Pats Pulpit
When the New England Patriots signed Robert Spillane to a three-year, $33 million contract in March, they knew exactly what they were going to get: an experienced player capable of immediately taking over the linebacker room. Five months into his tenure, he has done just that.
Spillane took over as the Patriots’ No. 1 linebacker following the release of longtime veteran Ja’Whaun Bentley, and projects as a high-volume starter in addition to being a tone-setter on and off the field. For defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, the 29-year-old simply offers a complete package at the position.
“He’s like having another coach on the field,” Williams explained. “He can fix things. He can get guys lined up. I remember, he was an undrafted free agent for us in Tennessee in 2018. He was a tryout guy, and he still has that mentality — that underdog mentality. He does a good job of leading the defense. I love the kid.”
The Titans under then-head coach Mike Vrabel gave Spillane his first opportunity in the NFL back in 2018, signing him as a rookie free agent out of Western Michigan. He ended up on the team’s practice squad and was even promoted to the 53-man roster at one point, but eventually was his time in Tennessee come to an end halfway through his rookie year.
Spillane remained out of a contract until the following offseason, when the Pittsburgh Steelers picked him up via a futures deal. From that point on, he steadily continued his development. Mostly a depth linebacker and special teamer in his three and a half seasons with the organization, he fully broke out after joining Las Vegas in 2023.
In two seasons with the Raiders, Spillane started all 34 possible games and led the team in tackles both years. He also rarely left the field, playing 2,196 of a possible 2,248 defensive snaps.
Now in New England, Spillane is expected to play a similar role and set the tone in what is a competitive linebacker group.
“Guys are continuously fighting for a role, competing,” said position coach Zak Kuhr on Tuesday. “They never feel like they’re the guy. They’re always working to achieve a role, whether it be a starter or a swing player, whatever it may be. They come in day in and day out. It’s a very competitive group.”
