New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots were linked to Micah Parsons before his blockbuster trade, but head coach Mike Vrabel said the pursuit never reached serious stages.
Speaking on WEEI’s “Greg Hill Show,” Vrabel explained the organization does its homework on available talent but made clear the All-Pro edge rusher was not a realistic target.
“We continue to have conversations about all players that are available … great player. But that wasn’t something that we really invested a lot of time or resources in,” Vrabel said, as transcribed by the program and posted on social media by ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
Pressed further on whether bypassing Parsons meant the team valued draft capital, Vrabel turned the focus toward building depth. He acknowledged New England’s roster foundation has not been strong enough in recent years.
“The depth of the roster has not been through our draft the last handful of years, and that has to change,” Vrabel said. He added that the best NFL teams consistently draft well, develop talent, re-sign core players and make selective free-agent additions.
While Vrabel praised Parsons’ talent, he stressed that timing and fit did not align for the Patriots. His emphasis was on constructing a sustainable roster rather than chasing one high-profile acquisition.
“While Micah Parsons is a great player, it probably wasn’t the best fit or the right time, I think, for us,” Vrabel said.
Parsons was traded from Dallas to Green Bay last week in a deal that sent Kenny Clark and two first-round picks to the Cowboys, according to ESPN. The 26-year-old signed a four-year, $188 million contract with $136 million in guaranteed money that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history.
For Vrabel and the Patriots, the focus now turns to April’s draft and reinforcing a roster he views as in need of a long-term reset.
