Mike Vrabel didn’t come back to Foxborough to shake hands and play nice—he came to win. After three rocky years following decades of dominance, the Patriots are in desperate need of a new identity. Hence, the team and the coach are making a crucial decision for the year.
In their most recent preseason game, Vrabel wasn’t happy with the opening drive from his offensive starters. So what did he do? He sent them right back out. He tweaked the approach, made adjustments, and this time the drive ended in a touchdown. That’s Vrabel’s style—no excuses, no shortcuts, just immediate accountability. After the offense decision, his focus has now shifted to the defense.
As New England/Midwest Beat Writer Zach Gatsby revealed, “The #Patriots have reached out to the Cincinnati Bengals to inquire about the status of All-Pro DE Trey Hendrickson.” That’s a massive move if it happens. Hendrickson himself hasn’t shied away from admitting what’s stalling things in Cincy. Before the Bengals faced the Commanders on Monday night, he told ESPN that there’s only one roadblock to his extension. The defensive star explained both sides already agreed on the years and the overall dollars, “but not guaranteed money.”
Meanwhile, nothing’s moved forward on that guaranteed cash or a potential trade, which has left Hendrickson stuck in limbo. He traveled with the Bengals to Washington, but he still didn’t play. That’s a frustrating spot for a 30-year-old pass rusher who knows his value. After all, he has watched players like Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, and Maxx Crosby cash in with monster contracts while he waits for the Bengals front office to figure it out.
BREAKING: The #Patriots have reached out to the Cincinnati Bengals to inquire about the status of All-Pro DE Trey Hendrickson, per sources.
— Gatsby (@ZachGatsby) August 19, 2025
On top of that, Hendrickson has the production to back up every demand. He led the entire NFL in sacks last season with 17.5—his second straight year hitting that number. His 35 sacks over the past two years are the most in the league, and he’s recorded at least 13.5 sacks in four of the last five seasons. That’s dominance, and that’s exactly why Mike Vrabel sees him as the kind of player who could tilt the balance of power in the AFC while hurting every New England’s toughest rivals. However, Vrabel isn’t only looking at what’s coming in—he’s already making bold moves with what he has.
Yes! He has demoted $58M safety Kyle Dugger to a backup, and guess what? The plans might be that Vrabel won’t even factor him into the Patriots’ plans.
This is a developing story….
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