In the weeks leading to Tuesday's trade deadline, the Patriots have been reported as more likely buyers than sellers, with a few key names put on the table as potential targets. Because they are short on running backs, need help with the pass rush, and are always open to adding more wide receivers, a handful of players have been circled as good fits this season.
Among the most notable of names are players on the Titans, whom Mike Vrabel previously coached during his six years in Tennessee. Rumors have suggested they are willing to deal EDGE Arden Key, RB Tony Pollard, and WR Calvin Ridley, all of whom could be assets to the Patriots roster.
However, based on the latest reporting by Boston Sports Journal's Mike Giardi, any Titans player might remain just that and might never make their way to New England if owner Amy Adams Strunk has anything to do with it.
Mike Vrabel might have one team to cross off the list of potential trade partners
According to Giardi's sources, Strunk is still holding a grudge about how things ended between the Titans and Vrabel, despite the fact that she chose to fire him. That has allegedly led to her reluctance to make any trade deals with the Patriots, so any Titans player they may have wanted to trade for might be off the table for good.
"I was also told there has been some conversation league-wide that Tennessee might be unwilling to make deals with New England because the owner, Amy Adams Strunk, continues to think too much about how things ended with Vrabel and is not inclined to help his new team. We'll find out soon enough with the likes of edge Arden Key, RB Tony Pollard, and even WR Calvin Ridley available."
Besides being completely unfathomable given the context of Vrabel's departure from Tennessee, it's unfortunate that the Patriots might have no way to acquire players who are likely available and could boost their team as they head into a crucial part of the season.
Given Vrabel's direct knowledge of how those players practice and play, it would be a no-brainer move to bring in more Titans players, especially if the going price is reasonable. But if Strunk is unwilling to even engage in a conversation with the higher-ups in Foxboro, it will remain a dream rather than a reality.