Mike Vrabel is midway through his first offseason as head coach of the New England Patriots. He’s been tasked with helping the franchise improve on a 4-13 campaign in 2024.
New England invested significantly in free agency to enhance the roster with veteran talent, particularly at wide receiver. The Patriots agreed on a three-year contract with four-time Pro Bowl wideout Stefon Diggs.
As offseason training activities (OTAs) begin this week for the Patriots, Vrabel is answering questions about their big-name wide receiver addition.
Diggs was not in attendance for OTAs – which are voluntary – on May 28. He was recently seen on a boat in a video circulating on social media, and Vrabel said the team is ‘aware of’ the viral post.
‘Obviously, we want to make great decisions on and off the field,’ Vrabel said when asked about the video. ‘We’re hoping that with our time here on the field today, that when we don’t have a script and we’re on the call periods, that we’re making great decisions. The message will be the same for all our players, that we’re trying to make great decisions. Any conversations that I’ve had with Stefon will remain between him, I and the club.’
When asked if he’s talked to Diggs since the video was posted on social media, Vrabel said he talks to the players every day, including the ones who are at OTAs and the ones who are not.
Vrabel reiterated that some players are in attendance for OTAs but others aren’t.
‘This is a voluntary part of our offseason program,’ he said. ‘Every player that’s not here, which there aren’t many, have been in communication with me and their position coaches.’
Diggs is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in Week 8 of the 2024 season. He injured his knee while running a route in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts.
‘I think he’s doing everything like everybody else,’ said Vrabel. ‘He’s working hard; I think he’s excited about being here and being a Patriot. He’s a motivated player, he’s a hungry player, just like everybody else that’s here.’
Diggs is expected to be healthy for the start of the 2025 season, his 11th in the NFL.
