During OTAs, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was asked if he and his newly formed front office would be “constantly monitoring” the league for disgruntled players that might be looking for a new home.
“I think that we have to,” Vrabel said on June 10. “It would go for the ability to acquire good players, good people that feel like they can help us at any position. I don't know what those situations are throughout the league, but I'm all for trying to make the roster better any chance that we can.”
Ahead of day three of Patriots training camp on Friday, this answer resurfaced as it relates to newly available standout defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
“A while back, you told us that the team would be active in trying to improve the team, picking up players here and there as needed,” said MassLive’s Karen Guergian. “When a guy like Christian Wilkins becomes available, is that someone you would kick the tires on?”
“Well - I mean, I think we'll have a conversation,” said Vrabel. “I mean, this is pretty new, so I don't have all the information on where Christian is. I know Christian, recruited him when he was up here in the area in Connecticut going to high school, so I'm sure we'll have a conversation.”
On Thursday, the Raiders released the 29-year-old defensive tackle due to a disagreement over his recovery plan from a broken foot.
Wilkins suffered a Jones-fracture in his foot during Week 5 of the 2024 season, necessitating surgery. He later suffered a setback during recovery, leading the Raiders to recommend another surgery. The Clemson-product declined in favor of other rehabilitation methods, creating a months-long feud between him and the team.
Things finally came to a head this week, and the Raiders decided to void the remaining $35.2 million in guaranteed money on Wilkins’ contract. This release comes just one season after Wilkins signed a four-year, $110 million contract with Las Vegas after a successful first five seasons in the league with the Dolphins.
To the surprise of no one, Wilkins has filed a grievance against the Raiders with the NFLPA. But while that plays out, the Springfield, MA native can now seek employment elsewhere.
And with obvious local ties and a preexisting relationship with Vrabel from being recruited by Ohio State, the idea of adding Wilkins to an already strong defensive line unit have Pats fans and media alike talking.
There’s also a faction of fans and media saying a front seven with the likes of Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Keion White and Harold Landry III in the mix means adding a player like Wilkins shouldn’t be a priority.
Let’s revisit June 10 again.
“Are there any areas where you look at it and say, ‘Man, that’s a glaring spot; we could use more competition or more depth?’” asked NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran.
“I think that should go for every position on a roster,” said Vrabel. “We would always want to do that, I think. Trying to always continually make the roster more competitive and trying to find everybody that can continually help us from now until the end of the season. I think that just has to go on.
“That has to happen. Whether that does or not, I don't know. It's not going to keep us from looking, trying to bring up ideas or players, or how we acquire players between now and the end of the season.”
We’ll see if Vrabel puts his money where his mouth is in the coming days.
Jones and Keefe broadcast live overlooking the practice fields at Gillette all throughout training camp. The Home of Patriots Monday and Friday has training camp covered on the WEEI Network and WEEI.com.