The Patriots have 63 players already under contract for the 2026 season. The team is relatively stable, roster-wise, following a deep 2025 playoff run.Key New England Patriots players entering unrestricted free agency in 2026 include Edge K’Lavon Chaisson, S Jaylinn Hawkins, TE Austin Hooper, RB D’Ernest Johnson, OT Vederian Lowe, OT Thayer Munford Jr., and DL Khyiris Tonga.Restricted free agents include QB Tommy DeVito (RFA), LB Jack Gibbens (RFA), and DL Jaquelin Roy (RFA). Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFA) include FB Jack Westover, RB Deneric Prince, and DL Isaiah Iton.After a deep playoff run, the team, as is the norm, is behind in its preparation for the NFL Scouting Combine, the draft, and free agency. The Patriots did have a large contingent of staff at the Senior Bowl. Before they make decisions on other teams’ free agents when the league year begins on March 11, just a shade over three weeks away, they must first decide on how to proceed with their own free agents. “Finishing The Basement” Before Adding On:Head coach Mike Vrabel said the team would follow the mantra, “better, younger, cheaper” in 2026. He also used the analogy of buying a house. He said they have a solid foundation and plan to finish the basement before adding an addition. Finishing the basement would entail signing CB Christian Gonzalez to a contract extension. This will likely cost the team approximately $30 million or more per year. While Kayshon Boutte and Pop Douglas are eligible for contract extensions now, neither will likely happen right away.Douglas could be a candidate for a salary cap dump. Although he will make a modest $3.6 million in 2026, they could opt to trade him or move on. Others who could be salary-cap victims include Stefon Diggs, Christian Ellis, Hunter Henry (doubtful at present), and Anfernee Jennings. Others that could have their cap number decreased include Christian Barmore, Mike Onwenu, and Harold Landry.The Patriots have about $42 million in cap space. By cutting a few players and adjusting the contract of a few others, they should have no issue with cash in 2026. So, let’s look at the free agents.K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge Rusher:He had a very solid season for the Patriots and may have played himself into a pretty lucrative payday. His combined regular-season and playoff numbers include 10.5 sacks, 74 pressures, 28 QB hits, 5 forced fumbles, 14 TFLs, 5 passes defensed, and a fumble return for a touchdown. Chaisson turns 27 right about the time training camp will start, so he is right in the middle of his prime. His four-game playoff run was very impressive, and teams that have an attacking style of defense, such as New England, would definitely target him in FA. The only drawbacks to Chaisson are that he’s very inconsistent at setting the edge in the running game, and he’s had only one year of production. The chances of his returning to New England are good, but far from a certainty. The price will determine his final decision. Jaylinn Hawkins, Safety:It was a surprise this season when the Patriots decided to part ways with Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger. The starters were Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson, both of whom were very good in 2025. Hawkins seemingly found a home for the first time in his career, having been a part-time player his first five years in the league. He tied for the team lead in interceptions with four, had 11 pressures and 1.5 sacks, but was most effective as a deep safety. He and Woodson built some nice chemistry over the season. And continuity in a pass defense is always a significant consideration.He’ll turn 29 in training camp, so this is a chance for him to cash in for one big payday. He should see a pretty robust market for his services. However, like Chaisson, he has had one year of solid production. There is a decent chance of his return. Khyiris Tonga, Defensive Line:Tonga was one of the biggest and most pleasant surprises for the team in 2025. He is a big 335-pound run stuffer, and he had 15 run stuffs on the season. But he displayed an ability to pressure the quarterback, something that no one saw coming. Prior to his foot and rib injuries, he was an effective short-yardage fullback for the offense. He immediately became a fan favorite. Run stuffing DL who can eat up double teams are always coveted, however, not at a premium price. Tonga will turn 30 on July 7, and the Patriots would love to have him back. However, one team to watch is Cincinnati. There is a very good chance the Bengals cut DTs B.J. Hill ($12.1million cap hit) and T.J. Slaton ($6.4 million cap hit, no guaranteed money). Austin Hooper, Tight End:Hooper had a statistically down year because the Patriots didn’t play nearly as much 12-Personnel with two tight ends as in 2024. Hooper had 21 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns in 2025. Hooper is still a reliable player and a good veteran presence, but turns 32 in October, and will probably be allowed to walk as the Patriots look to get younger and more explosive at the position. Most fans want to see them sign the Ravens’ Isaiah Likely, the Everett, MA native, who has toiled in the shadow of TE Mark Andrews. But that is far from a slam dunk. Vederian Lowe, LT:Lowe lost his starting position to Will Campbell last year and was used as a backup swing tackle. When Campbell was injured, he filled in and played mostly well for four games. He could return as a backup to Campbell in 2026, but won’t compete as a starter, and depending on the price. Unless someone throws a bunch of money at him (doubtful), he has a decent chance of returning. He turn 27 this year, so he’s still a young man.Thayer Munford Jr., OT:Munford was signed to the practice squad last summer. He left for Cleveland before returning to the Patriots for their stretch run. Munford carved out a small but significant role as an extra tight end, with 95 snaps. He will probably be resigned cheaply as a reserve tackle. He’s only 26 and could compete for a swing tackle role next summer.D’Ernest Johnson, RB/KR:Johnson was a practice squad running back who was elevated during the playoff run for his kick return ability. With the Patriots getting back some of their injured running backs next season, he didn’t have much of an impact, running or returning, and they’ll probably look to upgrade their kick return game in 2026. It is doubtful if we’ll see Johnson return in 2026. Restricted Free Agent (RFA) Jack Gibbens, LB:Known as “Dr. Gibby,” he more than proved his worth to the Patriots on both defense playing nearly 50 percent of the snaps and as core special teams contributor (five different STs units) during the 2025 season. He has a relationship with Vrabel from Tennessee. While not the best athlete, he displayed decent coverage skills and had a nose for the football, especially in run defense support. He spot started for Robert Spillane while he was injured and played well.It would be surprising if Gibbens did NOT return in 2026. He’s only 27. Restricted Free Agent (RFA) Alex Austin, CB:Austin has shown flashes since joining the Patriots in 2023, but hasn’t been able to parlay that into any kind of consistent playing time. In training camp, with Gonzalez and Carlton Davis out injured, he saw time with the top unit of the defense. He started two games and didn’t play particularly well. He lost his starting job when Gonzalez returned and was then demoted to #5 CB behind Charles Woods. He played on STs, but has spent time on IR both in 2024 and 2025. The Patriots won’t tender him, and if they do resign him, it would be for the minimum. He’ll probably move on in 2026.Other RFAs that the team will probably let walk are tackle Yasir Durant and DT Jaqueline Roy. QB Tommy DeVito may be brought back as a 3rd QB or to compete for the backup job against Josh Dobbs, who has a $4.75 million cap hit in 2026.ERFA, TE/FB Jack Westover will probably be brought back, but with Brock Lampe healthy, he may be on the outside looking in. RB Deneric Prince will not be brought back.However, DT Isaiah Iton, an ERFA, will probably be resigned. Vrabel complemented him several times before he was injured in training camp.Follow me on Twitter @SteveB7SFG or email me at [email protected]Listen to our PatsFans.com Patriots No Huddle podcasts on Apple and YouTube as Derek Havens, Mike D’Abate, and I discuss the latest Patriots news and game analysis.
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About Steve BalestrieriA former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)View all posts by Steve Balestrieri
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Austin Hooper
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Tommy DeVito
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