The Patriots are signing a free-agent linebacker with ties to head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

The Patriots agreed to terms on a contract with free-agent LB Robert Spillane, according to a source. Spillane entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Western Michigan with the Titans under Vrabel in 2018. After four years with the Steelers, Spillane signed with the Raiders in 2023 when McDaniels was head coach.

The 29-year-old linebacker fits the Patriots’ new defense, which focuses more on speed. The 6-foot-1, 229-pound linebacker would have been undersized in the Patriots’ past regime.

Spillane has started every game over the past two seasons with the Raiders. He accumulated 158 tackles, two sacks, 10 tackles for loss, three QB hits and seven pass breakups last season.

He joins Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Curtis Jacobs, Andrew Parker Jr., Monty Rice and Christian Elliss in the Patriots’ linebacker corps.

The Patriots are adding a free-agent linebacker with ties to Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels.{ai:summary}<p>The New England Patriots have signed free-agent linebacker Robert Spillane to a three-year, $37.5 million contract. Spillane, who has connections to head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, previously played for the Steelers and Raiders.</p><p>At 29 years old, Spillane fits the Patriots' new defense emphasizing speed, having started every game for the Raiders over the past two seasons. He joins a linebacker group that includes Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai. #sports</p>

Source: Patriots signing free-agent LB Robert Spillane to three-year deal

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