Since Tom Brady left the Patriots five years ago, the organization has been in a downward spiral that was somewhat anticipated but not entirely expected, and it certainly wasn't projected to be as bad as it has been. From the lack of proper roster development and a rotating door of head coaches to difficulty finding an adequate franchise quarterback, the six-time Super Bowl Champions have been an absolute mess in the wake of the dynasty era.
Although there was always the guarantee that life after Brady wouldn't be pretty, the Patriots struggled in ways many didn't think were possible, even with Bill Belichick still calling the shots. But perhaps the biggest setback was the shift in culture in just one season without the accomplished head coach.
The "Patriot Way" that became infamous over two decades might not have been popular, but it worked for New England. Belichick ran a tight ship and didn't falter, leading to countless wins and record-setting performances for twenty years.
But when Jerod Mayo became his successor, his goal to not be a repeat of his mentor seemed to have had more of a negative impact on the team and the culture in New England than he was hoping for, leading to Mike Vrabel's introduction as his replacement this offseason.
Now, the former Titans head coach is hoping to bring back a culture that set the Patriots apart, and it looks like he's prioritizing that with the players the team has signed thus far in free agency.
Milton Williams' attitude for signing with the Patriots is exactly what the team needs for the 2025 season
Besides improving the roster to hopefully put together a more dominating and winning team, Vrabel has the task of improving the culture to make the Patriots a desirable team to play for again while also getting back to relevancy.
It's a tall task to accomplish, especially in your first season as the head coach, but based on the players they have already signed, it's clear it is a priority to bring in the right guys to set the tone for the seasons ahead.
That was apparent in Milton Williams' comments about why he chose to sign with the Patriots instead of the Panthers, as well as his first impression of the organization during his contract signing.
"They welcomed me with open arms. I just came back from a visit up there last weekend, signing my contract, getting to know the staff, and touring the building. It's going to be cool. Coach Vrabel was just preaching to me how they are going to use me in their defense. Also, how he wants a guy at every level of the defense for free agency. He wants us to come in and try to change the culture around with what's been going on in New England the last couple of years. I definitely think he picked the right guys for that."
Williams isn't the only player who has expressed the right attitude and willingness to be a force for change in the locker room so far. That was apparent with linebacker Robert Spillane, cornerback Carlton Davis, and right tackle Morgan Moses.
It's clear Vrabel and Co. are looking beyond what a player can do for the team on the field and purposely bringing in guys with a great attitude and natural leadership, as the roster desperately needs that kind of energy to get back on the right page.