Mike Vrabel shares straightforward response to Patriots roster changes

NFL Season Kicks Off with Roster Changes

The 2025 NFL season is set to kick off next Thursday, featuring a matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.

As teams prepared for the season, they were required to finalize their rosters to a maximum of 53 players by Tuesday afternoon. In a bit of news, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne was included in the New England Patriots’ initial depth chart, but he was let go the very next day.

Reports suggest that Bourne’s release came shortly after he expressed a desire for a fresh start with a new team.

Additionally, defensive back Marcus Epps requested his own release amidst the team cuts. This development was noted by local media.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who has had a somewhat rocky relationship with the press during his inaugural offseason, was queried about the unexpected departures. “I don’t know,” Vrabel replied, looking a bit puzzled. “Who are you talking about?”

Once it was clarified that the questions pertained to Bourne and Epps, Vrabel likened these kinds of decisions to the complexities of a relationship reaching a critical point.

“Yeah, that’s news to me,” he admitted. “We’re, um… well, we’re trying to build a roster. When things don’t click, it’s like a breakup, you know? Sometimes, it’s mutual. You say, ‘I don’t want to be with you either.’ Not that I want to delve too deep into that,” he chuckled.

Vrabel was clear that he preferred to keep his responses concise. “Look, I’m not getting into specifics. We need to build a team, and sometimes that means parting ways with certain guys. You develop connections and give them opportunities, but at the end of the day, things change.”

Epps has spent time with three different NFL teams over his six-year career and played in three games against the Las Vegas Raiders last season. As for Bourne, he’s been with the Patriots for four years, wrapping up his 2024 season with 28 receptions.