For many football fans, Tom Brady should have retired as a lifelong Patriot. Instead, he left in 2020 to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he went on to win his seventh Super Bowl ring. Years later, Belichick, who is now focusing on his second year with the UNC Tar Heels, completely supports the decision made by the future first-ballot Hall of Famer.

According to the former Patriots head coach, who won six Super Bowls alongside Brady, New England simply didn’t have a strong enough roster to help TB12 achieve success in 2020. In contrast, Tampa Bay had built a championship-ready environment perfectly suited for Brady to step in and win another title.

“Tom leaving was absolutely the right thing for him to do,” Bill Belichick said, via Boston.com. “We didn’t have a good team in 2020. We just didn’t have a good football team. We had all those guys that left — (Rob) Gronkowski and (Julian) Edelman. Most of our team was gone. (Devin) McCourty and a few others were still there, but they were about to go, too. We were just at the end.

“And honestly, I was happy for him that things worked out well for him in Tampa, because he was with a team … and then he went on and won. That made me happy for him, because Tom — it wouldn’t have gone well in 2020 in New England. On this, I can guarantee that.”

The Patriots were not ready for Tom Brady’s departure

Tom Brady’s final contract with the Patriots expired in 2020, a situation the front office was well aware of. While they remained confident that they would agree on an extension, they ultimately failed to secure his services, allowing the quarterback to hit free agency.

Following Brady’s departure, Bill Belichick chose to remain in New England to rebuild with a new quarterback. However, the Patriots struggled to find a viable successor during the remainder of his tenure, which ultimately led to the legendary head coach’s departure following the 2023 season.

Now, the Patriots find themselves in an entirely different era. Mike Vrabel took over the team in 2025 and immediately guided them to Super Bowl LX, where New England narrowly fell to the Seattle Seahawks. Furthermore, the franchise has found a promising young signal-caller in Drake Maye, whom many view as the true successor to Tom Brady that the club had been desperately searching for.

Will Bill Belichick return to the NFL?

Since parting ways with the Patriots at the end of the 2023 season, Belichick has not held another coaching position in the NFL. He came remarkably close to joining the Atlanta Falcons in early 2024, but the organization ultimately chose Raheem Morris to fill the vacancy.

Bill Belichick currently serves as the head coach of the UNC Tar Heels. While he is rumored to still be interested in a return to the professional ranks, no formal NFL offers have materialized, meaning his legendary days in the league may have officially come to a close.

“I have a ton of respect for him… Coach Vrabel was his coach… I understand it’s a lot of rumors going around. If he’s here, I’d love to have him here, and if he isn’t here, I’m still gonna wish him the best…,” Doubs said to the press.

Romeo Doubs arrived as one of the notable additions to Foxborough this offseason. Vrabel could end up having one of the most interesting wide receiver corps in the league if Brown’s move comes to fruition.

What would an offense with Doubs and Brown look like?

During the 2025 season, A.J. Brown remained a high-end producer for the Philadelphia Eagles, hauling in 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and 7 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Romeo Doubs put up solid numbers in Green Bay with 55 catches for 724 yards and 6 touchdowns.

If the Patriots were to pull off a trade for A.J. Brown, they would provide Drake Maye with a truly frightening receiving corps; a duo of Brown and Doubs would offer the perfect blend of a dominant, physical WR1 and a reliable, sure-handed WR2. This vertical threat, combined with Maye’s arm talent, would instantly transform New England‘s passing game into one of the most explosive units in the AFC.

The potential reunion of Brown and Vrabel

Any potential move to bring A.J. Brown to a Mike Vrabel-led Patriots squad is centered around the critical June 1 deadline. Trading him after this date allows the Eagles to spread a massive dead-cap hit across two seasons, making the deal financially viable for Philadelphia, while the Patriots currently hold over $35 million in cap space to absorb Brown’s $23.4 million cap charge.

Economically, the move would likely trigger an immediate contract restructure to lower his short-term cap hit and secure his future in Foxborough. Reuniting with Vrabel, who coached him in Tennessee, Brown would serve as the ultimate veteran alpha for Drake Maye, commanding a salary of roughly $29 million in total cash for the 2026 campaign.

The Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini scandal keeps getting bigger and bigger. This time around, it was reported that the Pats HC had a yacht trip with the journalist while she was pregnant. Every time that the story is dimming, a new thing appears.

Unfortunately for Patriots players, the topic reached them. Maye was asked if Vrabel’s off-field problems will be a distraction. The QB answered with an emphatic “No, I don’t.“

Drake Maye is focusing on football only

Maye is demonstrating big-time maturity with this issue. Many would just go full into the gossip mode kinds of things. For Maye, “he’s our head coach. I think he’s done a great job of talking to us and talking us through it. I’m just looking forward to getting back to work and getting ready.”

Vrabel is an excellent head coach. When it comes to football, he is a brilliant mind. However, now there are questions of whether Vrabel will be on the Patriots sideline come Week 1. Maye, for now, is still standing besides his head coach.

The Patriots are going downhill fast

The Patriots lost their best wide receiver in Stefon Diggs, their draft wasn’t graded in a good way, their head coach is in the middle of one of the hottest scandals in recent NFL history, their schedule will be one of the toughest in 2026, and the whole franchise seems headed to absolute disarray.

While there is a big rumor stating they could bring star WR AJ Brown, the fact is that this offseason, New England has had way more downs than ups. This could be very well an indicator of where the team’s season will go.

According to the report, the off-the-field circumstances involving Vrabel could complicate his future with the team. “But if these upcoming few months go haywire, and if they are put in a situation of no return, either with the team not doing well or the drama of Mike’s family issues taking over and forcing a decision on Mike’s coaching future, the one person that they would seek to replace him would be Mike Tomlin.”

That potential scenario remains speculative for now, but it highlights how seriously the Patriots are preparing for all outcomes. Vrabel is still the current head coach, and they would prefer stability, but the possibility of disruption has forced them to think ahead. After becoming an icon with the Steelers and winning a Super Bowl, Tomlin could be the answer.

Mike Tomlin is an option for Patriots

Even within that uncertainty, the idea of Mike Tomlin stepping in comes with immediate complications. Tomlin has recently transitioned into a new role as an analyst with NBC, making any potential return to coaching, especially on short notice, far from straightforward.

If Tomlin were not available, another name could emerge internally: Josh McDaniels. With prior head coaching experience and familiarity with the organization, he could be viewed as a more immediate and practical option to step into the role if needed.

For now, the Patriots are not making any changes. But the fact that contingency plans are being considered underscores the unpredictability of the situation. Much will depend on how the coming months unfold, both on and off the field.

Until then, Mike Vrabel remains in place. But as the report suggests, the Patriots are quietly preparing for the possibility that things may not stay that way. Mike Tomlin would be a massive splash.

Naturally, the coach controversy reached Drake Maye as he was giving an interview to Jonathan Hall of 7News. “We’re here for coach. We love coach… what he’s done for us this past year — you can’t speak into words. Just thankful he’s our head coach. I know he’s dealing with some stuff off the field… we’re here for him.”

Due to the Vrabel-Russini scandal, the head coach missed the final day of the draft. However, he is back, and Patriots players say the energy is great and nothing has changed inside the team’s locker room.

Vrabel and Maye’s debut year was special

Mike Vrabel came to the Patriots when the team was in complete disarray. In his first year, he not only fixed the team, but also led them into the Super Bowl, despite a losing effort. He also formed a special connection with then-second-year QB Drake Maye.

Maye was the runner-up in MVP voting as well. Maye led the NFL in completion percentage (72), passer rating (113.5), QBR (77.1), and also had 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions. He was absolutely stellar throughout the whole season.

The Patriots want to avoid Super Bowl hangover talks

The term ‘Super Bowl hangover‘ refers to the decline in performance for NFL teams that appeared in the Super Bowl a season prior. The fact is that this offseason, all points sign to the Patriots suffering from this.

Add that to the fact that their schedule will be much harder than last year and this season could be a nightmare for the Patriots. It’s time to be put to the test, since the team’s character is getting challenged right now. At least quarterback and heac coach are still in-sync.

Jiles departs New England having spent two years on the practice squad and signing a futures deal in February, but he never played an official game for the team. He is 25 years old.

After spending time on the Seahawks’ practice squad, 24-year-old tight end Marshall Lang had two separate stints with the New England practice squad last season. Now, it’s up to waiting if the AJ Brown trade with the Eagles actually materialize.

Patriots need AJ Brown more than ever

The Patriots didn’t have the best of drafts, and controversy around Mike Vrabel has this team in the middle of a PR crisis. Add that to the actual need to add a star wideout and the AJ Brown move needs to happen or this team could go into disarray.

This team is fresh off a Super Bowl appearance, but now it appears like it is destined to suffer the classic Super Bowl hangover. The Patriots have to make moves and prove that they still belong to the top-tier level of the NFL.

AJ Brown would thrive with Drake Maye at QB

AJ Brown is an elite weapon and arguably a top five wideout in the league. Pair him to the MVP runner-up and one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the NFL like Drake Maye, and this could be an unstoppable duo.

Brown excels at contested catches, physicality, raw speed, and intermediate-to-long routes. The Patriots had Stefon Diggs last season and that was enough to get to the Super Bowl, and AJ Brown is much better at this point than Diggs. Hence, he could put this team in a whole new level.

“The Patriots want AJ Brown and the Eagles are willing to move on from AJ Brown. I expect that this trade will come together on June 1…it’s not gonna be hard to get it done…I believe in the end it will involve a future 1st round draft pick, my guess is a 1 in 2028,” Adam Schefter reported on The Pat McAfee Show.

In Foxborough, they are looking for a replacement following the departure of Stefon Diggs. The idea is for it to be one with experience, talent, and explosiveness—something Mike Vrabel knows very well about Brown from their time together with the Tennessee Titans.

Why would A.J. Brown arrive in New England as of June 1?

The rumored arrival of A.J. Brown in New England is strategically timed for after June 1 to maximize salary cap flexibility for the Philadelphia Eagles. By waiting until this date, the Eagles can split Brown’s massive $43.4 million dead cap hit across the 2026 and 2027 seasons, rather than absorbing the entire penalty in a single year.

This accounting maneuver provides Philadelphia with roughly $20 million in immediate cap relief, making the trade financially viable, while allowing the Patriots to officially acquire their projected WR1 for quarterback Drake Maye.

Patriots look to fill the void left by Stefon Diggs

In his lone season with the New England Patriots, Stefon Diggs was a highly productive weapon for Drake Maye, recording 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and 4 touchdowns in 17 games during the 2025 campaign.

Despite leading the team in catches and yards, his production dipped in the playoffs—averaging only 27.5 yards per game across four postseason appearances—and he faced significant off-field legal issues late in the year.

The aerial attack of Drake Maye in New England so far

Stefon Diggs is gone, Romeo Doubs has arrived, and Kayshon Boutte is still on the roster. These are the options that Drake Maye currently has in his receiving corps ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

On Wednesday night, Vrabel informed the media that he will be absent from the final day of the draft. This decision follows the publication of photos showing him with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort. In response, Vrabel announced he would begin seeking counseling this weekend, stating that he needs to be “the best husband, father, and coach” he can possibly be.

The Patriots have rallied behind their head coach during this difficult time. The club issued a supportive statement, emphasizing that the health and stability of their staff’s families remain a higher priority than football operations.

“The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being. Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment.

“We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process. While he will not be present at the facility on Saturday, we know the draft evaluations are complete and Eliot Wolf and his personnel staff are prepared to execute our draft as planned this weekend.”

What happened with Mike Vrabel and Diana Russini?

On April 7, 2026, the New York Post published photos of Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and NFL insider Dianna Russini at the Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona. The images, reportedly taken in late March, showed the pair holding hands and embracing.

Both Vrabel and Russini—who are married to other people—initially downplayed the photos. Vrabel called suggestions of an affair “laughable,” while Russini claimed they were part of a larger group of friends. However, as more details emerged and the “group of friends” story could not be verified, the situation escalated.

“I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father, and coach that I possibly can be,” Vrabel said in a follow-up statement. “This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person.”

Dianna Russini resigned from The Athletic on April 14, 2026, after an internal investigation began. Through her X account, she shared her resignation letter, stating she was stepping aside to avoid the “media frenzy” and to protect her family.

“…This media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept,” Russini said.

“Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.”

“A name that has come up in trade talks is #Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte, who is entering the final year of his contract, according to multiple league sources,” Jordan Schultz revealed on X. “With Romeo Doubs coming in and the eventual AJ Brown trade, teams believe he could be available for the right price.”

Although Boutte had his share of prominence under Mike Vrabel last season, the arrival of new reinforcements could force him to look for a new team. If his departure is finalized, he would follow in the footsteps of Stefon Diggs, who is no longer a Patriots player.

Boutte proved to be an important weapon for the Patriots

During the 2025 NFL season, New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte emerged as a highly efficient deep threat, hauling in 33 receptions on 46 targets for 551 receiving yards. Despite a limited number of targets, Boutte made a significant impact in the red zone and downfield, recording 6 touchdowns and an impressive 16.7 yards per reception.

His reliability was further highlighted by a strong 71.7% catch rate and a solid 71.8 PFF receiving grade, solidifying his role as a key playmaker in the Patriots’ offense.

The Patriots’ receiving corps

With the arrival of Romeo Doubs from the Green Bay Packers and while awaiting what may happen with A.J. Brown, these are the receivers Drake Maye currently has at his disposal heading into what’s next:

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that AJ Brown is likely getting traded from the Eagles to the Patriots. However, why are these teams waiting until June 1st? Well, it’s because the cap hit of trading AJ Brown is one of $40 million. As for the Patriots, it really doesn’t matter.

By waiting until June 1st, that salary cap charge can be split between this and next year, hence making it more friendly for the Eagles. Also, Schefter reported that they can wait without hesitation, as the team rather have capital for the 2027 and 2028 drafts than this one.

Will the Eagles go for a WR in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Philadelphia Eagles have fueled their wide receiver room by bringing in Elijah Moore, Dontayvion Wicks, and Hollywood Brown. All signs point to Devonta Smith getting the WR1 slot, but the new names aren’t household ones, so the 2026 NFL Draft could be a way of reinforcing the room further.

Rumors have been around the league stating that Omar Cooper Jr. could be very well in the radar of the Philadelphia Eagles. Cooper is a highly-touted prospect in this 2026 NFL Draft, and could be a huge addition to the Eagles roster thanks to his skillset.

The Eagles have a new scheme on offense

With the arrival of Sean Mannion as the new offensive coordinator, the Eagles will change a lot in comparison to last year. Mannion should be focusing on giving Saquon Barkley the ball to open the offense with play-action, where Jalen Hurts thrives.

Last season, the Eagles were very stagnant on offense, with all AJ Brown, Saquon Barkley and Devonta Smith having lesser years than expected. That included a dip in level of quarterback Jalen Hurts. Mannion now needs to galvanize the troops and exploit their talents.

“The Eagles begin their offseason workout program today and WR A.J. Brown is not expected to attend as he awaits clarity on his future, sources tell The Insiders,” Mike Garafolo said on X. “There’s nothing mandatory before June 1, when trade talks with the Patriots and perhaps others likely resume.“

For his part, ESPN‘s Adam Schefter stated that the Eagles are open to a potential trade, with the Patriots among the most interested in acquiring his services. Eventually, this storyline will reach a final decision in the near future.

The connection between A.J. Brown and Mike Vrabel

AJ Brown and the head coach’s bond was forged during their three successful seasons together with the Tennessee Titans, where Vrabel’s leadership helped Brown establish himself as one of the league’s premier deep threats. During their time in Tennessee, Brown was exceptionally productive, recording back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in his first two years and totaling 2,995 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns under Vrabel’s tenure.

Given the Patriots‘ aggressive roster building in 2026 and Vrabel’s public admiration for Brown’s competitive drive, a reunion in Foxborough would provide the elite offensive spark New England needs. Additionally, the departure of Stefon Diggs as the primary veteran receiver has left a gap for this team to fill heading into what’s next.

Which receivers remain in the Philadelphia Eagles?

The potential departure of A.J. Brown could deal a major blow to the Philadelphia Eagles receiving corps. The main figures right now are DeVonta Smith and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who recently played for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Philadelphia has an opportunity to add talent

The biggest upcoming event is none other than the Draft, which will begin on Thursday in Pittsburgh. These will be the eight opportunities the Philadelphia Eagles will have to bring in young talent from college football:

• 1st Round: No. 23
• 2nd Round: No. 54
• 3rd Round: No. 68 (via Jets)
• 3rd Round: No. 98 (compensatory pick)
• 4th Round: No. 114 (via Falcons)
• 4th Round: No. 137 (compensatory pick)
• 5th Round: No. 178 (compensatory pick)
• 6th Round: No. 197 (via Falcons)