The Patriots, 8-26 the last two years, seem to have given Vrabel wide latitude to revamp the roster as he deems fit. That means spending $190 million guaranteed and adding seven starters in free agency, as the Patriots have done since March 12. And finding new leaders in the locker room.

The Patriots moved on from a fourth team captain last week when they made the surprise decision to release linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley. Head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about the transaction Monday morning at the NFL Annual Meeting.

The New England Patriots had to make a decision on linebacker Christian Elliss in this year’s free agency, and then they had to do so a second time. Entering the offseason as a restricted free agent,