A responsibility so heavy that even the toughest might crumble under the weight of expectations. It’s being the head coach of the New England Patriots. Just 5 years ago, the Tom-Brady-Bill Belichick duo commanded the respect of the football world. A product of that era, Mike Vrabel, is now back on the battlefield. To preserve (or even save) the legacy of his team. But things aren’t going as easily for him as he thought. Owner Robert Kraft is expecting the HC to find weapons for the quarterback Drake Maye.

The Athletic’s Chad Graff revealed that the Patriots HC was meeting with the ex-Houston Texans free agent, WR Stefon Diggs, in Foxboro. It could be a perfect match for both sides, as the Pats need a lethal receiver. The move has come when they have already lost many brilliant chances to grab top receivers.

Mike Vrabel would get a major boost by signing up Diggs. For 6 consecutive seasons from 2018 to 2023, he had 1000+ receiving yards. That includes 2 seasons with the Vikings and 4 with the Bills. But 2024 ended on a disappointing note for him. He suffered an ACL injury during the week 8 matchup against the Colts. It ended his season. By then, he had 47 receptions for 496 receiving yards and 3 TDs.

However, any franchise taking him on would need him to smooth out his talk. He has shown little constraint on his feelings. Just before the Bills traded him to the Texans in 2024, he had issues with QB Josh Allen, claiming he couldn’t get much success without a top-notch receiver.

Also, there’s no guaranteed recovery timeline. Diggs is still working hard to come back from the ACL injury. That will also play a major role in how the team decides to use him. Or if they will even sign a contract with him. So, there are plenty of things to be discussed before coming to any conclusion. The task is enormous. But the new head coach is ready.

A few days ago, the Patriots head coach had plenty of options available. Now, the big ones are closed!

Mike Vrabel missed major free agents

Former Rams WR Cooper Kupp, available for trade for more than a month, moved to the Seahawks. The Bengals eliminated another option by re-signing the WR Tee Higgins to a record-breaking 4-year $115 million deal, with the first 2 years guaranteed.

Mike Vrabel was interested in both of them. Kupp wanted to stay with his team. Even QB Matthew Stafford rallied behind the receiver, declaring his support. But the Hawks went all-out and poached the WR. The Patriots remained silent. They didn’t voice their offer in a way that the player might have to give it some thought.

It’s a similar story for Tee Higgins. The Bengals earlier placed the WR on a franchise tag. But just like Mike Vrabel wants to give solidity to Drake Maye, the Bengals also wanted to fulfill Joe Burrow’s wish. They splurged out big money, bringing Higgins back on a record-breaking WR2 deal. But the Patriots’ spirit is unbreakable.

The Pats HC didn’t show much despair over the struggles, but instead had a clear warning to all 31 rival teams. His clear message was, “People think it’s over in free agency. It never does.” Fans, brace yourselves for the challenges ahead. It would be crazy. But expect some mind-bending moves as we move closer to the draft.