The Patriots are one of only a few teams that had their rosters head back to the facility this week to begin their voluntary offseason programs, and fans were as excited as if the season were starting tomorrow. That's the impact Mike Vrabel has already had since being named the next head coach in January, and that optimism is expected to continue with the draft right around the corner.
Although the program isn't mandatory, the Patriots' social team documented plenty of players arriving at the stadium on Monday. This was great to see, considering the number of new players who have already been added to the roster and the importance of working with the new coaching staff early, which was not something seen too much last year.
There already appears to be quite a shift in attitude with Vrabel's arrival, along with the rest of the new coaching staff, and it's being showcased through the eagerness of the players to get back to work well ahead of the 2025 season.
That was seen even more when the Patriots posted photos and videos of what transpired throughout the day, which showed players like receiver Stefon Diggs and defensive tackle Milton Williams lifting weights. But it also revealed the welcomed sight of DT Christian Barmore back in the weight room after missing most of the 2024 season due to health concerns.
The return of Christian Barmore to the Patriots workouts is a great sign for the 2025 season
The Patriots' defense dealt with several injuries throughout last season, with LB Ja'Whaun Bentley suffering a season-ending injury in the first few weeks and Barmore being ruled out for the foreseeable future due to blood clots.
He eventually returned to the field for some action, playing in four games total, until it was better to get him back on the sidelines for the remainder of the season.
Now we go. pic.twitter.com/G9pM4qhQtN
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 7, 2025
His football future remains unclear because of the seriousness of his health concerns, so seeing him in the weight room with his teammates was the surprise that most fans were not expecting but were thrilled to see.
With so many changes made to the defensive line already, Barmore's presence will be much more impactful if he is ready to go in Week 1. Vrabel has already made it clear that they have a plan in place for the 25-year-old, and the focus is to keep him healthy and do what is best, with the hope of seeing him back in the lineup at some point if possible.
The fact that he is present for the voluntary workouts is a positive sign that things are moving in the right direction and could mean he's well on his way back to playing football again. That's exactly what the Patriots' defense will need to put the group over the top in 2025.