Mike Vrabel has reshaped the Patriots' roster and culture by prioritizing physical, on-brand players with personal or coaching-staff connections. The change follows a troubled 2024 season and Jerod Mayo's early dismissal by ownership. The team's vibe in Foxboro now resembles Bill Belichick-era Patriots, with veterans and newcomers embodying toughness and accountability. The Patriots claimed rookie defensive tackle Eric Gregory off waivers after roster cutdowns, creating a roster spot when Kendrick Bourne and Jabrill Peppers were released. Gregory drew interest from the Bengals to re-sign him to their practice squad, but the Patriots used their fourth waiver position to add him.
Since being named the Patriots' next head coach after Robert Kraft fired Jerod Mayo earlier this offseason, Mike Vrabel has made it clear what kind of players he wants for the team and the culture he hopes to establish. That has led him to sign some very on-brand talent, many of whom have a connection to him or others on the coaching staff, and the vibe in Foxboro has drastically shifted because of it.
Now that Vrabel is in the building, the atmosphere is a bit similar to that of Bill Belichick's Patriots, and several of the players are exactly what you'd expect Vrabel to want on the team. The latest of whom is rookie defensive tackle Eric Gregory, whom the Patriots picked up on the waiver wire after roster cutdowns last week. Because Kendrick Bourne and Jabrill Peppers were released,
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