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The Eye on Foxborough Newsletter

May 16, 2025

Christian Barmore (AP Photo)

Kicking off

On Wednesday night, the NFL released the 2025 schedule for all 32 teams.

In terms of the Patriots, there are a few interesting twists and turns along the ride.

Right out of the gate, they host the Las Vegas Raiders. That week, there won't be a shortage of juicy storylines from Tom Brady's involvement as part-owner of the team; former Patriots coach and longtime Seahawks head Pete Carroll now being at the helm; and, Patriots OC Josh McDaniels getting his first crack at his former team.

Moving along, three of the first four games are at home, so it's possible for the Pats to have a fast start.

Also of note, Mike Vrabel will be making his return to Tennessee Week 7. Several other former Titans coaches and players will also be going back as members of the Patriots.

The Tennessee game marks the end of a three-game road stretch in the middle of the season. Hard to believe Vrabel won't pull out all the stops to win that one.

In terms of prime-time games, coming off back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the Patriots did make a leap from last year, when they had just one show game last year.

They have three this season, one each on Monday, Thursday and Sunday nights. So the powers that be putting the schedule together believe the Patriots will be better and more competitive than in recent years.

Given all the changes made from the head coach on out, having a better roster and a relatively easy schedule, it's hard to argue. In fact, it would be an upset if the Patriots didn't at least double their win total from last year.

In terms of the other significant news of the week, Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who missed time last year due to blood clots, told the media he was medically clear to participate in all of the upcoming practices, and expects to be ready in September when the season opens.

Here are some links from the week …  

A look at the Patriots entire 2025 NFL schedule

3 takeaways from Patriots 2025 NFL schedule

Drum roll, please. And the Patriots 2025 record will be ... | Karen Guregian

Christian Barmore provides good news for the Patriots

Patriots’ Christian Barmore expresses ‘anger’ over health scare

Christian Barmore provides amusing assessment of the Patriots defense

Former Titans LB shares impression of Drake Maye from opposing sideline

Patriots veteran receiver hoping reunion with Josh McDaniels pays dividends

Patriots veteran receiver explains why he’s even more confident

Why Mike Vrabel called out Patriots highest-paid player

Patriots legends outline how TreVeyon Henderson can become next great 3rd-down back | Karen Guregian

Laurence Maroney (AP Photo)

Maroney, who had the nickname “Kool-Aid” growing up, is back in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, where he and his fianceé, Briante Wells, have three children.

Maroney is involved with Wells’ real estate company, Briante Wells Real Estate, and is a regular presence in her social media videos. Maroney is also the founder and chairman of the LM39 Foundation, which provides resources for mental health and financial literacy. It also aims to support “life after sports” for athletes.

Maroney’s foundation mirrors the arc of his post-NFL career. The former first-round pick founded the LM39 Foundation as a rookie in 2006. By 2012, it had fallen to the wayside.

Maroney, who last played in the NFL in 2010, has admitted that he struggled to transition to life after the NFL. Talking to the Star Tribune, Maroney said the $8 million he’d earned from contracts had quickly dried up and by 2014, he was sleeping on his mother’s couch.

Maroney says he got some “tough love” from former Patriots teammate BenJarvis Green-Ellis that helped him get back on his feet. But a major turning point in his life was in 2018, when he met his now-fiancée, Briante Wells. Maroney admitted that he was “suffering in silence” from anxiety and depression.

He says it was Wells who encouraged him to go to address his mental health and get his foundation going again. Since 2023, the LM39 Foundation has been hosting events around St. Louis to support local youth.

— Nick O'Malley

 Here is this week's highlighted question:

Jumping ahead a bit, which wide receivers do you see making the 53-man roster at the end of training camp? It's a crowded WR room - C.J. in Boston

Guregian: First off, very much looking forward to seeing how this plays out. The Patriots currently have 12 receivers on their 90-man roster, so it is crowded.

My guess is they'll keep 6-or-7 receivers, and that's being generous. The locks? In my view, Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins and third-round pick Kyle Williams are in.

After that, let the best receiver from the rest duke it out for two, maybe three spots.

Kendrick Bourne, who has his best season as a pro playing in Josh McDaniels system, Kayshon Boutte and second year players Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker are certainly in the mix. 

In terms of Polk, would they cut ties with a second-round receiver before hitting Year 2? That would be tough, but Vrabel hasn't been shy when it comes to cutting players you wouldn't expect.

Then there's John Jiles, and undrafted free agent receivers Efton Chism, DeMeer Blankumsee, and Jeremiah Webb. There might be a practice squad candidate, or two, from this mix. Although, I'd give Chism an outside shot of making the roster.

NOTE: MassLive columnist Karen Guregian will answer reader questions in this space weekly. If you have questions on the Patriots, NFL, or anything else, email Karen at kguregian@masslive.com or tweet to @kguregian.

Bill Beichick and Jordon Hudson (AP Photo)

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Bill Belichick’s girlfriend loses Miss Maine pageant as coach watches in 1st row

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel orchestrates team bonding event in local communities

Longtime scouting exec leaves Patriots organization

Patriots veteran linebacker earned ‘doctor’ nickname from Mike Vrabel

New Patriots kicker a source of pride for Venezuelan community

NOTE: If you like what you see here, make sure to follow MassLive's Patriots reporters Chris Mason and Mark Daniels and columnists Karen Guregian, Matt Vautour and Sean McAdam and Nick O'Malley on Twitter. You should also bookmark MassLive's Patriots page and like our Patriots page on Facebook. 

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You're all caught up.

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