The New England Patriots are one of the top teams in the AFC, yet their quiet approach at the NFL trade deadline has sparked significant criticism. While the team boasts a 7-2 record, head coach Mike Vrabel is defending the organization’s decision to stand pat. Still, his explanation on November 4, 2025, failed to convince everyone, including some of the franchise’s own former players.
The backlash intensified when former Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich publicly questioned the team’s lack of urgency. He claimed he put in more effort to find talent than his former team did.
“I think I did more work at the deadline than the Patriots did,” Ninkovich said on Wednesday during the “Greg Hill Show”.
Why Did a Top AFC Contender Stand Patriots at the Deadline?
Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on a table prior to a press conference at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on a table prior to a press conference at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Speaking to reporters, Mike Vrabel insisted that the team’s inactivity was not due to a lack of effort but was part of a broader vision.
“We’re trying to build a program,” Vrabel said. “I think part of building a program is finding ways to win, building a team, and figuring out where the pieces are that we can continue to add that are going to make sense.”
This patient approach is puzzling to some, especially since New England leads the AFC East and is tied for the best record in the conference. Furthermore, the team is heading into its Week 10 matchup without three key players: Kayson Boutte, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Christian Ellis, who are all dealing with severe injuries. Many expected management to add defensive depth or another pass-catcher for a potential playoff run.
Vrabel confirmed his crew made calls, but no deal felt solid enough to complete. “Deals are like being pregnant,” he explained. “You either are or you aren’t.”
However, that statement did little to calm the frustration. Rob Ninkovich revealed he had personally reached out to Cleveland’s Myles Garrett and Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson, hoping to persuade one of them to come to Foxborough. While both teams refused to make a deal, his proactive effort highlighted what critics see as a lack of aggression from the Patriots’ front office.
How Will This Decision Impact the Patriots’ Season?
Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on a table at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on a table at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
When pressed on whether patience was more important than capitalizing on the team’s current momentum, Vrabel pushed back against the narrative. He sharply cut off a reporter’s question, stating, “Winning is the most important thing. Don’t put words in my mouth.”
This situation leaves New England in a precarious position. The team must now navigate a tough schedule with its existing roster, banking on Vrabel’s long-term vision over an immediate upgrade. His conservative strategy will face its first true test on the field in the upcoming Week 10 clash against the 6-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Whether this proves to be a disciplined move that sustains New England’s early-season success or becomes the turning point critics warned about remains to be seen. For now, the Patriots will have to rely on the players they have as they continue their push for the postseason.