Expectations are growing for the New England Patriots as the front office continues to build out a roster around young quarterback Drake Maye. Many seem to love the head coaching hire of Mike Vrabel as well, as he’s viewed as a solid coach in the league. However, there are still questions surrounding the front office and general manager Eliot Wolf.

In Albert Breer’s open mailbag, the NFL insider for Sports Illustrated fielded a question about the “bad” speculation surrounding the front office. Breer essentially dumps cold water on that speculation, claiming the Patriots’ front office and general manager are a tighter-knit group than many realize.

“I don’t think things are nearly as bad in New England as you may have been led to believe. And I think the proof of it is in the hire of A.J. Highsmith as the team’s new pro scouting director. Highsmith is the son of Alonzo Highsmith, who is the right-hand man to EVP of player personnel Eliot Wolf. Hiring someone that close to Wolf into a vital director’s role is a good indication that Wolf’s going nowhere.