Patriots trade rumors: Mike Vrabel tipped to make blockbuster trade for $90,000,000 All-Pro

The New England Patriots are set to start a new era under Mike Vrabel. The former linebacker returned to Foxborough one year after his tenure with the Tennessee Titans ended. Vrabel briefly joined the Cleveland Browns as an advisor before the Patriots came calling.

He replaced Jerod Mayo at Gillette Stadium, and rumors about potential additions to the roster have already started circulating. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler spoke with NFL scouts, executives, and personnel about offseason predictions.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was mentioned as a potential candidate to join the Patriots in a blockbuster trade. Last year, Hill and the Dolphins finalized a restructured contract valued at $90 million for the next three years, with $65 million guaranteed.

"This one is wild. But Hill's displeasure in Miami is out there after his Week 18 comments, and the Patriots hope to be on the brink of contention soon enough under new coach Mike Vrabel. ... (P)erhaps a package including a Day 2 pick would get a trade done," Fowler wrote.

A veteran NFC personnel executive told Fowler that the Patriots are in a desperate situation and need an alpha-type player who can work well with Drake Maye. The executive also noted that Miami would likely receive higher draft picks in a trade with New England compared to a contender.

A couple of weeks ago, Hill hinted that his stint with the Dolphins was over, stating he wanted to find a new challenge in the league. During the season, he was linked to a potential return to the Kansas City Chiefs, but his future now appears to remain in the AFC East.

Hill caught 81 passes this season for 959 receiving yards and six touchdowns. The Dolphins failed to make the postseason, which could be why Hill desires to leave the franchise.

Patriots HC Mike Vrabel shows love to another star wide receiver

In addition to Tyreek Hill, the Patriots have also been linked to another top wide receiver. After coaching A.J. Brown for three years with the Tennessee Titans, Vrabel’s bond with Brown remains strong. Despite rejecting the idea of trading Brown three years ago, Vrabel is still fond of the player.

“I’m proud of his development, his personal development, and working on himself, and working on controlling his — and getting back to center,” Vrabel said during his introductory conference.

“He’s a passionate player, and I love him to death, and I have a very, very close relationship with him.”

Vrabel also discussed the qualities he looks for in a wide receiver.

“Receivers that have great catch radius, that can create separation, that are good against contested catches," he said.

"Because when you’re contested and PBUs go up in the air, then they get intercepted, right? And then that now that leads to turnovers, which then changes field position and all these things.”

The offseason market could prove interesting for the Patriots, but it remains to be seen whether they can secure a marquee player.