"In three years, Alex Austin has started in six of 29 games played, recording 31 tackles, eight pass deflections, and an interception (which came against Josh Allen, no less). At one point, it appeared Austin was the latest diamond in the rough defensive back uncovered by Bill Belichick."
"Vrabel has continued to use the broom on the 2024 players. The latest are linebacker Jahlani Tavai and edge Anfernee Jennings. Neither was a surprise. Tavai is the better player, but as a big inside linebacker, he doesn't fit Vrabel's defensive scheme, and Jennings struggled to find his fit since joining the team in 2020."
"Of the Patriots' 2026 batch of free agents, only two really stood a realistic chance of returning. They were defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, who unfortunately signed with the Chiefs. The Patriots botched the extension process for Tonga during the 2025 season. He was a solid contributor, and the Chiefs got a good player."
Mike Vrabel's New England Patriots are undergoing significant roster reconstruction in 2026 free agency. The team has released multiple 2024 roster players including linebacker Jahlani Tavai and edge rusher Anfernee Jennings, who didn't fit Vrabel's defensive scheme. Safety Alex Austin, acquired via waivers in 2023, departed to Miami despite being a solid depth contributor. Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, one of only two realistic returners, signed with Kansas City after the Patriots mishandled his extension during the 2025 season. Vrabel's systematic overhaul will result in approximately 75% roster turnover from the 2024 team.
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