The spotlight hasn’t moved away from Mike Vrabel, and if anything, it’s only grown harsher. The New England Patriots’ draft process, particularly on Day 3, became the latest talking point. Vrabel announced that he would step away from the team on Day 3 in order to focus on family counseling.
However, ESPN NFL insider Peter Schrager raised eyebrows when he reported that Vrabel was in “constant communication” with the Patriots on Saturday, only to walk back the report completely shortly after.
NFL World Reacts As Insider Update on Mike Vrabel’s Draft Absence Sparks Confusion
“I’ve been told from Patriots sources that they are in constant contact with Vrabel throughout the day,” Schrager said on ESPN’s NFL Draft broadcast. “Obviously a very unique situation…he is not drafting with the team here on Day 3… But they do have contact via telephone and text message.”
However, he later backtracked from his own reporting and instead provided an update on social media.
“Following up on the Vrabel report, it was my understanding that Coach Vrabel was going to be in contact with the staff via phone/text, but I’ve learned that in the end, both Vrabel and the team ultimately chose not to interrupt him and his family during Day 3 of the Draft,” Schrager posted on X.
Following up on the Vrabel report, it was my understanding that Coach Vrabel was going to be in contact with the staff via phone/text, but I’ve learned that in the end, both Vrabel and the team ultimately chose not to interrupt him and his family during Day 3 of the Draft.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 25, 2026
Patriots GM Eliot Wolf later confirmed that the team had no contact with Vrabel throughout Day 3 as he focuses on his family amid the Dianna Russini scandal.
The flip-flopping from Schrager was odd, and the NFL world reacted, with some wondering if his initial report was inaccurate or if this was the latest example of the Patriots’ PR team botching this controversy.
“Aight man,” JP Acosta of CBS Sports noted. While Quincy Avery, a QB coach, was more critical of how the situation was handled, especially the inconsistency between the first two days and the final stretch.
“I think all this by Vrabel and the Patriots is so performative. The first two days he was locked in but just decided day 3 was the day he had to get out of there urgently? He could of did whatever he was doing today, Monday,” Avery noted.
I think all this by Vrabel and the Patriots is so performative. The first two days he was locked in but just decided day 3 was the day he had to get out of there urgently? He could of did whatever he was doing today Monday. https://t.co/xJHafJdTvR
— Quincy Avery (@QuincyAvery) April 25, 2026
Analyst Thor Nystrom focused on the football implications, questioning how a team could operate without its head coach’s input.
“So a sitting NFL head coach had no say in — nor any idea of — who his organization was picking for over half of the NFL Draft? This is getting weirder and weirder,” Nystrom noted.
So a sitting NFL head coach had no say in — nor any idea of — who his organization was picking for over half of the NFL Draft?
This is getting weirder and weirder. https://t.co/It05y3AgEM
— Thor Nystrom (@thorku) April 25, 2026
Others saw the situation as part of a broader effort to manage optics. Chase Snyder pointed out parallels with other narratives around the league.
“Who’s trying to do more damage control on the original (actually true reports): Everyone saying McVay just doesn’t want to hurt Stafford’s feelings OR the Patriots deciding to leave Vrabel alone when they’ve really been zooming with him all day?” Snyder wrote.
Nick Penticoff posted a GIF of Jennifer Lawrence saying “okay,” reflecting a sense of disbelief.
https://t.co/GLCKI71vK1 pic.twitter.com/fokIbk6fkR
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) April 25, 2026
Meanwhile, John Zannis questioned the report’s credibility outright: “I don’t find this believable.”
From a human perspective, stepping away to focus on family is understandable.
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But from a football standpoint, the absence of a head coach during a critical phase of roster building is far from ideal. The move would certainly invite criticism, especially if draft picks fail to meet expectations. Eight of New England’s 11 draft picks fell on Day 3, making Vrabel’s absence even more impactful.
The Patriots may have added solid talent despite the circumstances, but perception often matters as much as results. With the controversy still ongoing, every decision is being scrutinized more closely than usual.
