The Patriots enter a new era in 2025 under Mike Vrabel, with only Jabrill Peppers returning from 2024's captains. See why vets like David Andrews are out.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
A seismic shift is underway in Foxboro. As the Patriots gear up for the 2025 season under new head coach Mike Vrabel, the leadership structure of the past has been almost completely dismantled. In a stunning reflection of this new era, only one of the team's six captains from 2024 will be returning, signaling a definitive break from the past and a clear new direction for the franchise.
Of the six team captains from the 2024 season—David Andrews, Ja'Whaun Bentley, Jacoby Brissett, Deatrich Wise Jr., Jabrill Peppers, and Joe Cardona—only safety Jabrill Peppers is returning.
The sheer scale of the turnover is remarkable. The departures of 2024 captains David Andrews, Ja'Whaun Bentley, Jacoby Brissett, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Joe Cardona represent a massive loss of veteran leadership. Compounding the change, long-tenured Patriots like Jonathan Jones and Davon Godchaux are also gone. This isn't just a roster tweak; it's a foundational reset. Coach Mike Vrabel is unequivocally putting his stamp on this team, moving on from established voices to cultivate a new culture and identity in the locker room.
One of the most familiar faces of the past decade, former center and captain David Andrews, is trading his helmet for a microphone. It was announced Wednesday that the two-time Super Bowl champion will be joining Boston's 98.5 The Sports Hub for the 2025 season. While fans will miss his grit on the offensive line, they'll now get his expert analysis and commentary, offering a unique, inside perspective on the team he once led.
With veterans out, new leaders must emerge. As training camp looms, the Patriots are poised for a significant roster shake-up, with intense competition expected across the board. The linebacker position, in particular, is a key area to watch. The team is also banking on major contributions from recent free agent signings, none bigger than defensive lineman Milton Williams, who inked a massive four-year, $104 million deal. The pressure is on for these new faces to integrate quickly and justify the team's investment as Vrabel and his staff evaluate who fits their system.
The changes aren't just limited to the players on the field. The front office is also thinking differently, making a unique hire by bringing in a long-time college tight end as a scouting assistant. This move, while seemingly minor, points to a broader strategy of bringing fresh perspectives into the player evaluation process. It's another sign that the Patriots are looking at every aspect of the organization to find new edges in building for the future.
With the key dates for the season now on the calendar, the countdown to training camp is officially on. It will be our first real look at this remade roster and the first true test of Mike Vrabel's vision. Forget what you knew about the Patriots of the past; a new era has dawned in Foxboro, and the next chapter is about to be written.
