RSS Patriots Team Notes

Patriots links 2/18/26: Pats punch list: Extend Gonzalez, fortify OL

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 14: New England Patriots offensive tackle Mike Onwenu (71) run blocks during the game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

TEAM TALK


LOCAL LINKS


NATIONAL NEWS

  • Albert Breer (SI) NFL Takeaways: How the Raiders landed on Klint Kubiak as head coach; Plus, Joe Brady’s vision for the Bills and more.
  • Andrew Brandt (SI) Business of Football: NFL grievance win may not stop public shaming from NFLPA Report Cards. Very possible the worst scores on the annual surveys will still get leaked to the public; Plus, thoughts on Super Bowl LX, a lack of diversity among the coaching ranks and more.
  • Nick Shook (NFL.com) Ranking all 63 starting quarterbacks from the 2025 season. Drake Maye 4th.
  • Garrett Podell (CBS Sports) NFL’s top regression candidates: Why Patriots, Bears and others are poised for major fall in 2026. /So… it’s ‘Super Bowl or bust’ already?
  • Alex Kay (Bleacher Report) Ranking the top 10 potential cap casualties after Tyreek Hill’s release from Dolphin. No. 10 Stefon Diggs.
  • Experts (USA Today) 2025 NFL season winners, losers: We asked our experts to weigh in. Winner: Parity.
  • Nate Davis (USA Today) NFL power rankings post Super Bowl 60. Patriots 5th. “…let’s celebrate what this team accomplished, reclaiming the AFC East crown from Buffalo and becoming the first NFL team to finish a season 9-0 on the road.” /Click for more commentary.
  • Frank Schwab (Yahoo! Sports) Most memorable scouting combine moments include Vernon Davis dominating and Tom Brady not dominating.
  • Mike Kadlick (SI) Longtime Bill Belichick assistant Ernie Adams to return to coaching in 2026. The 72-year-old will be Phillips Academy–Andover’s interim head coach this season.
  • Kristopher Knox (Bleacher Report) 2026 Free Agency Big Board: Ranking top 50 players after Super Bowl
  • Frank Schwab (Yahoo! Sports) Top 25 NFL Free Agents.
  • Nate Davis (USA Today) The top 26 players (currently) scheduled to be available in 2026.
  • Karl Rasmussen (SI) 2026 Free Agency: 10 best tight ends – 10 best running backs available.
  • Eva Geitheim (SI) 2026 Free Agency: 10 best wide receivers available.
  • Eva Geitheim (SI) 10 players who could cash in big in free agency this offseason.
  • Mike Kadlick (SI) Ranking the 3 most likely Tyreek Hill landing spots after Miami release: KC, BUF, SF.
  • Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (USA Today) 2026 NFL mock draft: Projecting the first round. Pats pick Texas A&M OLB Cashius Howell at 31.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...26-pats-punch-list-extend-gonzalez-fortify-ol
 
Patriots free agency 2026: K’Lavon Chaisson is not going to come cheap

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 18: K'Lavon Chaisson #44 of the New England Patriots runs during an NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Despite finishing the season strongly, the New England Patriots’ pass rush had its ups and downs throughout the 2025 campaign. It wasn’t due to K’Lavon Chaisson’s efforts, though: the first-year Patriot proved himself a disruptive player who finished the year setting multiple career marks and leading the team in several statistical categories.

Needless to say, Chaisson has positioned himself well with free agency coming up. What can be expected, though? Let’s assess his situation.

Hard facts​


Name: K’Lavon Chaisson

Position: Defensive edge/Outside linebacker

Jersey number: 44

Opening day age: 27 (7/25/1999)

Measurements: 6’3”, 255 lbs, 32 1/4” arm length, 9 7/8” hand size, N/A Relative Athletic Score

Experience​


NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars (2020-23), Carolina Panthers (2024), Las Vegas Raiders (2024), New England Patriots (2025-) | College: LSU (2017-19)

A five-star recruit out of North Shore High School in Galena Park, TX, Chaisson drew considerable interest on the college scouting trail. He eventually decided to join LSU over offers from Texas, Oklahoma and Stanford, among others, and went on to spend three seasons in Baton Rouge.

During that time, he saw action in 26 games with 17 starts and registered a combined 92 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. Earning All-SEC recognition in both of his healthy seasons as a Tiger (first team in 2019; freshman in 2017), Chaisson opted to forgo his final two seasons of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft in 2020. A highly-regarded edge option, he eventually heard his name called 20th overall in the first round.

Chaisson spent the entirety of his rookie contract with the Jaguars, but failed to live up to his draft status. Playing in 59 combined regular season and playoff games, he notched just five total sacks and later saw the fifth-year option in his deal declined. He ended up leaving Jacksonville as a free agent in 2024, but lasted only five months with his new team, the Panthers.

Chaisson later joined the Raiders on a one-year pact and promptly managed to double his career total in sacks (from 5 to 10). His performance in Las Vegas set the stage to him moving to New England in free agency, and he went on to build on his 2024 performance by playing the best football of his career in 2025.

2025 review​


Stats: 20 games (12 starts) | 833 defensive snaps (64.9%), 129 special teams snaps (23.5%) | 43 tackles, 19 missed tackles (30.6%), 14 TFLs, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery (1 TD) | 73 quarterback pressures (10.5 sacks, 18 hits, 44 hurries) | 3 targets, 1 catch surrendered (33.3%), 6 yards, 1 PBU | 1 missed special teams tackle | 7 penalties (incl. 2 declined)

Season recap: Signing a one-year, $3 million deal in free agency, Chaisson joined the Patriots as a projected rotational piece in a defensive edge group also featuring Harold Landry, Keion White and Anfernee Jennings. He initially started out as the next man up behind starters Landry and White, but by mid-August had overtaken the latter on the depth chart: while White’s transition to a new role did not go as smoothly as planned, Chaisson showed some real flashes and eventually entered the regular season as a top option on the edge.

He kept that role throughout the year and finished first on the Patriots in sacks (10.5), pressures (73), tackles for loss (14) and forced fumbles (3). His disruptive potential was on display regularly, even though he had a six-game dry spell in November and December without a sack.

When the playoffs came around, however, Chaisson brought his A-game to finish with three quarterback takedowns and 20 total pressures in four games.

His 2025 highlights did not end there. The former first-round draft pick also scored his first career touchdown when he scooped up a loose ball against the Titans in Week 7 and returned it 4 yards for a score.

Chaisson endeared himself to the Patriots’ coaching staff not just because of his playmaking potential on defense, but also his willingness to appear on special teams. A mainstay on the punt coverage team especially early in the season, he ended with 129 snaps in the game’s third phase — the second most of his career, and a significant uptick compared to the 16 he played with the Raiders in 2024.

But while 2025 was another step in the right direction for Chaisson, it wasn’t all roses and sunshine either. He had some serious issues as a run defender and in the tackling department, and his seven penalties were tied for third most on the team.

All in all, however, the 2025 season was a successful one for Chaisson. He showed that his one-year stint in Las Vegas was not a fluke, and that he can be a disruptive player on the defensive edge.

Free agency preview​


Free agency status: Unrestricted free agent (UFA)

What is his contract history? Entering the league as a first-round draft pick in 2020, Chaisson received a fully-guaranteed rookie contract worth $13.3 million over four years. Since then, however, he mostly played on modest deals: he signed a one-year, $2.5 million pact with the Panthers and started his Raiders career on a practice squad deal before putting his signature under a one-year, $1.13 million deal. New England ended up giving him $3 million last offseason, a contract he actually managed to outperform by earning an extra $2 million through playing time and sack incentives. Overall, his total career earnings have been calculated by the Over the Cap at $19.8 million.

Which teams might be in the running? There is no shortage of teams needing help on the edge this offseason, including the Patriots. Elsewhere in the league, the Bills, Eagles, Cowboys, Commanders, 49ers and Buccaneers also are currently light in that area and might be looking at a player like Chaisson to bolster their depth chart and improve their defensive disruptiveness.

Why should he be expected back? Besides Chaisson himself claiming that he would want to return, the Patriots also have the means and the motivation to strike a deal. Frankly, they need all the good edge players they can get. While he is probably best suited to play more of a specialized role compared to how he was used in 2025, the 26-year-old still has shown his value to the team. He is a natural pass rusher who plays with a high motor and has shown a knack for getting to the quarterback and knocking the ball free. Sure, he has areas to work on, but he brings a solid foundation to build on in a second season within the same system.

Why should he be expected to leave? New England is in a solid position when it comes to available resources, but they will still try to stay reasonable when it comes to re-signing Chaisson. If he prices himself out of their comfort zone, they likely will let him leave in hopes of possibly recouping a compensatory pick or getting similar production out of other players at a lower cost — or take a big swing on a higher-upside option.

What is his projected free agency outcome? Chaisson is arguably the Patriots’ highest-profile free agent, but we project that he will return to the team when all is said and done. Looking at his age, production and career progression, we can see a deal similar to the three-year, $51.1 million pact Bryce Huff signed with the Eagles back in 2024. While an annual average of around $17 million is a lot, the market plus a growing salary cap means that it is not entirely unreasonable either for a player who performed on a solid level at a premium position.

Now it’s your turn to play GM: What would you do with K’Lavon Chaisson? Give him a deal similar to the one outlined above? Or simply let him go and hope to replace him either with another player or in the aggregate? Please head down to the comment section to share your plan.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...s/122228/klavon-chaisson-profile-preview-2026
 
Patriots links 2/19/26: Rushing to Safety: Pats roster needs

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 04: Jaylinn Hawkins #21 of the New England Patriots intercepts a pass in the end zone in the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TEAM TALK

  • Patriots updated Mock Draft Tracker.
  • Patriots Catch-22: Evan Lazar and Alex Barth go full offseason mode from the Pats biggest needs, the NFL combine, players and drills to watch, and position analysis. Plus, draft prospects that best fit the Pats scheme, hidden gems and More. (2 hours)

LOCAL LINKS


NATIONAL NEWS

  • Joel Corry (CBS Sports) Agent’s Take: Everything you need to know about franchise and transition tags with NFL free agency on horizon.
  • Analytics Team (NFL.com) Next Gen Stats: The rise of split-safety coverage is taking the NFL by storm.
  • Around the NFL (NFL.com) 2026 NFL free agency: Free agents, notable departures for all 32 teams.
  • Zachary Pereles (CBS Sports) One free agent every team should make sure to keep. Patriots: Edge K’Lavon Chaisson.
  • Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Top 100 free agents: Market light on big-name talent, but some stars to be had.
  • Austin Gayle (The Ringer) Ranking the top 50 NFL free agents of 2026.
  • Conor Orr (SI) 2026 NFL Quarterback carousel preview: 24 Players worth monitoring.
  • Eva Geitheim (SI) 2026 NFL Free Agency: Best available Edge Rushers – Quarterbacks – Cornerbacks.
  • Aaron Schatz (ESPN) Players who need a change of scenery this offseason. Patriots: Christian Barmore.
  • Kevin Patra (NFL.com) Eight players in free agency who could be misvalued in 2026.
  • Dan Parr (NFL.com) Top five draft needs for all 32 teams entering offseason. Patriots: Edge, OL, DL, TE, S.
  • Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com) 2026 NFL mock draft 2.0. Pats pick Missouri Edge Zion Young at 31.
  • Dan Parr (NFL.com) 2026 NFL mock draft 1.0. Pats take Clemson Edge T.J. Parker at 31.
  • Tom Fornelli (CBS Sports) 2026 NFL mock draft 1.0. Pats pick Illinois LB Gabe Jacas at 31.
  • Michael McCann (Sportico) Mahomes, Kelse face trademark lawsuit over Kansas City steakhouse.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...inks-2-19-26-rushing-safety-pats-roster-needs
 
A.J. Brown trade rumors: Should Patriots pursue Eagles wide receiver?

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 11: Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown #11 engages the crowd during the NFL Wild Card game between the San Fransisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11th, 2026 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The New England Patriots passing offense was one of the best in the NFL during the 2025 regular season, but it struggled to produce at the same level against superior competition in the playoffs. There are several reasons for that, and a multitude of potential fixes including upgrading at the wide receiver position.

Don’t get us wrong, the Patriots’ wideouts performed at a surprisingly high level compared to the group’s 2024 performance. However, it was missing something: a true No. 1 capable of making game-changing plays in an instant and single-handedly changing how defenses try to counter New England.

Players like that do not grow on trees, and neither are they cheap to bring aboard from outside. However, when it comes to the pursuit of a Super Bowl, drastic-looking measures might be necessary — measures such as making a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for veteran wideout A.J. Brown.

Let’s assess the argument for and against such a move.

Why the Patriots should pursue an A.J. Brown trade​


Proven WR1: As noted above, the Patriots lacked a true No. 1 wide receiver in 2025. They did get solid contributions from Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, who all filled that position at various points, but none of the three are true game-changers deserving of the WR1 label. Brown, on the other hand, continues to fill that role for the Eagles and would supposedly give New England its first real top-tier No. 1 receiver since Brandin Cooks in 2017. He has the makings of such a player, after all, both because of his proven production and elite athletic profile. Brown could be a volume target for Drake Maye with some serious big-play potential.

Trickle-down effect: The value of such a WR1 lies not just in what he can directly provide for a team, but also the indirect effect his presence would have on the composition of an offense. Brown would be a player opposing teams would have to account for, which consequently would give New England’s other receivers more favorable matchups. Take the AFC Championship Game as an example: the Patriots would likely not have Kayshon Boutte covered by All-Pro Patrick Surtain, but rather by Riley Moss — a one-on-one Boutte would be more likely to win that his battle with Surtain. Meanwhile, Surtain vs. Brown would project as a much more level fight.

Roster shuffling: We will get to the topic of compensation in a second, but before we do we need to talk about Brown’s impact on the roster itself. Adding him would probably make another player expendable, and there are plenty of candidates for that to happen. Fact is, after all, that none of Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas are roster locks for 2026. While Douglas plays a different role, any of the other three could be removed from the team in the aftermath of a Brown trade (or in Boutte’s case potentially be involved in the move itself). If that happens, adding him to the mix could potentially result in a relatively insignificant cap charge: Brown, after all, would come with a cap number of either $6.79 million or roughly $29 million depending on some option bonuses embedded into the pact.

Character fit: Even though Brown appears to be unhappy with the state of the Eagles and his position within the organization, that specific situation needs to be looked at separately from what he would provide to the Patriots if traded there (particularly considering he was a fan of the team growing up and still holds it in high regard). The 28-year-old, after all, was a three-year captain in Philadelphia for a reason: his teammates gravitated toward him and his leadership, and it is no stretch of the imagination that the same would happen in Foxborough.

Mike Vrabel connection: The Patriots being a potential landing spot in case Brown gets traded is primarily due to one man: head coach Mike Vrabel, under whom Brown was drafted by the Titans in 2019. The two spent three seasons together in Tennessee, and as the wideout admitted on the latest episode of the Dudes on Dudes podcast featuring ex-Patriots Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski, he has a good relationship with his former coach despite what he described as somewhat of a rocky start.

Why the Patriots should not pursue an A.J. Brown trade​


Asking price: From a Patriots perspective, trading for Brown would make fiscal sense regardless of the aforementioned option bonuses. The Eagles, on the other hand, would take on a massive $43.5 million dead cap hit were they to move on from Brown before June 1 (and even afterwards it would still be $27.2 million for the 2026 season). In order for that pill to swallow, Philadelphia might be asking for some steep compensation. What that would look like is anybody’s guess, but the Patriots might have to be willing to part ways with some valuable assets either in the draft or on their current roster to manufacture a deal.

Wear and tear: Brown entered the NFL in 2019 and has since appeared in a combined 118 regular season and playoff games. And while his body has mostly held up well, he also missed a combined six games over the last two seasons while dealing with hamstring and knee issues. Those would not be a disqualifier per se, and neither would his previous exposure. However, combined with the asking price the Patriots might find themselves in an uncomfortable position.

Alternatives: Rather than spending a high draft pick or possible starter-caliber player to acquire a soon-to-be 29-year-old Brown, the Patriots might feel better about exploring alternative options. Maybe they feel good about the talent they have on their roster, primarily Kayshon Boutte and Kyle Williams? Maybe they see the draft as a more attractive pipeline to improve at wide receiver, with players such as K.C. Conception, Denzel Boston or Omar Cooper Jr. possible candidates to be added in the late first round? It is not entirely unrealistic that a team still in the early stages of its rebuild would feel better about that direction rather than going after a player like Brown.


A.J. Brown to the Patriots is an interesting thought experiment because of the potential implications a trade would have on a team that made it all the way to the Super Bowl in 2025. Because, make no mistake, he would be the team’s No. 1 wide receiver if brought aboard and instantly become its most dangerous downfield weapon.

However, he also would not come cheap and likely disqualify the Patriots from pursuing other candidates such as the potential first-round rookies mentioned above or another popular trade target, Raiders edge Maxx Crosby. That trade-off might be worth it, but there are no right or wrong answers until the Patriots’ actual performance on the field in 2026 with or without any of those players mentioned.

As for Brown himself, he likely would welcome a change of scenery and getting traded to New England. Whether the Eagles see it the same way remains to be seen and could be the ultimate hold-up.

From a Patriots perspective, though, one thing is true either way: a talent such as Brown would add more quality to an offense still in need of it despite some promising signs in 2025.

So, what do you think? What trade package would you present to the Eagles? Would you present one at all? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-opinion/122358/aj-brown-trade-rumors-analysis
 
Patriots reportedly fulfill veteran receiver Mack Hollins’ missed contract incentive

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Foxborough, MA - October 26: New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins stiff-arms Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward in the fourth quarter. The New England Patriots played the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium on October 26, 2025. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images

While a lacerated spleen kept Mack Hollins off the field from December into January, a payday remained in play.

The New England Patriots have added a $400,000 signing bonus to the veteran wide receiver’s contract for 2026, according to Friday reports from Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti and NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.

Hollins, 32, finished his inaugural regular season in Foxborough just four catches shy of hitting a $400,000 incentive. But what was missed has since been honored by head coach Mike Vrabel’s organization as sights set on the new league year.

At the time of his placement on injured reserve, Hollins stood with 46 receptions for 550 yards and two touchdowns. He stood there while leading New England’s wideout depth chart with 657 offensive snaps through 15 appearances, including 13 starts.

Activated from injured reserve on the eve of the AFC Championship Game, which marked the earliest return date under NFL rules, Hollins went on to catch six passes for 129 yards and one touchdown through playoff starts versus the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks.

Arriving at Gillette Stadium last March on a two-year, $8.4 million contract featuring $3.5 million guaranteed, Hollins now moves forward with a cap number of $5.55 million when factoring in the $400,000 sweetener.

Per PatsCap’s Miguel Benzan, that upcoming cap number features $2.9 million in base salary and $1.15 million in signing bonuses. It also features a $150,000 offseason workout bonus, $600,000 in receptions incentives, as well as up to $750,000 in active roster bonuses for the 6-foot-4, 221-pound target.

Entering the NFL in the fourth round of the 2017 draft at No. 118 overall, Hollins spent previous campaigns with the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills. The North Carolina Tar Heels product, who earned a Super Bowl LII ring as a rookie, has caught 220 passes for 2,861 yards and 19 touchdowns through 135 career games, counting postseason.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...r-mack-hollins-400k-missed-contract-incentive
 
Patriots part of new-look NFL competition committee

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 16: Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings talks with head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots prior to an NFL preseason football game at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

One of the NFL’s most important committees will have a New England Patriots presence this season. Head coach Mike Vrabel was recently announced as a new addition to the league’s competition committee, which is at the forefront of modifying rules.

Vrabel was added to the group earlier this month alongside Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton. This week, two more of their peers — Minnesota’s Kevin O’Connell and Houston’s DeMeco Ryans — were added as well.

For Vrabel, this is not an unfamiliar position to be in. He already served on the competition committee during his time as head coach of the Tennessee Titans.

The Patriots organization, meanwhile, has not been represented on the committee in recent history. In fact, longtime head coach Bill Belichick was a vocal critic of its workings for years, and frequently at odds with the group’s interpretation of rules and vision for the game (particularly under former co-chairman Jeff Fisher).

That battle will seemingly be a thing of the past now.

The full committee, according to the NFL, now looks as follows:

  • Rich McKay (co-chairman) (Atlanta Falcons)
  • Stephen Jones (co-chairman) (Dallas Cowboys)
  • Katie Blackburn (Cincinnati Bengals)
  • Todd Bowles (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
  • John Lynch (San Francisco 49ers)
  • John Mara (New York Giants)
  • Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams)
  • Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings)
  • Sean Payton (Denver Broncos)
  • DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans)
  • Mike Vrabel (New England Patriots)

There are still questions remaining about the group’s composition entering 2026. Co-chairman Rich McKay, after all, left the Falcons in January and is currently not associated with any team. Still, with the NFL’s annual meeting set to take place in late March, most if not all of the committee is now set.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-news/122399/nfl-competition-committee-mike-vrabel
 
Patriots links 2/20/26: Do Pats need to reach for WR star?

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Foxboro, MA - August 11 - Wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) of the New England Patriots makes a catch during practice at Gillet Stadium. (Photo by Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images

TEAM TALK


LOCAL LINKS

  • Andrew Callahan’s five steps to get back to the Super Bowl: No. 5 Put finishing touches on defense.
  • Mike D’Abate reports the Pats did the right thing, awarding Mack Hollins an added $400K bonus despite falling four catches short of a contract incentive which would have paid out at the end of the regular-season.
  • Mark Morse’s Patriots News: Plus, NFL Draft Combine preview.
  • Meghan Ottolini posts 5 storylines that will define the Patriots’ offseason. 1. Christian Gonzalez extension.
  • Ethan Hurwitz identifies three teams that may compete with the Patriots for K’Lavon Chaisson.
  • Graham Wilkins explains why the Pats don’t need to chase veteran free agent OT Rasheed Walker.
  • Alex Barth wonders if the Raiders will get the hefty return they want for Maxx Crosby.
  • Khari Thompson looks at ESPN analyst Seth Walder’s hypothetical trade to figure out what it would take for the Patriots to land AJ Brown.
  • Conor Ryan explains why TE Kyle Pitts could a top free-agent target for the Patriots.
  • Sara Marshall looks at Mike Vrabel’s history to alert Patriots fans that he might not make the splashy moves they want.
  • Colin Keane relays NFL analyst Louis Riddick, making it clear that New England must prioritize offense this offseason, specifically targeting a true No. 1 WR or big X/Z target for Drake Maye.
  • Ethan Hurwitz notes kicker Andy Borregales was honored in his hometown in Florida, celebrating his run as New England’s kicker and becoming the first Venezuelan player to suit up for a Super Bowl.

NATIONAL NEWS

  • Mike Moraitis (Sporting News) Patriots make classy $400,000 decision on wide receiver Mack Hollins.
  • Brent Sobleski (Bleacher Report) Re-grading every team’s 2025 draft class after rookie seasons. Pats: A-.
  • Kevin Patra (NFL.com) A.J. Brown used to ‘hate’ Mike Vrabel during time together in Tennessee.
  • Austin Swaim (Pro Football Network) Biggest decision for all 32 NFL teams this offseason. Patriots: Where does the team acquire a go-to guy for Maye? /Click for commentary.
  • Conor Orr (SI) Making 32 bold predictions for the 2026 NFL offseason. The Patriots will sign either Kyle Pitts or Isaiah Likely. /Click for commentary.
  • John Breech (CBS Sports) 2026 NFL schedule rumors: Tracking all international games that’ve been revealed. Patriots included.
  • Eva Geitheim (SI) One sentence to describe each team’s QB situation before free agency. Patriots: After following up an MVP caliber season with a disastrous postseason, Drake Maye will at least be able to turn to his wife’s popular baked treats for comfort. /Weak.
  • Staff (NFL.com) 2026 NFL scouting combine: Full list of draft prospects invited: Feb 23 through March 2.
  • Anthony Licciardi (Sporting News) Five measurements to look forward to at the NFL Scouting Combine.
  • Mike Renner (CBS Sports) Top defensive prospects entering the 2026 NFL combine by position.
  • Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports) 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 125 rankings with few answers at QB but franchise talent elsewhere.
  • Ben Solak (ESPN) Ranking deepest, thinnest positions in NFL free agency, draft.
  • Dan Wilkins (The Score) 25 cut candidates who could spice up NFL free agency. Stefon Diggs included.
  • Dan Parr (NFL.com) Seven biggest draft takeaways from Daniel Jeremiah’s pre-combine conference call.
  • Staff (ESPN) Parity the theme as DraftKings releases 2026 NFL win totals. Patriots: 9.5.
  • Highlights (NFL.com) Every teams’ best play of the 2025 regular season. Patriots: Week 5 at Bills (39 sec. mark) TreVeyon Henderson scores with Drake Maye blocking out in front.
  • Alex Kennedy (ESPN) What’s the oldest NFL stadium? Soldier to SoFi in age. Gillette Stadium 18th oldest.
  • Courtney Cronin (ESPN) Indiana unanimously passes bill to lure Bears away from Chicago.
  • Field Yates (ESPN) 2026 NFL mock draft: First round. Pats pick Utah OT/G Caleb Lomu at 31.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...iots-links-2-20-26-pats-need-to-reach-wr-star
 
Patriots free agency 2026: Is Yasir Durant being overlooked at OT?

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 11: Yasir Durant #70 of the New England Patriots looks on during the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Even though the New England Patriots made some big investments in their offensive tackle group last offseason, it remains in the spotlight heading into 2026. Starters Will Campbell and Morgan Moses are facing questions because of their playoff performance and age, respectively, while backups Vederian Lowe and Thayer Munford Jr. are both free agents this spring.

The same is true for a third OT option: Yasir Durant. While mostly overlooked as a depth piece, the restricted free agent is able to provide some experience both within the Patriots organization and in pro football as a whole.

Could he therefore factor into the mix as well moving forward? Is he even a realistic candidate to be retained? Let’s find out.

Hard facts​


Name: Yasir Durant

Position: Offensive tackle

Jersey number: 72

Opening day age: 28 (5/21/1998)

Measurements: 6’6”, 330 lbs, 34 3/4” arm length, 9 1/2” hand size, 5.52s 40-yard dash, 25” vertical jump, 21 bench press reps, 2.23 Relative Athletic Score

Experience​


NFL: Kansas City Chiefs (2020), New England Patriots (2021), New Orleans Saints (2022), Denver Broncos (2023), New England Patriots (2025-) | College: Arizona Western (2016), Missouri (2017-19)

A three-year recruit out of Imhotep High School in his hometown of Philadelphia, Durant spent his freshman year at Arizona Western Community College, where he played right guard and some left tackle. He subsequently transferred to Missouri in 2017 and over the next three seasons established himself as the Tigers’ starting left tackle. He ended up appearing in 37 games with 34 starts before going unselected in the 2020 remote draft.

Durant joined the Chiefs as a rookie free agent, where he saw some limited action as a reserve lineman and special teamer as a rookie. He was traded to New England the following September, where he continued to play a similar role but was ultimately not retained in 2022.

From there, he continued to add to his journeyman status. Durant spent 2022 in New Orleans, followed by a brief training camp stint in Denver. He remained unsigned for the remainder of the 2023 season and took his talents to the UFL, where he spent two seasons with the DC Defenders before a return to the NFL and New England in the summer of 2025.

Over the course of his professional career, Durant has started two out of his combined 21 NFL games as well as all 22 of his additional contests in the UFL.

2025 review​


Stats: N/A

Season recap: Eight days after putting a championship end to his all-star season, Durant left the UFL to return to the NFL via a one-year contract with the Patriots. He joined the team after its offseason program had concluded in hopes of being ready to compete for a spot on the offensive tackle depth chart in training camp.

That never happened. While he did participate in the first five practices without really standing out in any way, he suffered an undisclosed injury early in the sixth session and was not seen from again. One day after his departure, he was waived with an injury designation and after going unclaimed reverted to injured reserve the next day. Ineligible to return off IR, he spent his entire 2025 campaign on the list.

Free agency preview​


Free agency status: Restricted free agent (RFA)

What is his contract history? While Durant’s career has been lacking stability so far, he has still been able to earn a bit of money since turning pro — including last year with the Patriots: as part of an injury stipulation in his contract, he received a split salary of $540,000. In total, he has now earned $2.2 million since 2020, according to calculations by Over the Cap.

Which teams might be in the running? Given his career up until this point, Durant does not project as a starter-caliber offensive tackle in 2026. That means that his market is not as easily defined as looking at teams in need of help at that particular position. And with every team looking for backups to fill out their roster at this stage in the process, this means every organization in the league could theoretically be interested in Durant. In practice, however, New England would probably be frontrunners even if he were not tendered as an RFA.

Why should he be expected back? Set to turn 28 in May, Durant is an experienced player who may not have had the most starting opportunities in the NFL but who could still provide value as a backup swing and scout team tackle. Whether that is enough to be retained remains to be seen, but with both Vederian Lowe and Thayer Munford Jr. off to the open market New England might see him as a cheaper depth piece easier to keep around.

Why should he be expected to leave? Durant’s staying power in pro football deserves to be applauded, but his potential for improvement and by extension ability to compete for snaps seems limited at this point in his career. Sure, re-signing him would not be expensive, but he also would take a roster spot from a player with potentially higher upside and a clearer path to earning a roster spot over him.

What is his projected free agency outcome? As asked above, is Durant being overlooked as a depth piece at offensive tackle? To a degree, yes; that is the nature of spending an entire year on injured reserve. That being said, he also is facing a somewhat murky outlook. For starters, the Patriots are not expected to use any of the restricted free agency tenders on him. That said, we do project that they could eventually re-sign him on a one-year minimum contract consisting of a non-guaranteed $1.08 million base salary. That would not guarantee him a spot on the team, but it would give New England another option in case one of Lowe or Munford Jr. decides to leave — and if only until the dust has settled from the draft and rookie free agency.

Now it’s your turn to play GM: How would you approach Yasir Durant’s free agency? Is he worth re-signing? Or would you just let him hit the open market and see what happens next? Please head down to the comment section to share your plan.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...ions/122398/yasir-durant-profile-preview-2026
 
Patriots 2026 offseason preview: Tight end a need despite Hunter Henry

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STANFORD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: Tight ends Hunter Henry #85, Austin Hooper #81, Jack Westover #37 and CJ Dippre #82 of the New England Patriots poses for this photo before taking a team photo prior to Super Bowl LX at Stanford Stadium on February 07, 2026 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New England Patriots went about to rebuild their offense in 2025, but one position group largely stayed the same compared to the previous season. Tight end saw only marginal change during an offseason full of it — outside of coaching, of course — with the top two options both returning and relatively minor turnover behind them.

Moving on to 2026, however, there is no telling where the group is headed. While all but one of the team’s nominal tight ends are under contract, the outlook is still murky both in the short and the long term.

Patriots tight end depth chart​


Hunter Henry: Voted a team captain, Henry had one of the best seasons of his career and was a critical part of the Patriots’ offense. The clear-cut No. 1 tight end, he appeared in all 21 games and finished first among New England’s skill position players with a 78.6% playing time share. In addition, he was on the receiving end of 69 total passes for 880 yards and eight touchdowns. While he wasn’t at his best in the playoffs — similar to fellow veteran Stefon Diggs — he was one of the team’s most reliable contributors overall in 2025. | Signed (2027 UFA) | $11.75M cap hit

Austin Hooper: The Robin to Hunter Henry’s Batman, Hooper re-signed with the Patriots in the offseason and provided a veteran presence as a second tight end focused primarily on blocking. He also made the occasional play as a receiving option and finished with 24 combined catches for 287 yards and a couple of touchdowns in his 20 games. While not a volume target, he was reasonably efficient and registered the highest success rate (69.7%) and second-highest yards per catch (12.0) of his career. | UFA

C.J. Dippre: Joining the Patriots as an undrafted free agent, Dippre started his rookie campaign on the Patriots’ practice squad. He eventually was signed to the active roster to prevent other teams from poaching him, but eventually played only 20 offensive snaps and 26 on special teams over two in-game appearances. Dippre was a healthy scratch for eight games, including all four playoff contests. | Signed (2027 ERFA) | $1.01MM cap hit

Marshall Lang: A rookie free agent, Lang alternated between the two Super Bowl teams. He started out with the Seahawks, then joined the Patriots practice squad, then returned to Seattle’s practice squad before finishing the year on New England’s. Along the way, he played zero snaps. | Signed (2026 ERFA) | $885k cap hit

In theory, exclusive rights free agent Jack Westover also could be considered an option at tight end after only making the move to fullback out of necessity last offseason. With Brock Lampe potentially able to fill that role in 2026, there is a chance Westover begins focusing more on his original position again if it helps his chances of securing a roster spot.

Patriots offseason preview​


With no player signed beyond 2026 and the young talent on the roster best described as “developmental,” the Patriots are entering a pivotal year when it comes to their tight end group. Anything between a complete tear-down — including parting ways with Hunter Henry considering the favorable structure of his contract — and running back the same personnel could be in the cards.

Realistically, the answer will lie somewhere in between. Despite his relatively inconsequential playoff performance, Henry still looks like a relatively safe bet to return to the Patriots in 2026: he was good in the regular season and provides value as a team leader and mentor for potential incoming tight ends and the two youngster currently under contract as well. For now, after all, both C.J. Dippre and Marshall Lang are in position to be back with the team this year.

The biggest questions are therefore, 1.) What will happen with unrestricted free agent Austin Hooper?; and 2.) How will the team try to upgrade the overall position for both 2026 and beyond?

Both of those questions are somewhat intertwined. The team could decide to play Hooper’s trip to the open market slowly and simultaneously try to find other plays to help replace him — whether they be big names like Kyle Pitts or Isaiah Likely or, more likely, second-tier options such as Chigoziem Okonkwo or Cade Otton.

Additionally, the Patriots taking to the draft to build a some long-term vision at the position also is very much in play from the early rounds on. They simply need more youth and developmental upside at the position.

New England may have a good starting point with Henry still a solid player, but his age and pending free agency in 2027 makes tight end a clear need for the team.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...view-tight-end-free-agency-draft-henry-hooper
 
Sunday Patriots Notes: What the Combine means for Mike Vrabel and Co.

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots speaks at the podium during the 2025 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New England Patriots’ loss in Super Bowl LX is only two weeks away, but the next big date is already coming up on the NFL calendar. Between Monday, Feb. 23, and Monday, Mar. 2, the league will travel to Indianapolis for this year’s Scouting Combine.

While it will be the big story of the week, there is a lot more going on in pro football these days. With that said, let’s put a bow on the week that was. Welcome to the latest edition of our Sunday Patriots Notes.

Setting up the Scouting Combine​


The Patriots will send their big hitters to Indianapolis this week, including head coach Mike Vrabel and quasi-general manager Eliot Wolf. And while they will be watching the Combine’s main event, the on-field workouts, they are not the main focus of the team’s attention, as Vrabel explained last year.

“The drills haven’t changed in 30 years, so [it’s] the same drills. I just want to talk to these guys and get to know them briefly, see how they act in this setting. That’s important,” Vrabel said in 2025.

The Patriots are set to meet with dozens of prospects over the coming week, both formally and informally. For Vrabel and his team, it’s all about getting as much information as possible about each of them and see how they react to a pressure situation such as this.

“It can kind of go in any different direction,” Vrabel said about Combine interviews. “Really, we want to just see them in their authentic self and be genuine and honest. Let’s see how they respond and pivot in different questions coming from different ways.”

In addition to the interviews, the Patriots also will keep a close eye on the medical evaluations and whether or not any prospects get flagged by the experts at hand. Those could, in turn, lead to follow-up action by the team and impact what the schedule for their 30 visits at Gillette Stadium will look like.

Finally, another big part of the Combine is the community aspect of it. With teams and agents all present, it is thought of as the unofficial start of free agency and the trading period. Preliminary discussions could be taking place behind closed doors, and the groundwork for potential deals be laid over the next few days.

So, while the eyes of fans and media will be mostly on the on-field sessions set to take place later in the week, the Combine is much more than that for the NFL’s 32 organizations.

Difficult decisions​


The Patriots will be mostly focused on draft work this week, but their roster construction process for 2026 goes far beyond only adding talent from the outside. They also have to make some difficult decisions on some players currently under contract — players who might be quite expensive relative to their potential contributions and roles on next year’s team.

There are several such candidates whose futures might not be as secure as one would think. There are wide receiver Stefon Diggs and defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who are both facing legal questions, center Garrett Bradbury, who was solid in 2025 but might end up replaced by sophomore Jared Wilson, running back and kickoff returner Antonio Gibson, who is coming off an ACL tear, and linebackers Anfernee Jennings, Harold Landry and Jahlani Tavai (although the latter two do not appear to be in immediate danger of getting cut due to their contract structures).

What this goes to show more than anything is that roster turnover is the lone constant in the NFL. Players who were thought of as cornerstones just a year ago could now very well be headed out the door, be it due to performance, financial reasons or off-field questions.

Traveling abroad?​


The NFL has started announcing its international schedule for the 2026 season, with several teams already locked into games abroad.

The Rams and 49ers will play the league’s first-ever game in Australia, facing off in Melbourne in Week 1; the latter will also host a contest in Mexico City in December. Meanwhile, the Cowboys and Saints are the designated home teams for the first-ever games played in Rio de Janeiro and Paris, respectively, while the Jaguars will once again sacrifice one of their home games to play in London — one of three total teams to do so (while the other two are set to come from the NFC as part of the league’s schedule rotation).

While the full slate of games has yet to be announced, we already know that the Patriots will not play in Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro or Paris: those teams are not on their 2026 schedule. They could return to the UK, but it seems unlikely they will play the Jaguars again after already facing off against them in London in 2024.

The other two remaining international contests in Munich and Madrid, however, look like more realistic possibilities for New England. Not only do the Patriots have big fanbases in both countries, they also hold marketing rights in Germany and probably are eager to make people forget about the 10-6 stinker they played in Frankfurt against the Colts in 2023. Spain, meanwhile, would be a new frontier for the franchise worth exploring.

Stability at OC​


The Patriots experienced significant turnover at the offensive coordinator position recently. In fact, 2026 will be their first season having the same OC in back-to-back year since 2021. Coincidentally, the position was held by the same person in both of those years: Josh McDaniels.

McDaniels remaining in New England this year brings back some stability on that side of the ball, something that proved to be vital during the team’s second-era dynasty of the 2010s. It also puts him and his team in a relatively rare position: he is now the longest-tenured offensive coordinator in the AFC East — the Bills, Dolphins and Jets all made changes this offseason — and one of only 11 OCs in the entire NFL to stay put since last year.

Mental health in the spotlight​


Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore was found dead at his home on Saturday from what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was only 25 years old.

Moore’s sudden passing led to an outpour of support, including from Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

Mental Health Matters 💙💚

It’s Okay to not be Okay.

🙏🏽

— Gonzo (@chrisgonzo28) February 22, 2026
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Gonzalez has been active in promoting the importance of mental health since a close friend of his and former teammate at the University of Colorado, Kyle Miller III, passed away in 2024. He has supported the KyleCares Foundation and the Happiness Project.

“I want to use my platform to talk about mental health,” Gonzalez said in 2024. “Mental health matters. Reach out to somebody. I know it can be tough, but talk about your mental health with whoever you find you can talk to. Express how you feel as much as you can, stay positive, and always love on people because you never know what they’re going through.”

Week ahead​


It’s all about the Combine this week, and the schedule will be jam-packed. From a Patriots perspective, two dates stand out so far.

Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf is scheduled to address reporters on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. ET. The next day, head coach Mike Vrabel will talk to the media at 1 p.m. ET. Pats Pulpit will be in Indianapolis for both of those availabilities, and more.

If you or somebody you know is thinking about suicide or experiencing emotional distress, please reach out for help. Free and confidential emotional support is available 24/7 under the phone number 988 and through 988lifeline.org.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...riots-notes-combine-mike-vrabel-mental-health
 
Patriots links 2/23/26: NFL Combine: Questions, prospects, positions

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 11: Anfernee Jennings #33 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a sack during the fourth quarter of an AFC wild card playoff football game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TEAM TALK


LOCAL LINKS

  • Mike Reiss shares some quick hit weekend thoughts: Players to watch at the NFL combine; 2026 outlook; Pats currently have 26 open slots for future draft picks and veteran/rookie free agent signings; More.
  • Steve Balestrieri’s Sunday Patriots News: 2026 NFL Combine prospects, Draft strategy & team updates.
  • Andrew Callahan identifies the 10 most important figures of the Patriots’ high-stakes offseason.
  • Mike D’Abate considers 7 Combine questions that will shape the Patriots draft board. 1. Will the Patriots prioritize right or left tackle for an offensive line upgrade?
  • Karen Guregian spotlights the top 5 positions Patriots will focus on at the Scouting Combine: Edge – Offensive line – Receiver – Tight end – Safety.
  • Daniel Arwas thumbnails the draft positions New England will focus on at the Combine.
  • Mark Morse Patriots Draft Combine Guide: Needs, prospects, coaching moves, Stanley Morgan HOF case.
  • Ethan Hurwitz dives into some defensive players that could interest Patriots at the Combine.
  • Mark Daniels suggests 10 Patriots cut candidates in free agency.
  • Chris Mason relays ESPN insiders to see what would it cost the Patriots to trade for A.J. Brown.
  • Mike D’Abate puts together a 3-round Patriots mock draft. Pats pick Missouri EDGE Zion Young at 31.
  • A Clare Perspective podcast: Celebrating 5-year pod-iversary answering your mailbag questions. (30)

NATIONAL NEWS

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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...-26-nfl-combine-questions-prospects-positions
 
Potential Patriots target gets franchise tag ahead of NFL free agency

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FOXBOROUGH, MA - NOVEMBER 02: Kyle Pitts Sr. #8 of the Atlanta Falcons caught by Robert Spillane #14 of the New England Patriots during a game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons on November 2, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

With only one established option under contract for 2026, tight end is a serious if somewhat under-recognized need for the New England Patriots this offseason. The team making a splash at the position in free agency therefore would not come as a surprise, but one of the top options available won’t make it to the open market.

Former first-round draft pick Kyle Pitts, who had the best season of his career in 2025, is expected to receive the franchise tag from the Atlanta Falcons. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network was first to report the news.

Pitts would have been the marquee name in this year’s tight end free agency class. An outstanding athlete who despite subpar quarterback play has managed to catch 284 passes for 3,579 yards and 15 touchdowns in his five-year NFL career so far, his ceiling remains high as a multi-purpose offensive weapon. The Falcons seemingly agree with that assessment, keeping the 25-year-old on what will be a fully-guaranteed one-year deal.

With Pitts off the market, the remaining top options at the tight end position include the likes of Cade Otton (Buccaneers), Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar (Ravens), and Chigoziem Okonkwo (Titans). Noah Fant (Bengals), David Njoku (Browns), and Dallas Goedert (Eagles) are furthermore out of contract.

The Patriots, meanwhile, have one tight end headed for free agency. Veteran Austin Hooper, who originally arrived in Foxborough in 2024, is set to enter unrestricted free agency once it opens on March 11.

While Hooper’s future is uncertain, the Patriots currently have three tight ends signed for 2026. Besides team captain Hunter Henry, they also have C.J. Dippre and Marshall Lang under contract.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...l-target-franchise-tag-nfl-kyle-pitts-falcons
 
3 running back targets for the Patriots in NFL free agency

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Nov 3, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (36) hurdles over New England Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins (21) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots find themselves in a much different position than they were at this time last season. After overhauling the roster in Year 1 under Mike Vrabel, the Patriots turned things around and advanced to Super Bowl LX.

Entering free agency in 2026, the list of needs is significantly shorter for Vrabel and the front office. As they now look to further upgrade the roster and fill just a handful of holes, the Patriots are projected to have more than $40 million in cap space to work with.

Following the second-round selection of TreVeyon Henderson last year to join Rhamondre Stevenson atop the depth chart, New England projects in relative strong shape at the position. However, after dealing with depth issues throughout the season the Patriots could still add at the position.

Patriots’ current running back situation​


After dealing with slow start and then mid-season toe injury, Rhamondre Stevenson bounced back down the stretch and was the Patriots best offensive player. Stevenson ran hard, protected the football, and served as his usual reliable self in the passing game — as both a target and blocker — as the veteran took over New England’s backfield.

Stevenson’s dominant snap share in the playoffs also had to do with struggles from rookie TreVeyon Henderson. While Henderson appeared to be turning a corner midseason, the second-round pick hit a wall late and averaged just 2.5 yards per carry in the playoffs as his playing time decreased. Entering his sophomore season, New England must hope the game slows down for the speedster in order to become a more consistent source of offense outside his home-run ability.

New England dealt with a handful of injuries behind their top duo last season, which led to external additions and practice squad elevations throughout the year. Remaining under contract entering the offseason includes UDFA Lan Larison, who is also healthy after missing all of last season with a foot injury he suffered in the preseason. The versatile Larison seemed to be trending onto the Patriots roster prior to the injury and a similar spot will be up for grabs, with Terrell Jennings also remaining in the mix.

The main question the Patriots had at this position this offseason was to keep or release Antonio Gibson, who missed the majority of last season with a torn ACL he suffered in Week 5. New England ultimately opted to cut ties with the 28-year-old on Monday, a move that clears $2.14 million in cap space as the back was entering the final year of his contract with little guaranteed money remaining in his pact.

With no clear No. 3 back now on the roster, the Patriots will likely add at the position in the NFL Draft or in free agency — where a top-heavy class provides some limited depth options.

Patriots free agency targets at running back​


Jerome Ford (UFA): A popular potential trade candidate for the Patriots back near the in-season deadline, Ford now hits unrestricted free agency and likely will be on the look for a new home. The 26-year old saw his workload decrease this past season after the Browns drafted two running backs, but Ford averaged 4.7 yards per carry over the previous two years in route to running for over 1,300 rushing yards and seven touchdowns — while also bringing value as a pass catcher and kick returner. Vrabel knows the player from his time in Cleveland.

Julius Chestnut (UFA): The Sacred Heart alumni was originally signed as a UDFA by Mike Vrabel in Tennessee and went on to make the team — where he has now spent the past four seasons. Vrabel had praised Chestnut for his effort without the football and ability to finish with it, and made him a captain at times in preseason action: “He embodies what we believe in,” Vrabel said at the time. While Chestnut has yet to carve out a large offensive role, he has become a regular on four special teams units — including some action as a kick returner — for the Titans who can chip in when needed.

Kareem Hunt (UFA): The 30-year old Hunt has not averaged over 4.0 yards per carry since 2021 and ran for 611 yards and eight touchdowns on 163 carries (3.7 YPA) for the Chiefs last season. Still, Hunt converted 55 first-downs and posted a career-high 57 percent success rate as he still proved to be successful in short-yardage situations — an area New England’s ground game specifically struggled last season.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...9/running-back-targets-antonio-gibson-release
 
Eliot Wolf backs Will Campbell, shoots down report of Patriots’ interest in free agent left tackle

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FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 4: Will Campbell #66 of the New England Patriots blocks against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Gillette Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.(Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A recent report indicated the Patriots were looking to upgrade their offensive line this offseason by targeting Green Bay Packers pending free agent left tackle Rasheed Walker.

Asked about potential interest in Walker at the NFL Combine on Tuesday, Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf shot the report down.

“I saw that report. And it’s not true,” Wolf said. “He’s under contract with the Packers right now. And the two teams that were linked with that particular player both drafted left tackles in the first round last year, so I’m not sure how accurate that would be.”

Still, Wolf acknowledged offensive tackle is an area the team must address.

“Is offensive tackle a need, you know, Vederian [Lowe’s] a free agent. Thayer [Munford] is a free agent and Morgan [Moses] is 35 years old,” he said. “He played awesome this year, but he’s 35 years old. So, tackle would be a need for our team.”

With Moses expected back for 2026, the Patriots will return him and Will Campbell as their starting tackles next season.

After being selected No. 4 overall in last year’s draft, Campbell started 13 regular-season games, missing five weeks due to a MCL injury. Returning from injury in this playoffs, Campbell struggled — specifically in Super Bowl LX as quarterback Drake Maye was under heavy pressure.

That performance restarted conversations about Campbell’s future at left tackle. However, head coach Mike Vrabel reinforced his belief in Campbell following the season, naming the 23-year old his team’s left tackle.

Wolf shared a similar sentiment on Tuesday.

“Specifically, when he came back from that injury, I personally didn’t see the same level of lower body strength that you saw before the injury,” Wolf said. “I think the film [showed] that, like he probably had three of his four worst games in the playoffs. But before that, I thought Will played really well out here.

“I know everyone talks about the arm length, but he has a set of skills that enable him to play with that arm length. He’s really quick out of his stance. He’s technically sound. He’s adding more and more different pass sets to his tool bag that he can use to combat different rushes. And again, he’s 22 years old, and we expect some improvement out of him as well.”
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...f-patriots-interest-in-free-agent-left-tackle
 
Mike Vrabel explains Patriots’ defensive coordinator change

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Jul 28, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel (red sleeves) and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams watch players during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

After he spent most of the 2025 season as play caller, the New England Patriots officially promoted Zak Kuhr from inside linebackers coach to defensive coordinator earlier this month. Meanwhile, Kuhr’s predecessor as DC, Terrell Williams, has moved to a different position on staff.

Speaking to the media for the first time since the change, Mike Vrabel gave some insight on Wednesday into the thought process behind reshuffling the deck on the defensive side of the ball.

“There are a lot of things in play there. I think we’re just trying to figure out what’s best defensively for us, what’s best for the staff organizationally and being able to get everybody’s strengths where they need to be,” Vrabel explained.

“I know that Terrell will be able to help me on a lot of things, help the football team, help the defense, continue to have a big role in that, and then just seeing where things progressed with Zak and the comfort level that we had there. So, that’s where we ended up.”

Williams and Kuhr arrived in New England alongside Vrabel last offseason. While the hierarchy on the defensive side was initially set with the former at the top and the latter in an assistant role, Williams’ medical issues — he missed time in the offseason after a “health scare” and was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early September — forced the organization to adapt on the fly.

As part of that process, Kuhr expanded his role and began working as de facto defensive coordinator. He was the boots-on-the-ground DC while Williams worked remotely in the spring, and later took over as play caller one week into the regular season.

While his role will therefore only marginally change in 2026, Williams’ outlook remains up in the air. Now cancer-free, he will work closely with both Vrabel and the defense while holding some as-of-yet unknown title.

“He will [get a title] when I get back to Foxborough,” Vrabel said. “I don’t want to sit here and misspeak and figure out where that ends up. I’ve got a plan for him, and I think that a vision is better than a title, necessarily. So, I don’t want to say something and not have that be an accurate depiction of what ends up happening once we work through a lot of different things.”
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...k-kuhr-terrell-williams-defensive-coordinator
 
How did you become a New England Patriots fan?

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Some fans choose their team, and some fans are chosen by their team. Which was it for you? Today, we want to hear your stories:

How did you become a fan of the New England Patriots?

When did you first become a fan? Were you born into it? Was there a specific game or season that pulled you in?Or a specific player? What’s the earliest moment you remember as a fan?

Please head down to the comments to share your stories with the community, so we can all get a bit nostalgic together.

Join the conversation!​


Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-discussion/122458/how-did-you-become-a-fan
 
Patriots not ready to make guarantees on Jared Wilson’s future position

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 21: Jared Wilson #58 of the New England Patriots reacts following an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Drafted as one of the top centers in the 2025 NFL Draft, it did not take long for Jared Wilson to find his way into the Patriots starting lineup.

However, that spot came at left guard as part of New England finding their best starting five up front.

Wilson went on to start 17 games over his rookie season at left guard. But, struggles down the stretch — which was capped off by a poor Super Bowl performance — may result in Wilson kicking back to his natural center position moving forward. At this point in the offseason, head coach Mike Vrabel was not ready to make any declarations.

“I don’t want to make any guarantees. I hope nobody in our organization wants to make any guarantees,” Vrabel said at the NFL Combine. “We’re going to try to play with the best five, and we’re going to try to put our players in the best situation for them, and sometimes we also ask them to maybe do what’s best for the football team in order to get the best five or in order to get the best three receivers, or in order to get the best D-line combination. So that’s what we’ll continue to do.”

Beginning as a backup guard at the University of Georgia, Wilson moved to center midway through his collegiate career and started his final year at the position. He earned All-SEC honors in 2024 before posting one of the top Combine performances in the history of the position.

“There’s openness to everything with him,” Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf said. “He had never played guard before. He had good moments and bad moments, but he certainly has the physical ability to play there, and he’s also got the intelligence and the vocal ability to play center. So I think those are conversations that we’re still having.”

After being selected in the third-round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Wilson opened training camp as the team’s backup center behind Garrett Bradbury. With a need at left guard, he quickly took over in that role and did not rep at center for the rest of the summer.

Despite starting the rest of the season at left guard, New England had Wilson continue to prepare as a center as well throughout the year.

“Jared worked at both positions,” Vrabel said. “We asked him to prepare as a starter each week at center, even though he didn’t have to. So I’m sure that he’ll do the same thing when we start [the voluntary offseason program] April 20.”
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...626/jared-wilson-future-position-center-guard
 
Patriots draft rumors tracker 2026: Workouts, interviews, visits, more

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 16: A detail view of a New England Patriots helmet during the third quarter of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Coming off a Super Bowl berth, the New England Patriots have a clear plan in mind for the 2026 offseason: it’s about remodeling, not rebuilding, as head coach Mike Vrabel said after the season.

The NFL Draft naturally is a major part of this process. Until the event in late April, the Patriots — led by Vrabel and EVP of player personnel Eliot Wolf — will be conducting interviews, working out prospects, inviting them for a finite number of pre-draft visits, and in general try to get as complete a picture as possible. It remains to be seen what this process eventually leads to, but there will be plenty of news to report.

In order to find out who the Patriots have already spoken to or worked out thus far, please make sure to bookmark this regularly-updated pre-draft tracker. We will have all contact listed to the best of our knowledge.

(Note: Please scroll down for a meeting-by-meeting breakdown)

Quarterback​


N/A

Running back​


Kejon Owens (Florida International): Senior Bowl

Jordon Vaughn (Abilene Christian): College Gridiron Showcase

Wide receiver​


Lewis Bond (Boston College): Senior Bowl

Camden Brown (Georgia Southern): Hula Bowl

Emmanuel Henderson (Kansas): East-West Shrine Bowl

Tight end​


Nate Boerkircher (Texas A&M): Combine

John Michael Gyllenborg (Wyoming): Senior Bowl

D.J. Rogers (TCU): Senior Bowl

Dan Villari (Syracuse): Hula Bowl + Senior Bowl

Offensive tackle​


Kamar Missouri (UTSA): College Gridiron Showcase

Interior offensive line​


Kage Casey (Boise State): Senior Bowl

Desmond Daniels (Alabama State): FCS Showcase

Nick Dawkins (Penn State): American Bowl

Ashton Grable (Florida A&M): HBCU Legacy Bowl

Delby Lemieux (Dartmouth): Senior Bowl

Peter Nygra (Louisville): East-West Shrine Bowl

Brian Parker II (Duke): East-West Shrine Bowl

Connor Tollison (Missouri): American Bowl

Interior defensive line​


Nick Barrett (South Carolina): Combine

Rayshaun Benny (Michigan): Senior Bowl

Kody Huisman (Virginia Tech): American Bowl

Noah Miles (Howard): HBCU Legacy Bowl

Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana): Combine

Landon Robinson (Navy): East-West Shrine Bowl

Defensive edge​


Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State): Senior Bowl

Dayon Hayes (Texas A&M): American Bowl

Michael Heldman (Central Michigan): Hula Bowl

Cashius Howell (Texas A&M): Combine

Michael Lunz II (South Carolina State): HBCU Legacy Bowl

T.J. Parker (Clemson): Senior Bowl

Zion Young (Missouri): Combine

Linebacker​


Shad Banks Jr. (UTSA): Hula Bowl

Javin Wright (Nebraska): American Bowl

Cornerback​


Caleb Anderson (Michigan): College Gridiron Showcase

Rashad Battle (Pittsburgh): American Bowl

Elijah Culp (James Madison): American Bowl

Michael Dansby (Arizona): American Bowl

Andre Fuller (Toledo): East-West Shrine Bowl

Al’Zillion Hamilton (Fresno State): American Bowl

Jaden Rios (Texas State): Hula Bowl

Avery Smith (Toledo): Combine

Safety​


Dathan Hickey (Youngstown State): College Gridiron Showcase

Cam Smith (Marshall): Hula Bowl

Gavin Gibson (North Carolina): Hula Bowl

Jalen Stroman (Notre Dame): Senior Bowl

Specialists​


Garrison Grimes (LS | BYU): East-West Shrine Bowl

Laith Merjan (K | Kansas): Hula Bowl


Whereas the list above gives an overview over the prospects the Patriots have been in contact with before the draft, the following overview is a breakdown by meeting opportunity plus the source of each report.

FCS Showcase​


OL Desmond Daniels (Alabama State) | Source

Hula Bowl​


WR Camden Brown (Georgia Southern) | Source

TE Dan Villari (Syracuse) | Source

ED Michael Heldman (Central Michigan) | Source

LB Shad Banks Jr. (UTSA) | Source

CB Jaden Rios (Texas State) | Source

S Cam Smith (Marshall) | Source

S Gavin Gibson (North Carolina) | Source

K Laith Merjan (Kansas) | Source

College Gridiron Showcase​


RB Jordon Vaughn (Abilene Christian) | Source

OT Kamar Missouri (UTSA) | Source

CB Caleb Anderson (Michigan) | Source

S Dathan Hickey (Youngstown State) | Source

American Bowl​


OL Nick Dawkins (Penn State) | Source

OL Connor Tollison (Missouri) | Source

DT Kody Huisman (Virginia Tech) | Source

ED Dayon Hayes (Texas A&M) | Source

LB Javin Wright (Nebraska) | Source

CB Rashad Battle (Pittsburgh) | Source

CB Elijah Culp (James Madison) | Source

CB Michael Dansby (Arizona) | Source

CB Al’Zillion Hamilton (Fresno State) | Source

East-West Shrine Bowl​


WR Emmanuel Henderson (Kansas) | Source

OL Brian Parker II (Duke) | Source

OL Peter Nygra (Louisville) | Source

DT Landon Robinson (Navy) | Source

CB Andre Fuller (Toledo) | Source

LS Garrison Grimes (BYU) | Source

Senior Bowl​


RB Kejon Owens (Florida International) | Source

WR Lewis Bond (Boston College) | Source

TE John Michael Gyllenborg (Wyoming) | Source

TE D.J. Rogers (TCU) | Source

TE Dan Villari (Syracuse) | Source

OL Kage Casey (Boise State) | Source

OL Delby Lemieux (Dartmouth) | Source

DT Rayshaun Benny (Michigan) | Source

ED Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State) | Source

ED T.J. Parker (Clemson) | Source

S Jalen Stroman (Notre Dame) | Source

HBCU Legacy Bowl​


OL Ashton Grable (Florida A&M) | Source

DT Noah Miles (Howard) | Source

ED Michael Lunz II (South Carolina State) | Source

NFL Scouting Combine​


TE Nate Boerkircher (Texas A&M) | Source

DT Nick Barrett (South Carolina) | Source

DT Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana) | Source

ED Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) | Source

ED Zion Young (Missouri) | Source

CB Avery Smith (Toledo) | Source

Pro Days​


TBD

Local Pro Day​


TBD

Other meetings​


TBD

30 visits​


TBD
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...s-interviews-workouts-visits-tracker-2026-nfl
 
Patriots know value of Christian Gonzalez’s fifth-year option now

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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Christian Gonzalez #0 of the New England Patriots runs on the field prior to Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The NFL announced the 2026 salary cap on Friday, and along the way informed its clubs of other important numbers. Among those were the values of the fifth-year contract options for 2023 first-round draft choices such as the New England Patriots’ Christian Gonzalez.

Gonzalez’s fifth-year option will come at a cost of $18.119 million, according to data shared by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The Patriots have until May 1 to either pick it up or decline it.

The 17th overall selection in the 2023 draft, Gonzalez looked like one of the best cornerbacks in football out of the gate. While his rookie campaign was cut short after four games, he bounced back in 2024 and earned second-team All-Pro recognition on top of proving himself one of the best young defensive backs in the league.

In 2025, the arrow kept pointing up. Gonzalez started all of the 18 games he appeared in and played on a high level throughout the season, and especially in the playoffs. His performance allowed him to be nominated for the Pro Bowl on first ballot, which in turn placed him in the second-highest tier for the fifth-year option.

In theory, exercising the option and thus keeping Gonzalez under contract through 2027 seems like little more than a formality for the Patriots. However, there is a chance that they might not make use of it after all: the 23-year-old is a realistic candidate to be signed to a multi-year extension this offseason.

“Obviously, we love Christian and we’ll talk about those things when the time is appropriate. But Christian took a big step forward this year,” Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said about Gonzalez earlier this week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. “He took a big step forward with his play style and we’re excited about having him be a part of our team for the long term.”

The Patriots are currently ranked among the top 10 in salary cap space this offseason. Cap expert Miguel Benzan projects them to be around $41.3 million under the league’s $301.2 million spending ceiling, with Gonzalez’s current contract accounting for just $4.8 million.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...ian-gonzalez-fifth-year-option-contract-value
 
Have you ever met a Patriots player or coach in real life?

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We’re caught in between the Super Bowl and the start of free agency, so it’s a relatively quiet time on the NFL calendar. Well, it’s the perfect time to share some more stories about our New England Patriots fandom.

Today, we want to know:

Have you ever met a Patriots player or coach in real life?

Who was it? Were they nice? Did you ask for a photo, or just let them go about their day? Did it happen more than once? Also, what’s the most random place you’ve run into a player?

We’d like to hear your stories, so please scroll down to the comment section below to share them with the community.

Join the conversation!​


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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-discussion/122733/meeting-players-coaches-fan-talk
 
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