FOXBORO — New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the team”s decision not to acquire new talent ahead of the NFL trade deadline. He stated that the front office explored various options but ultimately decided it was best to maintain the current roster as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“I know that everyone worked hard, that we investigated, looked in, made phone calls and what personnel departments do,” Vrabel commented. “And in the end, we decided that this was what we were going to do and decided to move forward with our preparation.”
Sources indicate that the Patriots considered adding edge rushers and running backs before the deadline. Despite their strong start to the season, Vrabel emphasized that the focus remains on winning games and addressing immediate challenges. “I think that”s part of building a program,” he noted. “It”s finding ways to win, building a team and figuring out where the pieces are that we can continue to add when it makes sense. And so, I don”t think anything – I don”t think this is a negative. I don”t think this is – this is just where we”re at.”
Currently, the Patriots hold a record of 7-2, placing them among the top teams in the NFL alongside the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts recently made headlines by trading two first-round picks and young receiver AD Mitchell to the New York Jets for former All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Earlier in the week, the Patriots preemptively engaged in trades, sending safety Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive lineman Keion White to the San Francisco 49ers. Both trades involved pick swaps that included sending out a seventh-round pick while receiving sixth-round selections in return. However, if White plays in at least seven games for the 49ers, the Patriots will retain their seventh-round pick, as reported by the NFL Network.
Looking ahead, the Patriots are set to enter the next NFL Draft with an estimated total of 10 or 11 picks, depending on future trades.
