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Mike Vrabel Weighs in on Patriots Defensive Additions

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Caleb Gebrewold | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 10:00 AM ET

Mike Vrabel spent eight seasons with the New England Patriots, winning three Super Bowl titles and earning induction into the team's Hall of Fame. He returned to the organization in January, as he was named the 16th head coach in franchise history.

While New England is coming off of a 4-13 season and a last-place finish in the division in the first season post-Bill Belichick, Vrabel recently praised the offseason moves the franchise has made. Speaking with Judy Battista of NFL Network on Saturday, the 2021 NFL Coach of the Year expressed that he believes the Patriots have added premium players throughout their defense, stating:

We're continuing to find ways to strengthen the roster, to improve our roster, to add competition. 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, per Bobby Kownack of NFL.com

New England has added edge rusher Harold Landry III, defensive tackle Milton Williams, cornerback Carlton Davis III, linebacker Robert Spillane, defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson, safety Marcus Epps, and linebacker Jack Gibbens. The Patriots ranked 22nd in both scoring defense and yards allowed last season.

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

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