Mike Vrabel’s clashes with former Titans general manager Jon Robinson over trade decisions are well known, so there was natural concern about whether he could mesh with Eliot Wolf, the Patriots’ executive vice president of player personnel/de facto GM. Vrabel, however, publicly stated that he is “beyond comfortable” working with Wolf. Yet, his recent moves of trading, releasing, and cutting several players suggest a different story.

An X post by Savage seems to have taken on the hint and shed light on it, saying, “In all seriousness, there is a strong possibility that Eliot Wolf is fired after this season. Virtually every draft selection he made and extension he signed is being retconned by Mike Vrabel. Wouldn’t surprised me if he is fired after this transition year. @_AndrewCallahan was on this a couple weeks ago.” It isn’t wrong. So, despite Vrabel’s earlier assurances, several of Wolf’s recent contract extensions have already been undone under the coach’s leadership, as mentioned in the post.

Davon Godchaux, who had signed a 2-year, $21 million deal, was traded. Meanwhile, Jabrill Peppers (2-year, $24 million), David Andrews (2-year, $12 million, now retired), and Kendrick Bourne (3-year, $19.5 million) were all released.

As the post said, even journalist Andrew Callahan had mentioned the same in his article from a few months ago that if Wolf doesn’t make impressive roster moves this offseason, Robert Kraft might consider parting ways with Wolf. The 43-year-old has himself admitted that he didn’t do enough to improve the roster to the level it needed to be. He possesses both experience and talent. However, things haven’t turned out right for him and the team.

But he started the new Vrabel era with much enthusiasm. Early in August, he even suggested that he would be willing to send away one of the Patriots’ top draft picks for the right player. “Just doing what’s best for the team. If there’s a player out there that we feel like can help us, and it costs that, then we would consider doing that,” he said (as per CBS).

Turns out, he may have already been planning on it.

The Patriots sent a former second-round pick to the Saints

Vrabel and his squad traded wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk to the Saints in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round draft pick, as per Tom Pelissero. The rumors had been around for a while. Polk had a rough rookie season, recording just 12 receptions for 87 yards across 15 games. Moreover, a shoulder injury he sustained in the 2025 preseason opener wiped out his chance to contribute this year. He is expected to return to action in 2026.

After the recent moves, several other players signed by Wolf, including Christian Barmore, Mike Onwenu, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Jahlani Tavai, remain on the roster. But that still doesn’t mean Wolf’s job is safe.

And with Ryan Cowden, Vrabel’s longtime colleague and a reliable replacement option, waiting in the wings, Wolf must tread carefully if he hopes to ease the pressure on his seat this season.