Patriots Coach Reacts to Release Requests

Mike Vrabel, the head coach of the Patriots, was taken aback when asked about the release requests made by wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and safety Marcus Epps during a press conference this week. He didn’t confirm the requests but acknowledged his surprise.

“That’s news for me,” Vrabel said. “When you’re trying to build a team, sometimes things don’t work out. It’s almost like a breakup—when one person doesn’t want to stay, the other might feel the same, but I won’t dive deeply into it.” His tone hinted at the complexities of roster management, emphasizing that he wouldn’t engage in back-and-forth discussions on the matter.

Instead, Vrabel focused on the process of team building. “You connect with players, you coach them, and sometimes opportunities arise—and some guys make the most of them. It’s just part of the game,” he explained.

Bourne had been one of eight receivers named to the Patriots’ initial 53-man roster prior to the deadline. He has a notable history with 155 catches for 1,945 yards and 11 touchdowns across 53 games. Reports indicated that his request for release surfaced on Wednesday.

As for Epps, the Patriots reportedly honored his release request. He previously played for the Eagles after an impressive stint that included a Super Bowl appearance. Unfortunately, Epps faced challenges in his last two seasons due to an ACL tear, limiting him to just three games in 2024.

The upcoming season will see the Patriots face the Raiders on September 7, marking Vrabel’s inaugural year as head coach in New England.