Alex Austin
Getty
Alex Austin leaves Foxborough after three seasons
Cornerback Alex Austin is leaving the New England Patriots after having the best season of his career.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz revealed that the defender has signed a one-year deal with AFC East divisional rival, the Miami Dolphins, joining first-year head coach Jeff Hafley’s team.
The cornerback, originally drafted by the Houston Texans, has struggled to remain healthy throughout his three-year career. Austin has yet to play a full season, but played his most games in a season in the Patriots’ Super Bowl run (12).
In the 2025 season, Austin recorded 13 tackles and an interception. The CB allowed 142 receiving yards on 10 completions, while being targeted 12 times.
Alex Austin will face off against his former team twice a season now, looking to get a new, healthy start.
Pats Make Two Additions to the Squad
Julian Hill
GettyThe Patriots make an addition to the offense
The New England Patriots, like the Miami Dolphins, snagged a member of their divisional rival.
New England signed tight end Julian Hill, who played the first three seasons of his career in South Beach, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Hill will join New England on a three-year deal.
“The Patriots obviously see something in him to give him a three-year deal. He has played in 45 games (26 starts) over three years in Miami, where he was valued by former coach Mike McDaniel for his toughness and blocking ability,” ESPN’s Mike Reiss wrote about the player.
Hill has recorded 288 receiving yards in his career on 33 receptions. The tight end has yet to record a touchdown.
Adding Hill to the squad comes after Austin Hooper returned to the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year deal.
New England brought in safety Mike Brown shortly after losing starter Jaylinn Hawkins to the Baltimore Ravens.
Brown previously played under head coach Mike Vrabel in the 2023 season with the Tennessee Titans. The safety featured in 9 games that season (starting 1), registering 7 tackles and a pass deflection.
“Brown is a hard hitter whose primary contributions figure to come on special teams (e.g., he was the personal protector on the punt team), and he’ll add depth behind starters…,” Reiss wrote. “Vrabel talked about the importance of adding competition and depth across the roster…”
Patriots Add All-Pro to Roster
Kevin Byard
GettyThe Patriots made a big splash in the free agency
One of the biggest moves the New England Patriots made this free agency was bringing in three-time All-Pro safety Kevin Byard on a one-year deal.
Byard, like Mike Brown, has familiarity with head coach Mike Vrabel and should be accustomed to how the head coach runs the defense and the team.
“The 32-year-old is considered a consummate pro; he’s always available and still has high-end range as evidenced by his 36 career interceptions…” Reiss wrote about the safety. “[He] adds an experienced presence to the safeties room…”
The Patriots still have some cap space to bring in some quality additions to the squad after losing multiple starters in free agency and look to get back to the Super Bowl in Vrabel’s second season as head coach.