One year after divvying out a team-record $364 million in free agency last offseason, the Patriots mostly sat back and watched other franchises spend money Monday when the NFL opened up its legal tampering period.
Entering the offseason with just over $60 million in cap space, it made sense to take a different approach this offseason. So far, the Patriots have added edge defender Dre’Mont Jones, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and fullback Reggie Gilliam, released linebacker Jahlani Tavai, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Antonio Gibson, traded away center Garrett Bradbury and lost tight end Austin Hooper, offensive tackle Vederian Lowe and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga in free agency.
Safety Jaylinn Hawkins and outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson remain available as their top internal free agents.
So, where are the Patriots’ biggest needs? Let’s go through them.
WIDE RECEIVER
The Patriots weren’t able to land wide receiver Alec Pierce in free agency and now have limited options to sign to replace Diggs.
The top available free agents, as of Monday evening, were Jauan Jennings and Romeo Doubs. The Patriots also could still try to make a splash move via trade.
Wide receiver A.J. Brown is available via trade, but the Patriots would need to meet the Eagles’ steep asking price. Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is also reportedly available after a down season in 2025 as a second-year pro.
Currently, the Patriots have Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism, John Jiles and Jeremiah Webb at wide receiver. They could still select a player high in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Green Bay Packers' Romeo Doubs catches a touchdown pass in front of Chicago Bears' Kyle Monangai during the second half of an NFL game Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Huh)
Green Bay Packers' Romeo Doubs catches a touchdown pass in front of Chicago Bears' Kyle Monangai during the second half of an NFL game Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Huh)
EDGE DEFENDER
Jones joins Harold Landry, Anfernee Jennings, Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson on the edge.
Bringing in Jones is a start, but the Patriots need to make an additional move here, whether it’s re-signing Chaisson, bringing in an edge defender in what’s becoming a depleted group of free agents or spending a high pick in the draft.
The best players left are mostly on the older side, including Trey Hendrickson, Joey Bosa and Bradley Chubb. Falcons free agent Arnold Ebiketie is a younger option but further down the list of free-agent rankings.
The free-agent market for edge defenders has been hot, with Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh, Boye Mafe, Kwity Pate and Joseph Ossai flying off the board.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Patriots opened up a need at left guard when they traded Bradbury, effectively moving Jared Wilson to center. They brought in Vera-Tucker late on Monday night to fill it.
The Patriots do still need help at tackle, however, after losing Lowe in free agency. Re-signing in-house free agent Thayer Munford Jr. would help. Ex-Browns tackle Jedrick Wills reportedly took a visit with the Patriots last week. Kendall Lamm also played under Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel with the Titans.
New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) heads to the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) heads to the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
SAFETY
The Patriots have Craig Woodson as one starting safety but need a second. Their best option at this point might be to bring back Hawkins. Among free agents, Kevin Byard and Reed Blankenship are fits.
Dell Pettus and Brenden Schooler are solid players, but the Patriots would prefer not to enter the 2026 season with either safety as a starter.
Bryan Cook, Coby Bryant and Jalen Thompson, all fits, have been signed away.
TIGHT END
The Patriots were not expected to retain Hooper, but two players who appeared to be fits on the 2026 team, Cade Otton and Charlie Kolar, have been signed.
Dallas Goedert, David Njoku and Chigoziem Okonkwo are still available in free agency. Goedert or Njoku would provide depth and pair well with Hunter Henry. If the Patriots can’t land a top tight end, then they would need to prioritize the position in the draft.
CORNERBACK
This need isn’t as great as the ones already listed, but the Patriots could still use a third outside cornerback to play behind Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III.
There are still some solid players available, including Tariq Woolen, Nahshon Wright, Chidobe Awuzie, Rasul Douglas and Roger McCreary. If the Patriots can’t add another cornerback, then they would head back into the season with Charles Woods as the top backup.