The Patriots went into the 2024 offseason loaded with the most cap space and plenty of improvements to be made. In Robert Kraft's eyes, this seemingly began by dismissing Bill Belichick and hiring Jerod Mayo as his successor. The initial optimism of a beneficial change in New England swiftly turned not long after, headlined by a disastrous offseason that seemed to open the door for Eliot Wolf's early exit.
The presumed general manager didn't make the necessary moves in free agency to adequately improve the roster as needed, despite having the most money in the league to spend. That only got worse with an underwhelming draft class, outside of quarterback Drake Maye, who underperformed during their rookie seasons.
This all led to immense pressure on Wolf to turn things around this offseason, especially since Vrabel had decided to keep him on his staff. Things were looking good in free agency at first, with most additions being defensive players, but the draft seemed to complete exactly what Wolf needed to accomplish this offseason.
Because of that, and a recent front office hiring, it appears he has solidified his job for the foreseeable future, which did not seem to be the case just last year. Fans were ready to see him fired, with some demanding Kraft make the move, yet that looks like a thing of the past after this offseason.
Albert Breer believes the Patriots' latest hire means Eliot Wolf's future is safe in Foxboro
With an offseason widely regarded as among the best in the entire league, Wolf has drastically changed his perception and appears to have solidified himself in his role with the Patriots.
That seems even truer with the Patriots hiring A.J. Highsmith as the new scouting director because of his connection to Wolf's right-hand man. NFL insider Albert Breer believes this means Wolf won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
“I don’t think things are nearly as bad in New England as you may have been led to believe. And I think the proof of it is in the hire of A.J. Highsmith as the team’s new pro scouting director. Highsmith is the son of Alonzo Highsmith, who is the right-hand man to EVP of player personnel Eliot Wolf. Hiring someone that close to Wolf into a vital director’s role is a good indication that Wolf’s going nowhere.”
Considering it was just a few months ago that Wolf was being discussed as a potential cut from the front office after Vrabel's arrival, it's fascinating to see how an on-paper good offseason can dramatically change one's reputation and save their job.
It's certainly what Wolf needed after last year's events, and he has taken ownership of it. He's proven he put in the work to make the right choices this year, with plenty of cap space still available to be used.
The hope from fans, of course, is that this hot streak will continue as long as Wolf is in Foxboro. The Patriots need to string together highly regarded offseasons to get them back on track, as far too many forgettable years under Bill Belichick put them into the dire situation Vrabel initially walked into earlier this year.
If he and Wolf can continue their work over the past few months, it looks like the sky is the limit for the Patriots, and they will be back on top sooner rather than later.