Sure, Mike Vrabel is the new guy in Foxborough. But the start, let’s say, is the replay of the past seasons. He just pulled a move straight out of the old regime’s playbook—ignoring a glaring roster hole like it’ll magically fix itself. And this one? It’s a doozy. The Patriots need a left tackle like a quarterback needs a helmet, and yet, they let one of the best available options walk without even trying.

Cam Robinson—an eight-year veteran, a legit starting left tackle—was right there. Reasonable price tag. No massive bidding war. And yet, Robinson is now protecting C.J. Stroud in Houston while New England is… hoping Vederian Lowe magically transforms into a franchise left tackle? Yeah, good luck with that.

So, why the cold shoulder? According to reports, the Patriots had “questions about football character and beyond.” Sounds vague, right? And sure, Robinson isn’t a Hall of Famer, but he’s started 17 games in the past season and worked with New England’s offensive line coach Doug Marrone in Jacksonville. If there were actual concerns, wouldn’t Marrone have the inside scoop?

And here’s where it gets worse. The Patriots’ offensive line was already a disaster in 2024, contributing to a brutal 3-14 season. If there’s one thing you’d think Vrabel learned from watching that train wreck, it’s that a young quarterback like Drake Maye without a reliable left tackle is a recipe for disaster. But instead of securing a veteran, he’s rolling the dice on the draft.

Vrabel said, “I mean, things are going to change. Everybody’s looking at the same players, so we have to be ready to pivot and adjust and have a vision for each player, I would say, at each level.”

So, maybe you’re thinking, ‘Well, they’ve got the No. 4 pick, they’ll grab a top tackle.’ But even that plan has holes. Will Campbell? Some scouts think his short arms will push him to guard. Armond Membou? Played right tackle, might need to switch. Kelvin Banks Jr.? Same issue. And expecting a rookie to walk in and lock down the blindside from day 1? That’s a tall order.

Meanwhile, New England’s right side of the line is actually solid. But it’s the LT that is a gaping hole. So, the pressure is on Mike to stand true to the fanfare he has received up until now. Hoping that the front office will back him as they promised, but the problems are not stopping.

Top Comment by bleepster

«If there were actual concerns, wouldn’t Marrone have the inside scoop?» Well, presumably he does have the inside scoop, and...more

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Mike Vrabel and the Pats have received an ultimatum

The clock is ticking in Foxborough as the Patriots have until Monday to decide whether Christian Elliss stays or walks. The Tom Brady-led Raiders slapped down an offer sheet, daring New England to match it. If they don’t, Elliss heads to Vegas, and the Pats get absolutely nothing in return. No picks, no compensation—just a linebacker-sized hole in the roster.

Why does this even matter? Well, because linebacker depth isn’t exactly overflowing in New England. They’ve already poured $33 million into Robert Spillane and brought in Jack Gibbens, but Elliss was a guy who stepped up last season when Ja’Whaun Bentley went down. He played a career-high 513 defensive snaps, notched 72 tackles, snagged an interception, and was a force on special teams. That kind of production doesn’t grow on trees.

But here’s where it gets weird: The Patriots only tendered him at the lowest level—just $3.26 million. Meanwhile, Vegas is willing to pay up with a deal carrying a $4.8 million cap hit. That’s not exactly breaking the bank.

But it’s enough to make you wonder—do the Patriots actually want Elliss back? If they did, why not slap a second-round tender on him at $5.34 million and call it a day? Feels like they’re already halfway out the door on this one.

Vrabel and Eliot Wolf have the money. $81 million in cap space means they could match the offer without breaking a sweat. So, what’s stopping them? Do they think Elliss is replaceable? Or is this another case of the Patriots overthinking a simple decision? Because right now, it looks like they’re about to let a productive, ascending player walk for nothing.

Monday’s deadline will tell us everything we need to know. Either they match and keep a key defensive piece, or they let him pack his bags for Sin City. No middle ground. No take-backs. And if Elliss balls out for the Raiders while the Pats’ defense struggles? Well, you don’t need a crystal ball to see how that one’s gonna play out.