A new wild theory has emerged.
Social media sleuths think they’ve uncovered the reason behind Mike Vrabel’s mysterious hangout with Dianna Russini.
On Tuesday, photos emerged of Mike Vrabel hanging out with Dianna Russini at the Ambiente hotel in Sedona, Arizona, on March 28. One photo showed the New England Patriots head coach holding hands with the popular NFL insider at The Athletic. Another showed them hanging out at a pool, too.
Soon after the photos went viral, Vrabel said it was nothing more than “a completely innocent interaction.” In her statement, Russini said the pictures “don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.”
As you would expect, fans are making a big deal of the interaction because Vrabel and Russini are both married. Some fans think that this interaction could explain one of the NFL’s most popular offseason rumors: AJ Brown going to the Patriots.
Last month, Dianna Russini reported that the Patriots and Los Angeles Rams “held serious conversations” with the Philadelphia Eagles about a blockbuster trade for Brown. And social media hasn’t forgotten.
“No wonder she was pushing the AJ Brown to the Pats so hard the last few months,” a fan said.
No wonder she was pushing the AJ Brown to the Pats so hard the last few months.
— Scotty2Hotty (@ItsTheRealScott) April 7, 2026
“Vrabel was really tryna make her push that AJ agenda,” a user commented.
It all makes sense now LMAAAOOO.. Vrabel was really tryna make her push that AJ agenda🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/EsvCIEjjps
— 1of1🦅 (@1flyeaglesfly_) April 7, 2026
“I understand why she keeps pushing AJ Brown rumors now…,” stated a fan.
I understand why she keeps pushing AJ Brown rumors now… pic.twitter.com/zOyvtaegXr
— Jargo (@Jargo26) April 7, 2026
“That’s an interesting strategy to get scoops that you never see out of Schefter,” another said.
That’s an interesting strategy to get scoops that you never see out of Schefter.
— Joe Kinsey (@JoeKinseyexp) April 7, 2026
“So that’s why she’s been pushing the AJ out of Philly narrative so hard…I get it now,” a user commented.
So that’s why she’s been pushing the AJ out of Philly narrative so hard…. I get it now pic.twitter.com/XbM1ICeNle
— Dishing The Rock (@dishingtherock) April 7, 2026
“AJ Brown to the Patriots you say? The “reporter” incessantly pushing the rumor for weeks on end is caught with the Pats HC?…” a fan added.
AJ Brown to the Patriots you say? The “reporter” incessantly pushing the rumor for weeks on end is caught with the Pats HC?… pic.twitter.com/3IbqI4sfNZ
— David Dunn (@Stuck_envelope) April 8, 2026
For now, AJ Brown is still with the Eagles.
Mike Vrabel’s Patriots Could Certainly Use AJ Brown
The Patriots released their top wide receiver of the 2025 season, Stefon Diggs, in a cap-saving move. To replace Diggs, they signed former Green Bay Packers standout Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million deal.
But Doubs has never hit the 1,000-yard mark. And for a team in win-now mode like the Patriots, it’s imperative to load up on playmaking pass-catchers. Drake Maye had a dazzling MVP-caliber season, but Doubs can’t be his only reliable receiver.
If the Eagles are keen on trading Brown, the Patriots should be ultra-aggressive in their pursuit. When he’s at the top of his game, Brown is arguably a top-five wide receiver in the league. He could definitely be the final piece needed to get them over the top.
