After Mike Vrabel was named the head coach of the New England Patriots earlier this spring, he quickly set about reshaping the team’s roster. Among his first moves was to part ways with several veteran players and bring in familiar faces from his previous tenure with the Tennessee Titans. One notable addition was linebacker Robert Spillane, who started his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent under Vrabel in Tennessee.
Spillane appeared to be an ideal match for Vrabel’s vision. Under the previous coaching regime of Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo, the Patriots emphasized bigger and stronger linebackers. In contrast, Vrabel has shown a preference for quicker, more athletic players. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 229 pounds, Spillane fit this mold, making him a fitting choice for Vrabel’s defensive philosophy.
The Patriots demonstrated their commitment by signing Spillane to a surprising three-year contract worth $33 million during the offseason. Although the deal garnered little attention due to New England’s ample salary cap space, the significant investment raised expectations as he was now one of the league’s highest-paid linebackers ahead of his age-30 season.
However, the start of the season was rocky for Spillane. Over the first two weeks, his performance fell short of expectations, earning low grades from Pro Football Focus, with defensive scores of 43.9 and 30.5. He missed eight tackles and failed to show impact in coverage, leading observers to question the wisdom of his signing.
The narrative shifted dramatically over the following weeks, as Spillane began to turn his season around. He delivered strong performances against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, recording a total of 18 tackles without a single miss. His improved coverage allowed a passer rating of 52.1 against Pittsburgh and 95.8 against Carolina, showcasing a notable turnaround.
This resurgence coincided with improved performances from the Patriots’ defensive unit, which now ranks ninth in the NFL in terms of points allowed and maintains a top-half ranking in total yards allowed. The run defense has been particularly impressive, limiting opponents to just 3.3 yards per carry, securing the second-best record in the league.
Spillane’s athleticism and tenacity have made a significant impact, as he currently leads the team in tackles. His drive and determination embody the qualities Vrabel seeks to instill in the team, hinting that he will remain a key player in the Patriots’ defensive strategy moving forward. If Spillane continues his upward trajectory, he could prove to be a worthwhile investment, living up to the lofty expectations set by his substantial contract.