INDIANAPOLIS — It was Mike Vrabel’s turn to address the media Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, and we learned a lot about the Patriots’ approach to the offseason from the head coach.
Vrabel first held a press conference at a podium inside the Indiana Convention Center before breaking off into a less formal side session with local reporters later.
That came one day after executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf met with reporters Tuesday.
Here’s what we learned about the Patriots’ offseason plans:
Potential Gonzalez extension
Vrabel was asked if it’s a priority to extend cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who’s eligible for a new contract after completing his third season.
“It’s a priority to extend and keep all our best players,” Vrabel said. “That’s the obligation we have to the team. That’s what our coaches want. That’s what our personnel people want. That’s what Robert and Jonathan (Kraft) want. That’s what our fans want. So we have to draft them, and figure out a way to develop the guys we draft, and ultimately re-sign them. What the timing of that looks like, I don’t know. But that will be all part of the equation moving forward.”
Vrabel went on to say that Gonzalez strives to be a captain.
Deadline on Diggs
The Patriots must decide whether or not they want to keep wide receiver Stefon Diggs on his current contract by March 13, when $6 million of his $20.6 million contract becomes fully guaranteed.
On how Vrabel views Diggs’ future with the team:
“As we look to evaluate the football team, we’re doing that constantly, Eliot, myself, Ryan (Cowden), Stretch (John Streicher) and Eliot’s staff,” Vrabel said. “Just being a little bit behind of where we were with just how long the season went, where those conversations for each and every player are happening in the meetings in between the ones we have with the draft players here. So, there’s a lot of things that we’ll do between now and the time that the football season starts. So, that’s going to be the same with, I would say, most every player on our roster.”
Vrabel said he will let Diggs’ legal process run its course before making any judgements as the veteran wide receiver faces a hearing on April 1 on charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery.
Vrabel highlights 2026 NFL Draft strength/need
Vrabel noted that tight end is a strength of the 2026 NFL Draft class. Hunter Henry is 31 years old, and Austin Hooper is a free agent, so tight end is a sneaky need for the Patriots in the draft.
“Whether they’re premium players or what people would say are first-round picks, I just know that when you go and you evaluate other teams and you get ready to play for them, there’s a bunch of fourth- and fifth-round tight ends that end up starting, playing and contributing,” Vrabel said. “So, wherever that value is, I just think that there are some names there. I, myself, personally, have to do a better job of evaluating that position that I can then give input to the rest of the personnel staff and kind of the vision that we have for that position.”
Potential trade for Brown
The Patriots head coach said that he maintains a relationship with Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown from their days with the Titans. He was later asked if he would kick the tires on a trade for Brown.
“I think that we’ll look at everything that we can possibly look at to add to our roster,” Vrabel said. “There’s a lot of things that go into trades. There’s a lot of back and forth. Taking on compensation and so we’ll, I’m sure there’ll be a lot of opportunities for us to talk about trades, not only this week, but as we prepare and get closer to the draft, those are things when time ramps up.”
Adding a No. 1 receiver
Don’t expect the Patriots to sign a top wide receiver in free agency, according to Vrabel, because they don’t ever become available.
“You have to try to draft them. I think that’s where a lot of them are,” Vrabel said. “You develop them. Some of them develop and guys, the transition in that position from year one to year two, can be pretty special.”
The Patriots selected Kyle Williams in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
“I just know I’m excited about seeing where he goes from Year 1 to Year 2,” Vrabel said. “Made some fantastic plays. Ability to adjust down the field on the deep ball. Has got really good release skills. … I’m not going to sit there and say, ‘These guys are going to be a No. 1 receiver or edge rusher.’ We’re just excited that he’s with us, what he showed us. His attitude was fantastic. We’ll have to help him get to reach his potential.”
Approach to free agency
The Patriots currently have over $42 million in cap space. Vrabel was asked if he’d like to see that increase before free agency.
“I’ve gotten to the point now in my life where if I want something, I can usually buy it,” Vrabel said. “I’m sure Richard Miller, Eliot and Matt Groh will work and do everything that they can to help us sign the players, with certain exceptions.”
Vrabel said the team has not solidified their free agency plan yet.
“We’re still working through it,” Vrabel said. “We want to have a plan, and we want to bring in really talented players that we have a vision for, that we also believe in the type of character that they have as we build this team and improve on what we did this year. We know how difficult that will be. So right now, the plan is to evaluate everybody that we can, have communication and conversations, when those times come, with the agents as we approach the tampering window. Right now, it’s about gaining information from our scouting department and having our coaches look at it and then figuring out a few players at each position that may help us.”
Improving the O-line
The Patriots plan to bring in competition on their offensive line this offseason, according to Vrabel. He also noted that left guard Jared Wilson, who played center at Georgia, continued to cross train at the position last season.
“Jared worked at both positions. We asked him to prepare as a starter each week at center, even though he didn’t have to,” Vrabel said. “So I’m sure that he’ll do the same thing when we start April 20.”
In-house free agents
Vrabel was asked about potential plans to re-sign in-house free agents defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson and offensive tackle Vederian Lowe.
“I’m very thankful of their contributions. Each of those players that you mentioned had a very unique contribution to our football team and to our success,” Vrabel said. “There is no way around it, and with that comes an opportunity for them and their particular situation. Would love to have them all back, but we know that that’s not always the case in the National Football League, so we’ll see where those conversations go. Thank those players and all the free agents that helped us win 17 games and compete for a championship.”