The start of the Mike Vrabel era will bring either serious optimism or dread depending on what the New England Patriots do in free agency. It's that time of the year when the stench of the past is replaced with the whimsical smell of something new.

For a second straight offseason, the New England Patriots are entering free agency with a different head coach in place. After Jerod Mayo ran the show last year, it is now Mike Vrabel’s turn to try to bring the team back to relevance following three straight losing seasons.