"What the New England Patriots are doing in Mike Vrabel's first season as head coach is almost hard to fathom. The new regime turned over nearly half the roster this past offseason and has a lot more work to do going forward. Yet the Patriots will enter Week 14 tied for the best record in the NFL at 11-2. Vrabel's Patriots are way ahead of schedule, and they've quickly reminded fans what it feels like to love their team and look forward to Sundays again."
"But, at the same time, how ever this whirlwind season ends for New England in January (or February, even), the roster figures to undergo heavy change in 2026, as Vrabel continues to bring in players that fit his system; his Patriots are projected to rank in the top 10 in salary cap space once again next March, per Over the Cap."
"When healthy, tight end Isaiah Likely has been a productive player for John Harbaugh and the Baltimore Ravens as a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Now midway through his fourth season, he's caught 130 passes for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career. Likely's rookie contract is set to expire after the 2025 season, and the Ravens sent a not-so-subtle message on their plans when they signed veteran Mark Andrews to a three-year, $39.3 million contract extension on Dec. 3."
Mike Vrabel's Patriots reached an 11-2 record entering Week 14 despite turning over nearly half the roster during the offseason and continuing roster work. The team has outperformed expectations under Vrabel and reignited strong fan interest on game days. Significant roster changes remain likely in 2026 as Vrabel adds players who fit his system while preserving top-10 projected salary-cap space next March. New England may add targeted impact pieces for ascending quarterback Drake Maye rather than repeat massive free-agent spending. Isaiah Likely has produced 130 catches for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns and will likely test free agency after 2025.
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