The NFL is a tough business.
Over the next month, the Patriots will begin their team-building process for the 2026 season. That means they need to make some tough decisions leading up to free agency. The league’s ‘legal’ tampering process starts on March 9.
The Patriots are estimated to have around $40.5 million in cap space, according to Overthecap.com. That gives them the 11th most cap space in the league. If Mike Vrabel wants, he has several avenues to create more cap space to build up his roster.
The easiest way to create cap space is by releasing veteran players who don’t have fully guaranteed contracts. This happens every offseason with every NFL team.
Looking over the Patriots’ roster, there are 10 players whose contracts would give the team some financial relief. Some of these potential cuts make sense, while others certainly don’t.
Here’s a look at 10 cut candidates for the Patriots:
Stefon Diggs, receiver
The biggest decision for the Patriots comes with Diggs. He gave the Patriots a legitimate receiving threat, becoming the team’s first 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019. However, Diggs turns 33 next season and is scheduled for a $26.5 million cap hit. Diggs is also being accused of strangling his private chef. He returns to court for a hearing on April 1. The Patriots would save $16.8 million by releasing the veteran while being hit with $9.7 million in dead money.
Michael Onwenu, guard
Onwenu was the Patriots’ best offensive lineman in 2025. They shouldn’t move on from him, but the right guard will have a $25 million cap hit next season. The Patriots could try to restructure or extend Onwenu. If they release him, the team saves $17.5 million while being hit with $7.5 million in dead money.
Christian Barmore, defensive tackle
There’s a reason why the Patriots signed Barmore to a 4-year, $84 million contract extension. There’s also a reason why they could move on from him. A talented defensive tackle, Barmore and Milton Williams anchored the Patriots’ defensive line. However, Barmore’s production was down (2 sacks, 11 quarterback hits) in Vrabel’s defense. He’s also facing a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery against a household/family member. If the Patriots cut Barmore with a post-June 1 designation, they save $11.5 million off the cap.
Hunter Henry, tight end
Henry enters 2026 in the final year of his contract. The 32-year-old was the Patriots’ second-leading receiver last season. He’s certainly needed on offense. His contract, however, isn’t guaranteed. Henry has an $11.75 million cap hit next season. The Patriots save $9.25 million by releasing him.
Garrett Bradbury, center
Bradbury was a nice fit for the Patriots’ offense and the locker room. He provided invaluable leadership for a young offensive line. The veteran enters this year in the final year of his contract, which isn’t guaranteed. If the Patriots want to move left guard Jared Wilson to center, they could release Bradbury. That would free up $5.7 million.
DeMario Douglas, receiver
Douglas led the Patriots in receiving (561 yards) as a rookie in 2023. He was second on the team in 2024 with 621 yards. Last season, however, his targets and production dwindled. Douglas finished with 447 yards, which was fifth on the team behind Diggs, Henry, Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins. He’s in the final year of his rookie contract, and the Patriots could free up $3.6 million by releasing him.
Mack Hollins, receiver
Hollins was a bright spot for the Patriots, a great fit for Josh McDaniels’ system and the locker room. After finishing with 46 receptions and 550 yards, it would be a shock if he wasn’t back next season. Hollins will turn 33 next September. If the Patriots wanted to cut him, they would save $4 million.
Anfernee Jennings, edge rusher
Jennings wasn’t seen as a fit for Vrabel’s defense and was considered a trade candidate in the offseason. It’s a good thing that he stuck around. Jennings stepped up when Harold Landry dealt with a knee injury. He had two sacks in four playoff games. The veteran is in the final year of his contract with no guaranteed money. The team saves $3.8 million by releasing him.
Antonio Gibson, running back
Gibson has provided the Patriots with nice depth at the running back position. He was also their best kickoff returner last season. When he was lost to a knee injury, the team’s return game wasn’t the same. The Patriots have a decision to make with Gibson, who will be 28 next summer. His salary isn’t guaranteed, and the team would save $3.1 million by cutting him this offseason.
Joshua Dobbs, quarterback
Dobbs was a fine backup quarterback this season. The veteran gave Drake Maye a solid sounding board in the quarterback room. No team wants to weaken their quarterback depth, but Dobbs’ contract isn’t guaranteed this season. The Patriots would save $3.7 million by releasing him.