Why Mike Vrabel called out Patriots ‘rats’ as theories emerge

The new era of Patriots football has a rat problem, and everyone seems to be having a way with it. 

New coach Mike Vrabel created the narrative when he posted a GIF from “The Departed” in the wake of a report emerging that receiver Ja’Lynn Polk needed season-ending surgery. Asked to elaborate, Vrabel provided some context. 

“I love how you take everything I say and just run. You get all nervous,” Vrabel told reporters. “There’s rats all over the place — whether that’s inside this building, outside this building, I just love the flow of information. 

“I just felt inclined, and I was pissed off because we stunk and we couldn’t do anything, so I tried to entertain you guys a little bit. I was ready to get home and get back to Foxboro.” 

Thursday’s report came from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, who tweeted that Polk would need season-ending shoulder surgery and land on injured reserve.

“The 2024 second-round pick saw multiple specialists, and surgery was determined to be the best course of action — with the goal of being fully healthy for 2026,” Schultz tweeted.

Ben Volin, a reporter for the Boston Globe, guessed that the “rat” is an agent.

Joey Murr of 98.5 The Sports Hub believes that it is Patriots executive Eliot Wolf. 

“I was sniffing around, what’s this all about, because sometimes the local guys are getting the info where? Probably internally, I would assume,” Murr said. “If we had a rat sheet, oh yeah, rat No. 1 Eliot Wolf. The draft class sucks, and if Ja’Lynn Polk is done for another year, what’s the defense? Why would he put that out there to a national reporter, who has relationships with agents, who has relationships with players. This is defending the 2024 draft class, which has absolutely been a bust.”

Vrabel took over for the Patriots at the end of last season after former head coach Jerod Mayo, who led New England to a 4-13 last-place record.