Can the New England Patriots return to the top of the mountain in 2026?
Despite being the biggest surprise of the 2025 NFL season, the Patriots will likely be aggressive to upgrade their roster this off-season, taking advantage of MVP runner-up, Drake Maye still being on his rookie contract and one-year away from being eligible for an extension that will undoubtedly end up as the largest contract in NFL history.
In the Super Bowl, the Patriots’ lack of offensive line quality and true pass-rush were clear issues, with the Seahawks dominating both lines of scrimmage all night long — something that the Patriots could find themselves fixing with a familiar foe.
According to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, the Patriots could be a perfect match for former Miami Dolphins first-round pick, Jaelan Phillips, who spent the second-half of this past season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“The Patriots’ two biggest needs this offseason are edge rusher and offensive line,” Schatz wrote. “On the O-line, they will likely depend on the development of young players like Will Campbell and Jared Wilson. But the edge is a good place to bring in a veteran — Phillips had two sacks and 27 pressures after he was traded to the Eagles from Miami at midseason. His 12.4% pass rush win rate ranked 24th among qualifying edge rushers. Phillips could replace free agent K’Lavon Chaisson and/or make a good partner for Harold Landry III.”
Jaelan Phillips would be an immediate upgrade for New England on the edge — even with K’Lavon Chaisson’s breakout season. With Chaisson set to hit free agency and just Anfernee Jennings, Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson, and Amari Garner on the roster next to expected incumbent starter, Harold Landry, pass rush will be one of, if not the biggest target for Mike Vrabel and co.
After being traded to the Eagles from the Miami Dolphins prior to the 2025 trade deadline, Phillips immediately made his mark on the then-defending Super Bowl champions, securing a game-winning fumble during a defensive-laden 10-7 victory over the Green Bay Packers in his first game with the Eagles. In his eight games in Philadelphia, Phillips secured 28 tackles, four tackles for a loss, two sacks, a forced fumble, and the aforementioned fumble recovery.
With the Eagles likely opting for their usual draft and develop strategy, Phillips is expected to find a new home in 2026 and the reigning AFC champions could very well be a seamless fit.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.