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The New England Patriots are at the beginning of a new era. After finishing near the bottom of the NFL last season, the Patriots decided that it was time for some changes. New England brought in Mike Vrabel to bring a new attitude for the 2024-25 season. With roster cuts on the way, Vrabel needs to make decisions on players like Kyle Dugger, Antonio Gibson, and Anfernee Jennings.
The Patriots have players that have the coaching staff excited for the upcoming regular season. New additions have made a big impact on the team as it tries to get back into the conversation in the AFC East. As the offseason went on, the team went from a dark horse to a legitimate threat to the Buffalo Bills at the top of the division. They might not be there yet, but are well on the way.
When the Patriots moved on from Bill Belichick, the team went from respectable to downright terrible. Before his team’s Week 1 kickoff, Vrabel got into a fight to support his players. He made a name for himself with the Tennessee Titans by getting down in the trenches with them, showing them that he is willing to work right along side them throughout the season.
Vrabel has already earned the respect from every player on his roster. The Patriots’ camp has been very positive thanks to his presence and commitment to instilling a new culture in Foxborough. New England is a dangerous team in the AFC heading into the season if its head coach can inspire toughness. Having the right guys on the field is a big part of that.
Vrabel has to make some tough decisions with his roster. Here are three players to watch when the rosters are cut from 90 to 53.
Dugger has been playing for his spot on the roster throughout the preseason. His play at the end of the Patriots’ preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings turned heads. After a disappointing season in 2024-25, the safety is one of many players that Vrabel needs to consider when it comes to fit on the roster. It is up to him to decide if Dugger has done enough to stay.
New England faces a tough challenge before the regular season kicks off. While a lot rides on the offense’s ability to grow under Drake Maye in his second professional season. However, Vrabel made a name for himself as a defensive coach and any path to contention for the Patriots starts and ends on that side of the ball. The question is if Dugger will be a part of that success.
Even amid the drama surrounding Dugger throughout the preseason, the safety isn’t worried about his future. However, his spot on the roster was up for grabs as he played until the end of his team’s preseason games. The fact that Vrabel did that at all shows that he isn’t fully committed to...
