Patriots Urged to Reunite Free Agent Veteran With Mike Vrabel

It is no secret that Mike Vrabel wants to establish an identity for this Patriots team moving forward, as he hinted at in his introductory press conference. This identity, according to Vrabel, removes entitlement and egotistical thinking completely. He wants players who will put the team first and be leaders, on and off the field.

This former Titans lineman and now free agent embodies Vrabel's philosophies after playing for him, and could be a candidate to join the roster under Vrabel this offseason.

Patriots Urged to Reunite Free Agent Veteran With Mike Vrabel

Christopher Price of The Boston Globe highlighted some potential free agent candidates for the Patriots heading into this offseason, with names such as Bobby Wagner, Stephon Gilmore, and Amari Cooper on the list. There is one name that appeared that may make the most sense for New England, a player who would be a familiar face for Vrabel in the locker room.

Daniel Brunskill is a six-year NFL veteran who has spent time with the 49ers and Titans, playing under Mike Vrabel in the 2023 season. His versatility and reliability would add to a Patriots o-line group that needs some work this offseason. Whether it's through the draft or free agency, the Patriots need to improve in the trenches to be able to play the way Vrabel envisions.

"Daniel Brunskill: The 30-year-old, who played for Vrabel in Tennessee in 2023, has flashed nice versatility, having lined up at center, guard, and tackle for the Titans and 49ers. A 6-5, 300-pounder, his toughness (he’s never played fewer than 14 games in a season) and versatility could appeal to a team looking to overhaul the offensive line."

- Christopher Price, The Boston Globe

Brunskill would provide the Patriots with a veteran presence up front that won't commit a whole lot of penalties. Across his career, Brunskill has committed just 10 penalties across 66 starts in his career. The Pats committed 111 penalties this past season, tied for ninth-most in the league. Signing a guy like Brunskill could help lower that number in 2025.

Brunskill is set to receive interest from different teams this offseason, but New England could be a top destination due to the hiring of Vrabel and the opportunities that present themselves on this o-line. Tackle Chukwuma Okorafor is the only unrestricted Pats o-lineman set to hit the open market this offseason.

The 30-year-old versatile lineman inked a two-year, $5.5 million dollar contract with Tennessee back in 2023, and New England could offer him more years and money after Brunskill posted back-to-back successful seasons with the Titans.

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