Robert Kraft Sets Clear Expectations For 2025 Patriots Season
It’s hard for New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to contain his excitement about the prospects of the upcoming NFL season. In fact, Kraft believes he’ll be “chastised” for his positive outlook.
But Kraft has reasons to feel good about the position the Patriots are in after they went out and improved the roster with several free agent signings this offseason following back-to-back dismal 4-13 seasons.
The Patriots also have a proven coach in charge now in Mike Vrabel, unlike last season when Kraft made the mistake of giving the reins to Jerod Mayo.
So, what will make this a successful season in the eyes of Kraft?
“To make the playoffs,” Kraft told reporters Tuesday from the NFL owners’ meetings, per MassLive’s Karen Guregian.
The playoffs are a foreign land to this iteration of the Patriots. They haven’t made the postseason since 2021, when they got walloped by the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round. New England’s last postseason win came in Super Bowl LIII when Tom Brady was still the quarterback.
Kraft expected the Patriots to be playoff bound in Bill Belichick’s last season and when Mayo took over. Instead, they became one of the dregs of the league and it’s a big climb back to the postseason from there.
But the 83-year-old Kraft opened up his checkbook this offseason and in turn, wants to see immediate results.
“Ever since I’ve owned the team, the objectives were for the team to make the playoffs. Because once you make the playoffs, anything can happen,” Kraft said. “I think we have experience over the last few decades of seeing how that happens. I know I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but after my family, this team is the most important thing in my life. The bottom line is winning games … I really think we’re on that path now.”
