“We’re gonna earn the right to be here every day. We’re gonna remove entitlement from our football team,” said Mike Vrabel in Jan. He took his time to check out the Patriots’ haves, wants, and needs. And looks like he finally has it. The owner Robert Kraft has also asserted belief and trying to work in tandem. Both want to bring the Super Bowl back to the franchise, for which they’ve been waiting since 2018. It starts with preparing right for the free agency.

But first, it’s about conserving the best. Jeremiah Pharms Jr. got a late start in the NFL. He went undrafted in 2019 and spent 2021 in CIF and 2022 in USFL. But the Patriots got hold of him before the 2022 season. His real chance, though, came in 2024 as he recorded 2 sacks, 33 tackles (16 solo), and 5 QB hits in 16 games (5 starter). So, they decided to extend his contract.

He had a 2-year $1.66 million contract until 2024. According to the reporter James Larsen, Mike Vrabel & the Pats have signed a 2-year extension with the DL. On the other hand, they have also released a player worth $4 million, taking their decision’s financial value to $5.6 million.

A 6-year veteran for the Steelers, OT Chukwuma Okorafor, arrived at the Patriots in 2024 with a 1-year $4 million deal. But they benched him mid-game in the season opener against the Bengals. Before week 2, they placed him on the exempt/left squad. He refused to return to the team. Thus, the tackle was eliminated from the season. Hence, Mike Vrabel and Robert Kraft decided to release him, freeing up that amount.

However, the duo is not limiting their focus to the players. They are also prioritizing the staff, striving to recruit the best leaders.

Mike Vrabel gets his wish fulfilled by Robert Kraft

Hence, when the former Titans’ head coach told Robert Kraft that Josh McDaniels was his choice for the offensive coordinator position. It was a perfect combination for the Pats. While talking about it, the owner said, “Their experience and chemistry together is very positive. I think that was a good development. From every way you look at it, I think it’s a win-win. It was his decision. Josh was very excited.”

The Patriots saw overwhelming success when Tom Brady was there. But there was another leader. Josh McDaniels! He spent years there, first from 2001 to 2008, and second from 2011 to 2021. So, Mike Vrabel knew he needed a veteran to train the offensive line.

Soma analysts claimed that the choice also stemmed from the fact that Vrabel wanted experienced staff. He had problems at the Titans because of the competitively newer coaches. Also, Kraft has seen McDaniels succeed at the position already.

They want to win games and clinch the trophy. A former Patriots player, Vrabel has completed the coaching staff process for the 2025 season. The fans believe they can do it. Really? We’ll need one year to get our answers.