The New England Patriots’ Cinderella run to the Super Bowl in Mike Vrabel’s first year at the helm was as improbable as it was impressive. But when they ran into the buzzsaw that is the Seattle Seahawks' defense, the flaws that had been lurking beneath the surface all season came crashing into view.
From the jump, it was clear the Patriots’ offense wasn’t ready for the moment. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye looked rattled early, and the offensive line-anchored by first-year players-struggled to hold the line against relentless pressure.
The result? A game plan that never had a chance to breathe.
The wideouts couldn’t separate, the run game was a non-factor, and Maye was left scrambling, both literally and figuratively.
Now, with the season in the rearview and the sting of the Super Bowl loss still fresh, the conversation is already shifting toward what’s next. And one former Patriot isn’t waiting around to weigh in.
Damien Harris: Patriots Need an “Alpha” - Specifically, A.J. Brown
Former New England running back Damien Harris didn’t mince words when asked what the Patriots need to take the next step. His answer?
Go get A.J. Brown.
“The Patriots need an alpha out there,” Harris said. “And his name is A.J. Brown.”
It’s a name Patriots fans have heard before. Brown has long been linked to New England, and that connection only deepened when Vrabel-who coached Brown during his time in Tennessee-was hired last offseason. The two have a strong relationship, and Vrabel was famously unhappy when the Titans traded Brown to Philadelphia in the first place.
Now, with Brown’s tenure in Philly hitting some bumps in the road, the door might be cracked open just enough for New England to make a move.
A.J. Brown’s Fit in New England
Let’s be clear: Brown would be a game-changer for this Patriots offense. He’s a true WR1-physical, explosive, and capable of taking over games.
That’s exactly the kind of presence Drake Maye needs as he continues to grow into the franchise quarterback role. Right now, the Patriots lack that dominant perimeter threat who can demand double coverage and tilt the field.
And while it would take some capital to pry Brown away from the Eagles, the Patriots are in a better position now to make that kind of move. With the 31st overall pick in the upcoming draft, New England isn’t sitting at the top of the board anymore.
Trading a late first-rounder for a proven star like Brown? That’s a move that makes a lot of sense if the goal is to win now.
Of course, it would likely take more than just one pick to get the Eagles to bite. But with Brown’s contract and Philadelphia’s cap situation in play, it’s not out of the question that they’d be open to a deal-especially if it helps them reset financially and retool on the fly.
Vrabel Connection Could Be Key
One of the biggest factors working in New England’s favor? The Vrabel-Brown connection.
Vrabel knows what Brown brings to the table and would likely be one of the biggest advocates for bringing him in. That kind of familiarity matters-especially when you’re talking about a player with Brown’s personality and presence in the locker room.
And from Brown’s perspective, a reunion with Vrabel could be appealing. He’d walk into Foxborough as the unquestioned No. 1 target, with a young quarterback eager to build chemistry and a coaching staff that knows how to use his skill set.
Looking Ahead
The Patriots have already overachieved under Vrabel, and now the challenge is sustaining that success-and building on it. Adding a player like A.J. Brown would be a bold move, but it's the kind of swing that championship teams make when they know they’re close.
New England’s defense is already playoff-caliber. The coaching staff has proven it can scheme with the best of them.
What they need now is firepower. And if Damien Harris is right-and A.J.
Brown is truly in play-then the Patriots might just be one big move away from making another Super Bowl push.
The offseason is just getting started, but the message is clear: If New England wants to level up, it’s time to go get their alpha.