BOSTON – In a shrewd, cost-free maneuver that underscores Mike Vrabel’s knack for unearthing talent, the New England Patriots claimed edge rusher Caleb Murphy off waivers on Monday, reuniting the “sack-hunting machine” with his former coach from Tennessee. Without spending a dime, New England bolstered its already surging pass rush by adding a player who etched his name in NCAA history with a staggering 24.5 sacks in a single season.
The 5-2 Patriots, riding high after a dominant 31-13 thrashing of the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, have transformed into a legitimate contender under Vrabel’s steady hand. This marks their first winning record since 2019, exceeding last year’s dismal four-win total and signaling a full-blown renaissance for the six-time Super Bowl champions. Central to this resurgence? A ferocious pass rush that has already notched 18 sacks through seven games – tying for sixth in the NFL and obliterating the league-worst 28 sacks the team mustered all of 2024.
Vrabel, ever the defensive savant, wasted no time elevating the unit further. Murphy, a 6-foot-3, 254-pound third-year undrafted free agent out of Division II Ferris State, became available when the Los Angeles Chargers waived him over the weekend to activate Khalil Mack from injured reserve. New England pounced, securing the claim with the fifth-worst record in the waiver priority – a testament to Murphy’s under-the-radar status despite his explosive college pedigree.
A Record-Breaking College Legacy
Murphy’s college career at Ferris State in Big Rapids, Michigan, was nothing short of legendary. As a senior in 2022, he unleashed havoc on opposing quarterbacks, racking up 24.5 sacks – shattering the all-time NCAA record previously held by Terrell Suggs (24 sacks at Arizona State in 2002). Suggs, of course, parlayed that dominance into a first-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens, a 17-year NFL career, and probable Hall of Fame enshrinement.
Murphy’s Division II competition tempered NFL expectations, leaving him undrafted in 2023. But Vrabel saw the raw potential, signing him twice – first with the Titans post-draft, then now with the Patriots. “Caleb’s a relentless hunter,” Vrabel said post-practice Monday. “We’ve got history, and I know what he brings. He’s here to contribute, starting on special teams, but don’t sleep on that motor.”
From Titans to Chargers… Back to Vrabel
Murphy’s pro journey has been a grind. After inking with Tennessee in 2023, he appeared in five games over two seasons, logging mostly special teams snaps under Vrabel and successor Brian Callahan. Waived by the Titans on October 26, 2024, he latched on with the Chargers, suiting up for three games that year and six in 2025.
His highlight? A half-sack in L.A.’s razor-thin 20-17 loss to the New York Giants on September 28 – proof his college magic translates, even in limited doses. With the Chargers (3-4 after a 38-24 defeat to Indianapolis), Murphy tallied 12 special teams tackles but saw zero defensive snaps in recent outings.
Now, Murphy joins a stacked Patriots edge group headlined by fellow Vrabel disciple Harold Landry III (5 sacks in 2025) and free-agent signee K’Lavon Chaisson (4 sacks). Depth comes courtesy of Keion White (4.5 sacks), Elijah Ponder, and Anfernee Jennings. Murphy slots in as a special teams ace – perhaps 15-20 snaps per game – but injuries or matchups could unlock his pass-rushing upside.
| Patriots Edge Rushers (2025 Stats) | Sacks | Games Played | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harold Landry III | 5.0 | 7 | Vrabel’s top guy; 7 QB hits |
| K’Lavon Chaisson | 4.0 | 7 | Ex-1st rounder; 5 TFLs |
| Keion White | 4.5 | 7 | Versatile DL/OLB |
| Anfernee Jennings | 2.5 | 6 | Injury returnee |
| Elijah Ponder | 1.5 | 7 | Rookie contributor |
| Caleb Murphy (NEW) | 0.5 | 9 (w/ LAC) | 24.5 NCAA sacks; ST specialist |
Low-Risk, Sky-High Reward
This acquisition costs New England nothing beyond a roster spot – no draft picks, no salary cap hit beyond the league minimum. Murphy’s contract runs through 2025, with a team option for ’26. At 24 years old, he’s a developmental gem in Vrabel’s system, which preaches effort and technique over raw athleticism.
The Patriots’ pass rush has jumped from 27th (36 sacks) in 2023 to dead last (28) in 2024, now top-six in 2025. Murphy could be the spark to push them elite. “We’re not satisfied,” Vrabel emphasized. “Eighteen sacks in seven games is good, but we want more. Caleb fits that hunger.”
As New England eyes a Thursday night clash with the Buffalo Bills (6-1), Murphy’s arrival injects fresh juice into a defense allowing just 18.3 points per game. For a franchise starved for playoffs since 2019, this waiver-wire wizardry feels like vintage Belichick – smart, scrappy, and perfectly on-brand for Vrabel’s rebuild.