Despite having a breakout 2025 regular season with the New England Patriots, the team is predicted to move on without linebacker Harold Landry during the offseason. Landry signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract after spending his entire career with the Tennessee Titans. Even though Landry was a staple part of this ferocious defense that helped quarterback Drake Maye stay on the field, he was never able to stay healthy. The player’s age and injuries are key reasons, according to the Patriots on CLNS, that the team might be ultimatum that they move on.
Still, it’s hard to imagine the Patriots moving on from Landry unless they’re thinking of pulling off a blockbuster trade. With enormous salary cap space this offseason, they have the dividends to find Landry’s replacement. While it makes sense on paper, it doesn’t sound sensible for the Patriots to move on after just one year, especially with the year that Landry had.
Harold Landry is unlikely to return to the #Patriots this offseason@cpriceglobe: "I don't think Landry comes back, given the state of the knee, given the age … I think if they do have to make that decision right now, they're leaning toward no."
NEW Episode of the All 32 NFL… pic.twitter.com/Zs6c1oisHR
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) February 18, 2026
Patriots LB Standout Harold Landry Unlikely to Return – 3 Suitors Emerge
Unfortunately, the team might still find a way to move on from the linebacker. While they could seek some youth in their linebacker group, it wouldn’t be surprising if head coach Mike Vrabel is aggressive in free agency, especially after coming off an embarrassing Super Bowl loss. The Patriots have top free agent linebacker veterans they could look into if they part ways with Landry. Free agents such as Jaelan Phillips, Von Miller, Bobby Wagner and DeMario Davis are all solid replacements for this Patriots defense.
Meanwhile, for Landry, the future is still bright. Despite his age and injury history, he recorded he had 49 total tackles (27 solo), 8.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 15 games. Here are three teams that could acquire him if released or traded.
Possible Destinations
Philadelphia Eagles
Speaking of Phillips, the Eagles have a few linebacker free agents, including Brandon Graham and Nakobe Dean. While Graham won’t play anywhere else but Philadelphia, the same can’t be said about Graham or Phillips. The Eagles have one of the deepest linebacker depths in the league, with Jalyx Hunt and Jihaad Campbell waiting for a starting job. Philadelphia has a chance to tag and trade Phillips if that’s the route they want to go to get the best investment.
If that happens, this could allow the opportunity for the Eagles to sign Landry to a cost-effective one-year contract. Landry isn’t going to put 10 sacks like he used to, but his experience could be crucial to anchor this pass-rush.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints are somewhat floating in the same boat this free agency. They want to retain long-time veteran DeMario Davis, but he’s exploring other options and could be eyeing joining a postseason contender. The Saints can still offer Davis one last contract, but the team is in rebuild mode, and Davis probably wants to win a Super Bowl elsewhere. Landry stepping in alongside Carl Granderson could elevate this defense back in the same groove if they lose Davis.
Los Angeles Chargers
Another old-school veteran that could test free agency is linebacker Khalil Mack. There hasn’t been any word on what Mack has decided, but the Chargers need another superstar pass-rusher to enhance this defense. After releasing Joey Bosa this past offseason, he went on to have a breakout year with the Bills. It might be harder to improve the defense with Jesse Minter gone, but Jim Harbaugh shouldn’t hold back, and if there’s an opportunity to get Landry, the Chargers should probably take it.