The Patriots have a lot of upgrading to do with their roster this offseason, and one of the more under-the-radar positions they'll need to focus on is quarterback. Although Drake Maye looks to be the clear future of the franchise, they will need a solid veteran backup to play behind him, especially if they follow through with the possible trade of Joe Milton III this offseason.
Jacoby Brissett was the right guy for the job last year, but he is expected to look for a more prominent role on another team for next year. That means the Patriots will need to find his replacement, and there are a few options that might be the right fit.
It's hard to say who that player might be given the change of regime and what they might be looking for in the next backup. However, one player just made his feelings known about Mike Vrabel and the Patriots, potentially setting himself up for a new job in Foxboro for 2025.
Jameis Winston's endorsement of Mike Vrabel might make him a future New England Patriot
While making the rounds during the Super Bowl week, Jameis Winston spoke to CLNS Media and was asked about Mike Vrabel now that he has become the Patriots head coach.
Winston had a lot of things to say about the former Titans head coach, all of which were positive and could be taken as his way of opening the door to making his way to Foxboro next year.
Jameis Winston on Mike Vrabel: "I know that your team is gonna be disciplined. I know that your team is gonna be tough ... I know he's gonna bring back that Patriot way."
— Patriots on CLNS Media (@PatriotsCLNS) February 4, 2025
FULL Interview w/ @tkyles39: https://t.co/X5u5OuNpDH
⚡️by @PrizePicks & @GameTime #SBLIX pic.twitter.com/zmemk16WEE
Although he was never the quarterback of the Titans, Winston spent time with the Browns during the 2024 season at the same time as Vrabel. They got to know each other during that season, which is likely what led to such an endorsement.
The 31-year-old would be an interesting choice to backup Drake Maye, given his past as the starter for the Bucs and having to step up for Deshaun Watson last year after his injury. He has a controversial past and can be pretty erratic on the field, making it hard to say if the Patriots will, in fact, be interested once he becomes a free agent.
But with a connection to Vrabel, it's certainly possible, especially given some of the other choices that will join him on the free agency market.