New England Patriots - NESN.com
Mike Vrabel would prefer to pay market price, like everyone else. But the Patriots head coach also understands supply and demand.
The lack of supply in free agency could create a heightened demand for specific players on the open market. Vrabel, however, doesn’t sound like he’d be scared from extending a bit should such player fill a need and be worthy of investment.
“Well, I mean, I like to shop like everybody else,” Vrabel told reporters at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, per the Patriots. “When you go and there’s only one of a certain car, maybe you have to pay a little more for that one car because there’s only one of them. When you start to get into a range where you feel there’s an area where players are comparable, and you like three or four players at a certain area, for a certain role, you may not have to overspend.
I think everybody overspends sometimes in free agency.
“It’s free agency,” Vrabel continued. “I think everybody overspends sometimes in free agency.”
The Patriots have more money to spend this offseason than anyone in the league. With their financial flexibility and needs on both sides of the ball, Vrabel believes New England should attract the top players.
“Free agency gets broken down into compensation and then it gets broken down into opportunity,” Vrabel said. “I feel like we’re in a position to offer both as far compensation and opportunity for some of these players.”
Vrabel anticipates the Patriots will be “aggressive” in free agency.
ESPN recently released its “best team fits” for free agents and labeled the Patriots the best spot for cornerback D.J. Reed, defensive tackle Milton Williams and offensive tackle Alaric Jackson. Those players, as well as wide receiver Tee Higgins and offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, could command big-money deals if they get to the open market.
Vrabel and company, however, won’t shy away from shelling out big money if the lack of supply drives up demand.
