Wilson feels at home in Foxboro
Alabama connections help new LB acclimate
Before Bill Belichick knew, before the Patriots knew, perhaps even before Nick Saban knew, Mack Wilson says he had a feeling.
Four years ago, during his last collegiate season at Alabama, Wilson remembers telling his close ones that Mac Jones, then the Crimson Tide’s scout-team quarterback, had a bright future. Back then, Jones sat behind future NFL starters Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa. But Wilson insists he saw big things ahead for the young QB.
“A lot of guys didn’t believe me. Even some of the guys that were on our team didn’t believe me. I just saw something in him,” Wilson said Tuesday during his introductory press conference. “He’ll tell you himself — I just saw something in him that just made me be like, ‘Hey, this kid is going to be special.’”
What tipped Wilson off? “He just had a swagger,” the linebacker continued said. “You know a lot of guys come in as freshmen all uptight and things like that. Mac just had swagger, and that’s something that caught my eye. He made some big plays. He made some great throws. Even when he scrambled, he had a little juice in him.”
The Patriots acquired Wilson, 24, in a March trade with the Browns, who received outside linebacker Chase Winovich in a 1-for-1 swap. Wilson is expected to complete for a starting inside linebacker job, along with Ja’Whaun Bentley, 2021 fifth-round pick Cameron McGrone and veteran Raekwon McMillian.
Wilson sees himself as a strong fit in New England, where he’s reunited with several other former Alabama teammates, including running back Damien Harris and defensive tackle Christian Barmore.
“Ever since I set foot in the locker room,” he said, “I got that vibe that it was a brotherhood welcoming me with open arms.”
Wilson described the culture in Foxboro as “structured” and “old-fashioned,” which he believes will help maximize his potential following two down seasons in Cleveland. After he started 14 games as a rookie in 2019, he matched that total the past two seasons while amassing just 81 tackles, two pass deflections, zero sacks and no forced fumbles. The 6-foot-1, 233-pounder already ranks among the most athletic players at his position, one the team did not address during the NFL Draft.
“Obviously, the front office and Coach Belichick seem very confident in the guys we’ve got in that room,” Wilson said.
Perhaps they see something special in him, too.
Pats decline Harry’s 5th-year option
The NFL’s deadline for picking up fifth-year team options built into the contracts for 2019 first-round picks came and went Monday with the Patriots declining to keep wide receiver N’Keal Harry for another year.
His contract is now set to expire after this season.
Had the team picked up Harry’s option, the 24-yearold would have been paid $12.425 million guaranteed in 2023, the average of the third through 25th highest salaries at his position. The decision should have been an easy one for the front office, which tried to trade Harry last year when the two sides decided it would be best to part ways. In 33 career games, Harry has totaled 57 catches for 598 yards and four touchdowns.
From Tom Brady to Cam Newton and Mac Jones, Patriots quarterbacks have completed just 55.3% of their passes when targeting Harry, who should rank sixth on the team’s depth chart, just after second-round rookie Tyquan Thornton.
Offseason dates announced
The NFL released dates for all 32 teams’ OTA practices, rookie minicamps and mandatory minicamps Tuesday.
Rookies will arrive in Foxboro for onboarding shortly before a three-day minicamp scheduled for May 13-15. The Patriots will then hold voluntary OTA practices for the entire roster May 23-24, May 26, June 1-3, June 13-14 and June 16-17.
Pats release backup running back
The Patriots released running back Devin Ozigbo on Tuesday, creating a third open roster spot after they drafted two running backs over the weekend.
Ozigbo, 25, signed to the team’s practice squad last November. He was elevated to active roster for one regular-season game, but did not play. Ozigbo arrived after stints in Jacksonville and New Orleans. He was a long shot to make the roster, with 11 career rushing attempts for 25 yards and 13 career catches for 72 yards.