After a tumultuous and disastrous 2024 season under Jerod Mayo, the New England Patriots made a change at head coach, bringing in Mike Vrabel earlier this year.
Vrabel made various changes to the coaching staff and the Patriots’ roster, signing numerous vets in free agency on both sides of the ball, while also drafting 11 rookies and signing multiple undrafted free agents.
It’s clear that New England will have a ton of competition at various spots in training camp, and Vrabel will want to see who steps up to the challenge.
When it comes to New England’s free-agent signings, Milton Williams, Carlton Davis III, Harold Landry III, and Stefon Diggs are the headliners as they will play a big role in the Pats’ success in 2025.
However, New England fans should keep their eye on this underrated free-agent signing, who could play a significant role in the linebacker unit.
Patriots LB Jack Gibbens Could Become a Valuable Signing in 2025
Earlier this offseason, the Pats signed 26-year-old linebacker Jack Gibbens to a one-year, $1.3 million deal. Gibbens spent the first three years of his career with the Tennessee Titans, and two of those seasons were coached by Vrabel.
The new Patriots defender has made plays here and there in OTAs and mandatory minicamp, but as Evan Lazar of Patriots.com pointed out early last month, there isn’t a feel yet for the guys behind the starters, who will presumably be Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss.
New England cut Ja’Whaun Bentley this offseason and then saw Jahlani Tavai sustain a calf injury in OTAs. Tavai is expected to be ready for training camp. However, even when he returns, Gibbens has an opportunity to outshine him and Marte Mapu.
Gibbens’ best year in the NFL was under Vrabel in 2023, where he posted 95 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, three pass deflections, two quarterback hits, and a sack in 14 games (13 starts).
He also held his own in pass coverage with a 66.7 completion percentage allowed on targets and a 93.1 pass rating allowed when targeted. Due to his experience with Vrabel, Gibbens could step in if someone gets hurt during the season. In a league where depth is always needed, New England might’ve found a steal in free agency.