Intriguing Patriots Newcomer Opens Up On Playing For Mike Vrabel Again

Robert Spillane is all in.

The veteran linebacker, who signed with the New England Patriots during the offseason, knows what it takes to play for Mike Vrabel. Spillane was signed by the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2018 when Vrabel was Tennessee’s head coach.

After spending four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and two with the Las Vegas Raiders, Spillane is reuniting with Vrabel as a member of the Patriots. And he couldn’t be happier.

“It’s a full-circle moment being here,” Spillane recently told WEEI’s Ted Johnson. “(Vrabel) recruited me out of high school at Ohio State. He gave me my first opportunity with the Tennessee Titans eight years ago as an undrafted free agent. Just to be signed to be the middle linebacker here and to play meaningful snaps means the world to me.

“I don’t want to let him down. He’s the type of coach that any player wants to play for. He encourages people to follow their dreams, to love their families, and to love football. What more can you ask for from a coach?”

Spillane has a chance to be a sneaky-big signing for the Patriots.

A prolific tackler, Spillane racked up 148 tackles for the Raiders in 2023 before posting 158 in 2024. He also posted a combined 5.5 sacks over the two campaigns.

Spillane also has a reputation for being an excellent clubhouse leader, something that surely will endear him to Vrabel as the Patriots look to establish a new culture.