It’s not often Eliot Wolf meets with reporters for longer than a half-hour like he did Tuesday.
First, there was his 15-minute press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine, where most GMs and head coaches stand every year for what is surely their favorite part of the draft process. Then came a side session Wolf granted to local reporters.
Naturally, there was a lot to cover.
What are the Patriots’ plans for free agency, the trade market and draft?
How will he handle Stefon Diggs’ contract? What about the internal free agents? Is Christian Gonzalez getting an extension any time soon? After that disastrous Super Bowl performance, can we circle back on Will Campbell’s arm length?
By now, Wolf knows how to cliché his way through topics he wants to avoid, and is willing to shut down specific questions that are harder to tiptoe around. No surprise, Wolf hardly tipped his hand about anything at first listen.
But if you run his comments through the Herald’s Eliot Wolf Translator 5000, more answers are revealed.
Ready?
Christian Gonzalez extension
Wolf: “Christian obviously was good before, and made an even more significant jump this year. And he’s someone that we want to work with in the future, obviously. We’ll have those conversations at the appropriate time.”
Herald translator: “We’re not in a rush. Christian will get his money and become the highest-paid cornerback ever soon. We know it, his agents know it. For now, we have more pressing matters that impact our immediate cap and long-term spending. Better to sort through those first before approaching his camp and at least try to play it cool before writing a gigantic check.”
On the safety position
Wolf: “Obviously, (Jaylinn) Hawkins is a free agent, and he’s earned the opportunity to see what’s out there. But he’s certainly someone that we would welcome back.”
Herald translator: “Unless his market explodes, we’ll re-sign him. He’s a versatile player, smart and a culture driver. It’s no accident I’m volunteering his name and won’t single anyone else out.”
Stefon Diggs’ return
Wolf: “I’m not going to get into any specific players today. There are certain conversations that we’re having, and we’ll see what happens with everyone.”
Herald translator: “It’s no guarantee he’s back. We all saw him in the playoffs, and know he’s not getting any younger. The fact he was spreading Mike Vrabel’s messaging and living his culture helps his chances, but a renegotiation will have to be on our terms or close to it.”
Trade a first-round pick?
Wolf: “Yeah, we’re open to anything if we think it’s going to help the team both in the short and long term. Then, it’s something we’ll look at.”
Herald translator: “Yes. Duh. Why would we rule this out?”
Free agency approach?
Wolf: “We’re going to explore every avenue to try to improve the team.”
Herald translator: “I’m not telling.”
Edge rushers in the draft
Wolf: “I think this draft offers a lot of different depth at varying areas, edge being one of them. I think it’s a fairly deep class at that position that’s obviously an area of need for our team, so it matches up nicely.”
Herald translator: “We’ll draft one. Maybe even two. It was an area of need all season long, and if K’Lavon Chaisson walks, we’re in a hole.”
Super Bowl appearance change your timeline?
Wolf: “No. I’m really proud of our players. Again, they bought in quickly. They figured out how to win. But I think everyone on the roster is aware that we still need some pieces, and we’re going to create as much competition as we possibly can.”
Herald translator: “No. We overachieved. We believe we’re close, but not one or two pieces away from another Super Bowl. Sorry to break it to you. Patience.”
Will Campbell’s rookie season and future
Wolf: “When he came back from that injury, I personally didn’t see the same level of lower body strength that you saw before the injury. I think the film would attest to that. He probably had three of his four worst games in the playoffs. But before that, I thought Will played really well all year. I know everyone talks about the arm length, but he has a set of skills that enable him to play with that arm length. … And again, he’s 22 years old and we expect some improvement out of him as well.”
Herald translator: “Yeah, the Super Bowl stunk. But leave Will alone. He’s our left tackle, and that’s that.”
Jared Wilson to center?
Wolf: “I think there’s openness to everything with (Wilson). You know, he had never played guard before. He had good moments and bad moments, but he certainly has the physical ability to play there, and he also has the intelligence and the vocal ability to play center. So I think those are conversations we’re still having.”
Herald translator: “If we can land a good left guard in free agency, Jared and Garrett Bradbury will compete for the starting job in training camp. And that’s the plan. Just like last offseason, we absolutely plan to explore the offensive guard market.”
Spending limits after breaking the bank last spring?
Wolf: “Robert (Kraft) and Jonathan have been nothing but supportive of whatever we’ve wanted to do to try to improve the team. I think, like myself and coach Vrabel being sort of stewards of that and understanding what’s important. We haven’t been told no (by ownership) very often, if at all. So, we’re excited to have their support and be able to try to build this thing, you know, continue to try to build this thing.”
Herald translator: “We don’t have to ask them to know we aren’t spending nearly the same amount this offseason. And did you really think I was going to say anything neutral, let alone negative, about my bosses in public? C’mon.”