The New England Patriots have wrapped up the first month of free agency, and head coach Mike Vrabel has already left his mark. With several key signings, the team has strengthened its roster heading into the 2025 season.
On Sunday, Vrabel spoke about the team’s offseason moves, offering a candid take on the idea of “winning” free agency.
“We won March. … Which is comical,” Vrabel said.
While Vrabel was laughing at the media’s tendency to crown offseason winners, the Patriots have undeniably made notable additions.
Since March 12, they’ve bolstered their defense with the signings of defensive tackle Milton Williams, cornerback Carlton Davis, outside linebacker Harold Landry, and linebacker Robert Spillane.
One major gap remained in New England’s offseason checklist until their recent blockbuster signing of Stefon Diggs. The four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver immediately becomes the primary target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye, giving the young signal-caller an elite weapon to work with.
While the Patriots have already made major strides, Vrabel emphasized that the work isn’t done. Speaking at the NFL’s Annual League Meeting, he detailed the team’s ongoing approach to improving the roster.
“We’re continuing to find ways to strengthen the roster, to improve our roster, to add competition,” Vrabel said. “I think that’s something that’s critical in a 90-man roster is that there’s competition throughout the roster.
“We were able to add what we feel like are premium players at every level of the defense that can help us. Those players that are currently on our team and the ones that we’re adding, [I] feel like we like the person as much as the player, and I feel like that’s important when you talk about free agency.”
With free agency largely in the rearview mirror, the Patriots now turn their attention to the NFL Draft.
While plenty of work remains, Vrabel’s first offseason at the helm has already positioned New England to make a major leap in 2025.
Having said that, Vrabel is quick to remind everyone that Super Bowls are not won in the offseason. “Winning March” means nothing if you don’t produce actual results come fall and winter.
What are your thoughts on the Patriots’ offseason thus far? … Are you surprised that Vrabel and the front office have been able to improve this much already???
