In the weeks leading up to Tuesday’s trade deadline, the New England Patriots had a clear target and more than enough cap space to make a significant move. However, the deal they wanted never materialized, and reports now reveal the reason: Tennessee Titans ownership allegedly refused even to answer the phone.
According to multiple league insiders, a lingering grudge held by Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk over Mike Vrabel’s exit created personal friction that blocked any potential talks, leaving the Patriots without a much-needed midseason reinforcement.
Why Did a Personal Grudge Derail a Patriots Trade?
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-Imagn Images
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
League sources indicate that ownership friction, rather than salary cap issues or player valuation, was the primary barrier to discussions between the two clubs. The tension stems from a belief that the Titans were unwilling to help the Patriots.
“Tennessee might be unwilling to make deals with New England because the owner, Amy Adams Strunk, continues to think too much about how things ended with Vrabel,”Mike Giardi told the Boston Sports Journal.
This friction dates back to Vrabel’s departure from Tennessee in 2024, following six seasons and a 54-45 record, a run that included three consecutive playoff appearances and an AFC Championship Game. Sources say Strunk took Vrabel’s exit personally.
These tensions reportedly worsened when he attended a Patriots Hall of Fame event during Tennessee’s bye week, feeding a narrative within the Titans organization that Vrabel had moved on before the team had.
How Did This Impact Both Teams at the Deadline?
Mike Vrabel
Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen waits for a referee’s call after Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel threw a challenge flag against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023.
By November 2025, that split had significant consequences. The Patriots sat at 7-2 with more than $50 million in cap space and were actively pursuing upgrades, including players like running back Tony Pollard. Meanwhile, the Titans were expected to be sellers at the deadline. While Tennessee did make moves, they pointedly avoided engaging with New England. The Titans shipped defensive end Dre’Mont Jones to the Baltimore Ravens and cornerback Roger McCreary to the Los Angeles Rams, all while passing on conversations about potential fits with the Patriots.
However, Bleacher Report noted a counterpoint from insider Paul Kuharsky, who said Tennessee “did not pass on any attractive offer” from New England. This nuance suggests the freeze might not have been an absolute refusal of fair value. Still, multiple outlets maintain that the reluctance from ownership created a practical wall that prevented any deal from getting off the ground. The result left New England waiting while its rivals upgraded their rosters.
Ultimately, the fallout is both sharp and straightforward. Vrabel’s connection to New England now complicates league commerce. For the Titans, it appears pride may have shaped a roster decision. For the Patriots, a trade that could have bolstered their season was halted not by business but by personal tension, illustrating how off-field disputes can alter the landscape of football.