After being fired in Tennessee, Mike Vrabel spent the 2024 season as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns. It’s a nebulous title, but new Patriots quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant brought some clarity to Vrabel’s responsibility on Thursday afternoon.

For years, Dont’a Hightower was the gold standard of linebacker play in New England and the epitome of what former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was looking for in a defender. A first-round draft pick in 2012, he developed into a cornerstone for the team due to his leadership, communication skills, positional versatility and athleticism.

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel hinted at a possible position change for offensive lineman Cole Strange.