The New England Patriots have thrown a lot of money around this offseason and one of their biggest priorities has been fixing their defense. While Milton Williams was their first splash in free agency, the Patriots have been busy putting together a roster for new Mike Vrabel.
Part of that process has been finding players with the same mindset as Vrabel. A hard-nosed linebacker, Vrabel won three Super Bowls during his playing career, as a member of the Patriots and brought the same style of play to the Tennessee Titans, posting a 54-45 record over six seasons.
With that in mind, a recent Patriots signing made a promise to his new fan base that makes it seem like he’ll fit right in with a new era in Foxborough.
New Patriots Linebacker Robert Spillane Sounds Like Mike Vrabel’s Kind of Player
The Patriots signed linebacker Robert Spillane to a three-year, $33 million contract in free agency this week, and he appears to fit into Vrabel’s culture after logging over 100 total tackles in back-to-back seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Spillane will likely endear himself to Patriots fans once he hits the field, but took a solid first step by vowing to give everything he has to his new city.
“I want Patriot nation to know I’m going to pour my heart into this city,” Spillane said via Patriots team reporter Evan Lazar.
New #Patriots LB Robert Spillane: “I want Patriot nation to know I’m going to pour my heart into this city.”
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) March 13, 2025
If Spillane gives it his all, the Patriots could get a solid player to build around. Spillane previously worked with Vrabel for one season as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and spent four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before signing with the Raiders in 2023.
Spillane’s time in Vegas was extremely successful. He made 148 tackles including seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, four pass deflections, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. The 29-year-old also secured the bag with an encore, making 158 total tackles including 10 tackles for loss, seven pass deflections, two sacks and two interceptions last season.
After coming over in free agency, Spillane is one of four projected starters who have arrived in the past week with Williams, Harold Landry III and Carlton Davis signing on the dotted line. It’s great news for a Patriots defense that ranked 22nd in scoring defense and total yardage allowed last season, and could take a step forward under Vrabel next season.