The New England Patriots are in the middle of some roster restructuring at the moment...
Stefon Diggs confirmed his impending release on Wednesday. Antonio Gibson was released from his contract after spending the majority of his season on injured reserve. Alex Austin was informed that he will not be tendered an offer despite being one of the organization's few restricted free agents.
It's not like they're done, either.
The Patriots still have to make room, both on the roster and in the ledger, in order to do all of the things we expect of them throughout the offseason -- which could mean making some trades.
DT Christian Barmore
Barmore remains one of the most underrated players in the entire sport, but he hasn't exactly been the easiest person to deal with in and around the building.
New England has routinely put out fires as it relates to the sixth-year defensive lineman, as there have been multiple instances where he needed to be calmed down on the sideline during games, an incident with local police in which his behavior required an eventual apology, and allegations of domestic assault and battery that are currently hanging over his head while the legal process plays out. It's not his fault, but there's also the blood clots that he was diagnosed with last offseason that will need to continue to be monitored.
If he were the best player on the team, there would be questions as to whether or not he was worth continuing to deal with. It's safe to say he isn't that, which has had many wondering whether the organization is considering cutting bait and moving in another direction.
Boston Sports Journal's Mike Giardi claims that his value across the league isn't very high, but if someone really likes him would they pass up on an opportunity to save money and headaches?
2nd sack of Christian Barmore's night 💪
📺: #NEvsDEN on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/uY6Dg380OO pic.twitter.com/bnu94hxpdm
— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2023
WR Mack Hollins
Hollins was superb during his first season with the organization, but his injury toward the end of the regular season only served to show that those opportunities were extremely valuable to youngsters like Efton Chism III and DeMario Douglas.
I'd be willing to bet there are teams who are willing to part ways with late-round picks in order to obtain his services, and with the expectation that there will be some names added to the wide receiver room, perhaps it makes sense to open up those opportunities once again.
Drake Maye airs it out to Mack Hollins for a TD!
Super Bowl LX on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/d4U8Ygkl08
— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2026
WR DeMario Douglas
Douglas has been good throughout his first three seasons -- no more, no less. Kayshon Boutte and Kyle Williams have surpassed him in terms of importance to the club's future success, though, and we all expect them to add one or two more names to that list in the coming months.
It's probably best for both sides to move on, unless there's a new focus on developing him into the top slot option. If they do make a trade from this room, though, it will be one and not both.
Drake Maye goes 53 yards deep to Pop Douglas!
NEvsNO on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/H87yHASZmt
— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2025
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