Imagine this: the New York Jets, on the cusp of potentially snagging Mike Vrabel, only to have him slip through their fingers at the last moment! According to a prominent Jets insider, Connor Hughes, the team was absolutely smitten with Vrabel during the previous offseason, viewing him as their top choice. He revealed on SNY's "Jets Final Drive" show that the Jets were so eager to get Vrabel that they made a desperate, last-ditch effort to sway him, even as he was on his way to accepting the Patriots' offer. They offered him everything: full control, more money, you name it. But Vrabel was set on going to the Patriots.
The Jets interviewed Vrabel on January 3rd, 2024. Then, just two days later, the Patriots fired Jerod Mayo. Fast forward to January 12th, and Robert Kraft hired Vrabel as the next head coach of the Patriots.
But here's where it gets controversial... Hughes emphasized that Vrabel wasn't just toying with the Jets. He genuinely considered them a viable option. Hughes stated, based on conversations with people close to Vrabel, that if the Patriots job hadn't opened up, Vrabel would have taken the Jets job.
The Jets cast a wide net, interviewing other candidates, including Ron Rivera, Rex Ryan, and Jeff Hafley. Ultimately, they chose Aaron Glenn, the former Detroit Lions' head coordinator.
Now, fast forward to the present. With Vrabel at the helm, the Patriots are dominating the AFC East, boasting an impressive 8-2 record, and potentially have an MVP quarterback in Drake Maye. Meanwhile, the Jets are struggling at 2-7 and have made some significant moves at the NFL Trade Deadline.
And this is the part most people miss... The Patriots and Jets will face off tonight on "Thursday Night Football."
What do you think? Do you believe the Jets made the right choice? Could Vrabel have turned the Jets' fortunes around? Share your thoughts in the comments!
