With Mike Vrabel on the sidelines for the Patriots in 2025, there has been an uptick in debate about who they might be able to attract in free agency or even in a trade. Because he has connections to some top-quality players, there's a good chance those who played for him in Tennessee will want to reunite in Foxboro.
Additionally, Vrabel has already hired a few other former Titans coaches who players took a liking to, making the possibilities even grander in the Patriots' favor.
Besides the recent rise in conversation surrounding defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, the rumors about a potential trade for Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown have dominated the offseason thus far. Although he was traded during Vrabel's tenure in Tennessee, it's well-documented that the head coach opposed it from the beginning, so trading for him is not off the table.
It might not be a realistic trade despite the continuous drama that has seemed to take place since Brown arrived in Philadelphia. However, he continues to prove why the Patriots must, at the very least, kick the tires on a trade and make a hefty offer to make a deal.
A.J. Brown's NFC Championship performance further proves the Patriots need to get this trade done
Problems arose for Brown during the Eagles' playoff run over the last few weeks due to his lack of incorporation into the offense. It led to him being seen reading a book on the sideline, which prompted rumors about him wanting out of Philadelphia again.
That, in turn, made Patriots reports ask Vrabel outright about his relationship with Brown since he was traded in 2022 and if he would be interested in bringing him to the Patriots.
Without providing too much, the head coach didn't shoot down the idea, and Brown's performance against the Commanders certainly makes it look like Brown would be the best addition to the receiving corps for Drake Maye moving forward.
OUTWARD EXCELLENCE!@1kalwaysopen_ | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/88TCF1luvm
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 26, 2025
Read More: Mike Vrabel doesn't shut down Patriots making blockbuster trade for star WR
It's hard not to argue that Brown should've been a Patriot from the beginning. He grew up a fan of the team and dreamt of playing with Tom Brady, which helped him have a standout interview with the team during the pre-draft process.
Instead, Bill Belichick passed on taking Brown (and others) in favor of N'Keal Harry in the first round of the 2019 draft, something Brown has publicly expressed his disappointment in. So Vrabel getting a trade done now would right a former wrong.
It wouldn't be cheap, nor would it be easy, especially if the Eagles aren't exactly willing to entertain the idea. However, the Patriots have the means to get a deal done with a projected $120 million in cap space and a significant need for a WR1. So, the time to get a trade done is now.