FOXBOROUGH – Having played for Boston College, Harold Landry is certainly familiar with the area.

When he was released by the Tennessee Titans last month, he knew that his next team was going to be the Patriots. As much as he enjoyed Massachusetts, the place he met his wife, the draw to New England had nothing to do with his college days.

In the end, it was all about reuniting with Mike Vrabel.

Drafted by the Titans in 2018, Landry’s pass-rushing skillset was best utilized in Vrabel’s defensive scheme. The 28-year-old had his best seasons and also grew close with the Patriots new head coach. That was the main factor when he signed a 3-year contract worth $43.5 million with the Patriots.

“He’s meant a lot. He’s played a big role in my development as a player, and also in person. And I was excited to come back because he knows my skill set,” Landry said. “He knows how I operate, and I think. Throughout my career, he and his staff have done a great job of putting me in positions to go out and be productive and help the team, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.

“That was one of the main reasons I came because I knew Vrabes and his staff knew me, the familiarity with the scheme and all of it. It just fits with what I do with my skill set.”

At Boston College, Landry developed into one of the best pass rushers in the nation. He led the nation in sacks (16.5) in 2016 before being drafted by Vrabel and the Titans with the 41st pick the next season.

The second-round pick made an immediate impact in the Titans defense. After finishing third on the team in sacks (4.5) as a rookie, Landry led Tennessee in sacks four times – 2019 (9), 2020 (5.5), 2021 (12), and last season (9). He finished second in sacks with 10.5 in 2023. That marked Vrabel’s last year with the Titans.

Landry noted that Vrabel always put him in the best situation to fit his abilities. That comfort made signing with the Patriots an easy choice.

“That was definitely kind of the case. Once I saw how things were going, the writing was on the wall. This was definitely a place I wanted to be,” Landry said. “I was getting excited about the staff he was putting together, and I just feel like this is the right place for me and decided to be here.”

The hope is that his production will carry over from his time in Tennessee.

With the Patriots defensive scheme changing, Landry will play a big role in New England. He profiles as their starting outside linebacker. He also fits an immediate need. Last year, the Patriots finished last in the league in sacks.

Along with fitting in with Vrabel’s system, Landry noted that the head coach is someone who players love to be around. He noted that Vrabel took his time to get to know his players and in return, they played hard for their head coach.

“Just upbeat. He wants everybody to be excited when we come to work. He’s big on that. He’s big on the energy. That’s just who he is,” Landry said. “Everybody looks at him as this head coach, but he really just one of the boys, a locker room guy. And I really mean that. He wants to get to know you, know about your family and everything that goes along with being in a relationship with you.”