach Mike Vrabel said that a fourth will be joining them. Vrabel said at his Friday press conference that safety/special teamer Brenden Schooler will go on the non-football injury list to open training camp. Vrabel did not share the nature of the issue that Schooler is dealing with, but said “he may be away for a little bit or out for a little bit.” Schooler had 19 tackles in the 2025 regular season and added six more in the playoffs. He was an All-Pro for his special teams work in 2024. Linebacker Harold Landry and tight end C.J. Dippre are on the physically unable to perform list while running back Terrell Jennings joins Schooler on NFI
TE · NE
TE · TB
general
Patriots agree to terms with TE Jeremiah Franklin
Yahoo Sports NFLSource ↗
The Patriots agreed to terms with tight end Jeremiah Franklin , Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reports. Franklin worked out for the team on Thursday. The Patriots were thin at the position with Julian Hill out for the season with a knee injury and C.J. Dippre on the active/physically unable to perform list. The team signed tight end Mitch Van Vooren earlier this week. The team will have to make a corresponding move to get Franklin on the roster. Franklin started all 12 games as a senior at Boston College , catching 49 passes for 506 yards and two touchdowns. He appeared in 44 games during his college career, including 30 starts, finishing with 93 receptions for 1,010 yards and six touchdowns
TE · NE
TE · TB
general
Patriots agree to terms with TE Jeremiah Franklin
Pro Football TalkSource ↗
The Patriots agreed to terms with tight end Jeremiah Franklin, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reports. Franklin worked out for the team on Thursday. The Patriots were thin at the position with Julian Hill out for the season with a knee injury and C.J. Dippre on the active/physically unable to perform list. The team signed tight end Mitch Van Vooren earlier this week. The team will have to make a corresponding move to get Franklin on the roster. Franklin started all 12 games as a senior at Boston College, catching 49 passes for 506 yards and two touchdowns. He appeared in 44 games during his college career, including 30 starts, finishing with 93 receptions for 1,010 yards and six touchdowns
general
Patriots signing former Boston College tight end after workout, per report
Yahoo Sports NFLSource ↗
A Chestnut Hill product has touched down in Foxborough ahead of training camp. The New England Patriots signed former Boston College tight end Jeremiah Franklin following a workout on Thursday, according to a report from CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz . Unselected in the 2026 NFL draft, Franklin previously attended rookie minicamp at Gillette Stadium on a tryout basis in May. His circling back comes a day after the reigning AFC champions worked out six free agents, signing tight end Mitch Van Vooren and linebacker Riley Wilson while waiving fullback Brock Lampe. A corresponding move will follow to make room on a summer roster that currently stands north of 91 active players. Franklin started all 12 games as a senior in the ACC on the way to catching 49 passes for 506 yards and two touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 244-pound UDFA appeared in 44 games during his Eagles career, including 30 starts, finishing with 93 receptions for 1,010 yards and six touchdowns altogether. New England ’s tight end depth chart lost veteran addition Julian Hill to season-ending injured reserve in June. Rising sophomore C.J. Dippre has since been placed on physically unable to perform to begin training camp. The position also includes captain Hunter Henry , rookies Eli Raridon and Tanner Arkin, as well as previous starting fullback Jack Westover . The first practice of Patriots training camp is set for 10:15 a.m. ET on Saturday
general
Patriots to work out free agent tight end as training camp begins
The New England Patriots are bringing in free agent tight end Thomas Odukoya for a workout as training camp approaches. Odukoya, who spent time on the Patriots' practice squad last season before suffering a broken leg, is now healthy and looking to rejoin the team. The Patriots have depth concerns at tight end due to injuries and other players on the PUP list
TE · TB
Breakinginjury
CJ Dippre — PUP
sleeper-statusPlayer profile →
Sleeper status change for CJ Dippre (12984). Before: status=Active, injury_status=—. After: status=Active, injury_status=PUP
analyst
Patriots Hoping Rookie Eli Raridon Can Contribute Immediately
Jordy McElroy of Patriots Wire writes that the New England Patriots are "desperately clinging to hope" that rookie third-round tight end Eli Raridon "can contribute right out of the gate" in 2026. If Raridon doesn't look like he can handle TE2 duties behind starter Hunter Henry in training camp this summer, it "wouldn't be a surprise" to see the Patriots bring in a veteran at the position to boost the competition. As of right now, McElroy lists Raridon as the No. 2 TE behind Henry, with Tanner Arkin, Jack Westover, and CJ Dippre behind him. Raridon, 22, is a versatile option at the position with the ability to be a solid receiver and blocker. He has a clear path to rookie-year snaps with Julian Hill (knee) going on season-ending Injured Reserve and with Austin Hooper leaving in free agency to sign with the Atlanta Falcons. The 6-foot-6, 245-pounder needs to improve his blocking, but if he can do that, he could have a meaningful role in 2026. And if Henry were to go down with an injury, Raridon would gain lots of steam off the waiver wire in all fantasy football leagues
general
UDFA Tanner Arkin eyes opportunity in Patriots tight end room
Yahoo Sports NFLSource ↗
Following the season-ending injury suffered by tight end Julian Hill , the Patriots have an opening on their eventual 53-man roster at the position. While head coach Mike Vrabel noted this spring the team will likely make an addition, options remain on the current roster behind Hunter Henry . Among them is undrafted free agent Tanner Arkin. “I think my mindset right now is to do everything I can, really,” Arkin said last Friday at Newton North High School following the team’s rookie football clinic. “I mean, I’m an undrafted rookie. I’ve been given a great opportunity, and I really just need to maximize it and show the team and the organization what I’m about. That’s my plan going forward.” Arkin profiles as a potential replacement for Hill due to his physicality and blocking ability. While he did not get to showcase that aspect of his game in non-padded spring practices, the Illinois product believes his skillset fits well in Josh McDaniels’ offense. “I do, definitely,” Arkin said. “I think we use a lot of different personnel [groupings] — fullback, multiple tight end sets — and just the history of Coach McDaniels and how he’s used the tight end position. I think it’s a great fit, and I love playing for him and for the team. It’s been great so far.” After conversations with New England , Arkin identified the Patriots as a strong landing spot after going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. He joins a depth chart that features Henry, third-round pick Eli Raridon, and fellow depth options Jack Westover and C.J. Dippre. With training camp approaching, Arkin will have a legitimate opportunity to carve out a role in a room searching for answers behind Henry and next to Raridon. As he learns the offense and adjusts to life in the NFL, the rookie has leaned on the veteran leadership around him. “I think coming off of last year, there’s a lot of momentum and a lot of camaraderie on the offense,” he said. “Although there’s a lot of new faces, everybody seems really tight and everybody’s welcoming. There’s a bunch of great leaders on the offense, starting with Drake [ Maye ] and down the room to Hunter and the tight end room. “There’s just a lot of guys that have played a lot of football, and it seems like they know what’s going on. They lead by example, they set the tempo on the field, and as a rookie, I’m just trying to learn from them.”
general
New England Patriots address tight end position
The Patriots are looking to add veteran depth at tight end following the season-ending loss of Julian Hill. Hunter Henry is entering the final year of his contract, and rookie Eli Raridon is an unknown quantity. Potential free-agent targets include Pharaoh Brown and Will Dissly, while Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee could be trade targets. The team also needs to consider developmental players like C.J. Dippre, Tanner Arkin, and Peter Manuma for roster spots
general
Mike Vrabel hints at Patriots adding more tight end depth
Yahoo Sports NFLSource ↗
It’s been over a week since New England Patriots tight end Julian Hill was placed on season-ending injured reserve just months after signing a three-year deal with the Patriots to pair up with veteran Hunter Henry . Now, New England may need to address the tight end room as the offseason continues, adding another body to the mix. “I think just from a numbers standpoint in camp, I think that’s somewhere we’ll probably have to evaluate the numbers,” head coach Mike Vrabel said before Wednesday’s mandatory minicamp practice . “There’s 90 guys, 91 guys on every team. So, we’ll just have to take a look at that, but I would say that’s probably somewhere where we would have to address.” However, a thin group of free agents remains at the position, including former Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith and recovering veterans Taysom Hill and Zach Ertz . Otherwise, New England would be picking from an already poached undrafted free agent class. Currently, the Patriots have just five rostered tight ends : Henry, hybrid tight end and fullback Jack Westover, who primarily played in the backfield last season, rookie Eli Raridon, 2025 undrafted free agent CJ Dippre and undrafted free agent Tanner Arkin, from Illinois. New England spent a third-round pick in the NFL Draft this offseason to select Raridon. At Notre Dame, the 22-year-old has 48 career receptions for the Fighting Irish, with 32 coming his senior season. Raridon could take on a larger role quickly this offseason to help replace Hill’s role in 2026. “Willing, conscientious, wants to learn,” Vrabel said of Raridon’s progress. “I think there’s a lot of new things that come in from college, and terminology is different, and there’s a lot of things that are new to him, but I would say that he picks things up quickly. When he’s able to play with the speed that he has available to him, that’s kind of shown up.” “With a lot of these young guys, just the terminology, the routes, the coverage, just try to eliminate [the thinking] and allow them to play as fast as possible. In the spring, it’s like, ‘Hey, let’s try to play out of control. Let’s play too fast.’ If you make a mistake, that’s fine, but we’ve got to start training that play speed.” Raridon largely spent his first two years at Notre Dame on the sidelines, nursing two right knee injuries, and had previously torn the same ACL twice. Still, he’s an intriguing prospect for the Patriots due to his ability to be a consistent pass-catcher for quarterback Drake Maye and be a vertical threat. “Eli’s doing a good job,” Hunter Henry said on Tuesday. “I know it’s a lot coming in the league, trying to blend in with older guys, younger guys. The pressure of it, obviously getting drafted. A lot of us have been through it, and I’ve been through it myself. He’s been a sponge, trying to soak up as much as he can in the room, asking questions. He’s getting better day by day, and I’m excited to continue to work with him.” Henry also mentioned Arkin as a young player who’s trying to learn and make the most of his opportunities. “Tanner’s been great,” Henry said. “When he gets his opportunities, he’s taking advantage of it. That’s all you can ask for as a young guy. He’s continued to get better. It’s the same thing: as a rookie, as a young guy, you kind of have to be a sponge, trying to soak up as much as you can, trying to ask questions when you can. But just try to watch and follow and learn as much as you can from just us in the room, [and] some of the other positions.”
general
What Julian Hill’s season-ending injury means for the Patriots
Yahoo Sports NFLSource ↗
The New England Patriots' tight end depth chart is being tested after Julian Hill's season-ending injury
general
Patriots place TE Julian Hill on IR after trading for A.J. Brown
Yahoo Sports NFLSource ↗
Patriots place TE Julian Hill on IR after trading for A.J. Brown
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