While speaking to reporters at the NFL Combine on Tuesday, the Patriots' new head coach made it clear that the 2025 roster would look dramatically different than it does right now. It appears the new regime is already set to make a change before free agency begins in two weeks.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport announced on Tuesday afternoon that the team had informed defensive tackle Davon Godchaux that they intend to trade him and gave him permission to speak with other teams to reach a deal.
While Vrabel's comments about the roster were expected, moving on from a veteran defensive lineman just a day later was not.
The #Patriots have given DT Davon Godchaux permission to seek a trade, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2025
There has been contact with interested teams, and the veteran is likely on the move given the team’s defensive scheme shift. pic.twitter.com/yMLiwkTWhQ
However, it isn't entirely shocking, given the kind of defense Vrabel liked to have during his time as the Titans head coach. Because of that, there have already been plenty of predictions that there would be a lot of defensive turnover, which appears to be already happening with the latest news surrounding Godchaux.
The Patriots make a bold statement by moving on from one of their best defensive linemen
It's a significant move that might not reap the kind of reward the Patriots are hoping for, though. If they want to add more draft capital this year, it's hard to imagine getting anything higher than a fifth-round pick for a guy in Godchaux's position due to his age and contract.
However, Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf emphasized the middle of this year's draft appeared to be the deepest of the class, so that would play right into their hand as compensation for someone of Godchaux's caliber.
Furthermore, this news seems to imply the kind of players the team might be considering with free agency coming up in a few weeks. It seems fair to assume they have their eyes on some of the defensive linemen set to hit the market or even in the draft, especially since Godchaux has been one of their best players since he joined the team in 2021.
It led to him earning an extension last summer, and he performed at a high level throughout the 2024 season despite the underwhelming play from his teammates. He has been a key figure in their effort to stop the run, so losing him from the lineup will be devastating if they don't find an adequate replacement.