Will Patriots pursue tackle Christian Wilkins? Vrabel says 'we'll have a conversation.'

FOXBORO, MA – The bleachers surrounding the Gillette Stadium practice field resembled a motion-blur film on Friday, July 25.

Fans galore filled the stands, braving the 90-degree heat at Day 3 of Patriots training camp, even if practice featured only walk-throughs.

As the team continued to install its scheme, a heavy contingent of defensive players spoke with the media after practice. Here’s what stood out.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at opening day of the New England Patriots training camp on July 23 at Gillette Stadium.

After a shocking move in the NFL on July 24, there’s potential for the Patriots to add another talented defensive lineman to the unit.

Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins was released by the Las Vegas Raiders two years into his four-year, $110 million contract. The Patriots reportedly had interest in Wilkins during 2023 free agency, and Vrabel addressed the possibility of adding him now.

“I think we’ll have a conversation,” Vrabel said. “This is pretty new, so I don’t have all the information on where Christian is. Know Christian, recruited him when he was up here in the area in Connecticut and going to high school.”

Wilkins, a Springfield, Massachusetts, native, established himself as a premier defensive lineman in 2024 as a Dolphin, totaling nine sacks as a valuable piece of the defense. He played five games before his season ended due to a Jones fracture in his foot. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported disagreements with the way he has handled rehab, the Raiders terminated his contract.

With or without Wilkins, the addition of defensive end Milton Williams and the return of Christian Barmore after blood clots sidelined him for the majority of last season means the defensive line is starting to take shape.

Barmore worked on the other practice field during 11-on-11 drills July 24, in accordance with the team’s plans to work him back in. Defensive end Keion White said he expects Barmore to return to the level he was at in his 8.5-sack 2023 campaign.

“We all know B is good,” White said. “The biggest thing for me is making sure he’s coming back safely.”

Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell, left, and defensive end Keion White work on a drill during training camp on July 23 at Gillette Stadium.

A lineup of Barmore, White and Williams on the inside brings a lot of potential to the room, combining for 18.5 sacks in each of their last playing seasons. Entering his third season, White’s the least-experienced of the trio, but he’s been highly regarded since being selected in the second round of the 2023 draft.

“I love Keion’s attitude,” Vrabel said. “He’s a worker, he’s here early, he’s got a routine that I think has worked for him.”

Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams is expected to bring a violent style of defense to New England. Outside of terminology, Kyle Dugger said it’s not much different than previous schemes in New England, but he also noted an element that adds to the potential of the group.

“There’s a lot to be excited about,” Dugger said. “Versatility is big, and right now guys are really focused.”

Dugger’s been known for his versatility throughout his career, playing all over the field with his ability as a hybrid safety. With players like Jabrill Peppers and Marcus Jones also in the defensive backfield, versatility’s a trait that fits well in New England.

Most of Williams’ coaching experience comes on the defensive line. His attacking style means guys like Williams, Barmore and White will have the chance to get upfield and wreak havoc. It’s an opportunity White has embraced.

“Leading with violence is always my type of style,” White said.

As the defense gets to adjust to Williams’ scheme, his ability to connect with players all over the squad could prove beneficial. Plenty of defensive players have been asked of their impressions on Williams, and they’ve all had positive takeaways despite not having much in-person time with Williams yet – he met with the team via Zoom earlier this offseason due to his health scare.

“The meetings are great,” Jones said. “The enthusiasm he brings to the room and letting us know this is our standard, we’ve just got to make sure we stay with it.”

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Patriots to ‘have conversation’ about newly released Christian Wilkins

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Will Patriots pursue tackle Christian Wilkins? Vrabel says ‘we’ll have a conversation.’

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