Titanic Trade: Should New England Patriots Deal for Tennessee Coach Mike Vrabel?

Former Miami Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller says the New England Patriots should trade for Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel after Bill Belichick is fired.

Amidst the worst season for the New England Patriots since 2000, the speculation surrounding coach Bill Belichick continues to spread. It is uncertain how and when the Patriots will part ways with the architect of their nearly two-decade-long dynasty, yet it seems increasingly likely that Foxboro won't be Belichick's last coaching job in the league. 

Recent reports have stated that if the Patriots opt to go another direction, Belichick will look elsewhere for employment to secure the 18 wins he needs to surpass Don Shula as the NFL's all-time winningest coach. But with all focus on Belichick's potential next stop, what about the Patriots?

Former Miami Dolphins general manager-turned-writer for The Athletic, Randy Mueller, suggests that the Patriots trade for Tennessee Titans coach and former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel to replace Belichick. Other NFL insiders have already proposed the scenario, indicating the Pats consider Vrabel their "home run" hire as Belichick's successor.

“If I were Kraft, I’d reach out owner to owner and offer a 2024 second-round pick, as it will be a high one,” Mueller writes. “I would not touch a pick in the top 10 because I’m not willing to give up the farm, and if I were the Titans, I might counter to acquire an additional pick in a subsequent year.

Aug 25, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel shakes hands with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick after the game at Nissan Stadium.   / Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

It seems like a no-brainer that a first-round pick is completely off the table for the Patriots if they wish to trade for their new coach, especially if it is in the Top 5. But what about a second-round pick for the 48-year-old Vrabel? 

It is certainly better than giving up a first-round pick, but not by much considering the state of the Patriots roster. 

With seven games left to play in the regular season and over 20 players on expiring contracts, every pick could prove valuable to New England. Depending on how the Patriots use their first pick, that second-round selection could net them a receiver or even an offensive tackle, both positions of major need.

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“This can only happen if Vrabel is serious about moving on as well," Mueller writes. "And there might be another team that would offer more for a coach of Vrabel’s status, though the league might fight the idea of a draft pick bidding war for a coach.”

While hiring Vrabel would allow the Patriots to assemble the "Dream Team," is it worth a top 60 pick? We'd say no, but Mueller says yes.