Patriots make decision on CB Alex Austin ahead of NFL free agency — and more

While the news of Stefon Diggs’ upcoming release dominated headlines, the New England Patriots quietly made another personnel decision.

Cornerback Alex Austin will not be tendered as a restricted free agent and enter the open market next Wednesday. NFL insider Jordan Schultz was first to report the news.

Austin, 24, arrived in the NFL as a seventh-round selection by the Bills in the 2023 draft. After relatively brief stints in Buffalo and Houston, he joined the Patriots in November of his rookie campaign and has since appeared in 29 games with six starts. He registered 31 tackles as well as an interception.

In 2025, Austin appeared in 15 of 21 contests but was on the field for only 11.2% of defensive snaps and none from Week 5 on. He lost his fourth position on the cornerback depth chart to Charles Woods early in the season, missed time on injured reserve with a wrist injury, and was employed exclusively on special teams down the stretch.

Austin entered the offseason as one of five restricted free agents the Patriots had to take care of. In addition to him, quarterback Tommy DeVito, offensive tackle Yasir Durant, defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy and linebacker Jack Gibbens are also RFAs.

The Patriots have until 3:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Mar. 11, to either tender them or let them become unrestricted free agents.

Arsenal and England forward Chloe Kelly is transformed into a Barbie doll as part of a special series to mark International Women's Day.

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Bournemouth Future Boost as Iraola Considers New Deal Amid Premier League Interest

Contract Talks Gather Pace at Bournemouth

Bournemouth could be set for a major boost as manager Andoni Iraola considers extending his stay at the Vitality Stadium. As reported by the Daily Mail, the 43-year-old is weighing up a new contract despite attracting attention from elsewhere in the Premier League.

Interest in Iraola has grown significantly over the past year. Crystal Palace and Tottenham are among the clubs monitoring the situation closely as they assess potential managerial changes. The Spaniard’s current deal runs until the summer, leaving Bournemouth keen to secure his long term future before rivals can act.

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For Bournemouth, retaining Iraola would represent stability during a period of steady growth. The club’s hierarchy believe continuity is key as they look to build on recent progress in the Premier League.

Bournemouth Investment Signals Long Term Vision

Financial commitment from the club has played a major role in discussions around Iraola’s future. According to the Daily Mail, Bournemouth have raised more than £300million through player sales while reinvesting £390m across the past three seasons.

Plans extend beyond transfers. A £50m expansion of the Vitality Stadium is underway, reinforcing the club’s ambition to establish itself more firmly in the top flight.

These developments have aligned closely with Iraola’s outlook. Stability, infrastructure and squad competitiveness appear to be central factors as he considers his next move.

Manager Speaks Openly About Club Environment

Earlier this week, Iraola addressed his situation directly. His comments suggested a strong relationship with the club and those around him.

“I’m very happy here, not just now but since the beginning of my stay here. I always say I come to work with a smile and that is very important to me.”

“I have a great relationship not only with the players but with the club, with the staff. Everyone is very helpful. I’m really happy.”

“The other is a matter of talking to the club. Sooner or later we will have to make a decision, yes.”

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Those words indicate a manager comfortable in his environment, though discussions about his long term future remain ongoing.

Bournemouth Rise Keeps European Dream Alive

Bournemouth’s improvement on the pitch has strengthened the argument for continuity. Earlier in the season they were considered part of a relegation fight. Form since January has changed that narrative considerably.

A nine game unbeaten run has lifted them to ninth in the Premier League. They sit eight points behind Liverpool in fifth place, leaving European qualification within reach.

Maintaining that momentum may depend heavily on Iraola’s decision in the months ahead. For Bournemouth supporters, securing his future could be as valuable as any transfer signing.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This report will feel encouraging but also slightly nerve wracking for Bournemouth supporters. The reality is that Iraola has transformed expectations at the club in a relatively short period of time.

Fans remember how uncertain things looked early in the season when Bournemouth were hovering near the relegation conversation. To now sit ninth in the Premier League after a nine match unbeaten run shows the scale of the progress. That turnaround reflects tactical clarity, improved organisation and a squad that clearly believes in the manager.

Supporters will also recognise the significance of the club’s wider investment. Spending £390m on the squad over three seasons and committing £50m to expand the stadium sends a message that Bournemouth are not content merely surviving in the Premier League.

When Iraola says, “I’m very happy here”, it resonates with supporters who feel the project finally has direction. There is also a growing belief that Bournemouth can become a stable top half club if the current trajectory continues.

Interest from Tottenham and Crystal Palace will naturally worry fans. Larger clubs tend to circle when managers begin outperforming expectations. For Bournemouth supporters, keeping Iraola would represent a statement that the club’s progress is not temporary.

If he signs a new deal, it could feel like the most important contract Bournemouth have agreed in years.