Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Mike Vrabel, Patriots Dealt Bad News on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Mar 16, 2026 7:33 PM ET

Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots were one of the top NFL teams during the 2025 season. Finishing with a 14-3 regular-season record, the Patriots secured the No. 2 seed in the AFC and were able to defeat the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game. But New England's season ended in disappointment, falling to the Seattle Seahawks 29-13 in Super Bowl LX.

Now, the Patriots have turned their attention to the 2026 NFL season, eyeing a return to the Super Bowl. They have already made several major changes to the roster since falling to Seattle, including releasing wide receiver Stefon Diggs and signing former New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and All-Pro safety Kevin Byard III. However, New England has now seen a key defensive piece depart in free agency as well.

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel leaves the field at halftime against the Seattle Seahawks.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Jack Gibbens, after a college career with Abilene Christian and Minnesota, went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft before the Tennessee Titans picked him up as an undrafted free agent. The linebacker initially failed to make the Titans' 53-man roster, but was later signed to their practice squad during the 2022 season. However, over the next two years, Gibbens became a key piece for Tennessee's defense, even recording a career-high 95 tackles in 2023.

After three years in Nashville, Gibbens followed Vrabel to New England, signing a one-year deal with the Patriots. He became one of the better defenders on the roster, recording 81 tackles, third-most on the team, along with a sack, a fumble recovery and four passes defended in 17 games.

But on Monday, Gibbens decided it was time for a change, signing a two-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals, leaving Vrabel and the Patriots without one of their top linebackers from 2025.

"Cardinals signed former Patriots linebacker Jack Gibbens to a two-year contract and former Bears defensive lineman Andrew Billings to a one-year contract," ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote on X.

Cardinals signed former Patriots linebacker Jack Gibbens to a two-year contract and former Bears defensive lineman Andrew Billings to a one-year contract. pic.twitter.com/o7Ct6VKr1B
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2026

While Gibbens, along with numerous other players, is no longer on the team, Vrabel and the Patriots still have plenty to be excited about heading into the 2026 season, especially with quarterback Drake Maye posting an MVP-caliber campaign in just his second year in the NFL.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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