With the chaos of free agency appearing to be in the rearview mirror now, it's easier to get a better look at who remains unsigned and whether they might be a good fit for the Patriots.
There are still a handful of familiar faces looking for the next venture, and maybe that could be in New England. A few specifically stand out more than others, mainly because of their most recent production, which would presumably make it an easy decision for a team to sign them.
But instead, they are still hoping to find a team to play for in 2026. These three are the most surprising of all, and although they don't all fit what the Patriots are looking for or need for their roster, they would surely be a good fit for another team in the league.
3 former Patriots players who remain unsigned going into the second wave of free agency
TE Jonnu Smith
One of the biggest signings of the 2021 spending spree by Bill Belichick was tight end Jonnu Smith, who seemed doomed from the start after the head coach also signed longtime favorite Hunter Henry.
Their careers in Foxboro couldn't have started or continued more differently, as Henry remains with the team as their top tight end target, and Smith was traded to the Falcons in 2023 after two forgettable seasons.
He has since spent time with three teams, earning his first Pro Bowl nod with the Dolphins in 2024 when he put together the best season of his career, logging 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns.
He couldn't replicate that same success with the Steelers in 2025, so Smith remains a free agent. While it's not entirely shocking, he clearly showed what he can add to an offense when given a real chance, so it's fair to believe he can still do that for another team. It just probably won't ever be the Patriots again.
S Kyle Dugger
Among the more questioned decisions at the start of the Vrabel era was his decision to move on from Kyle Dugger halfway through the 2025 season. Because he had become an integral part of their defense since he was drafted in 2020, it looked like a mistake in the making, and there might be an argument to suggest that feeling was right.
He went on to sign with the Steelers and closely replicated his most productive seasons in New England by recording 42 combined tackles, two for a loss, one quarterback hit, a safety, two interceptions returned for 73 yards and a touchdown, and five passes defended.
That was the kind of performance the Patriots wanted to see from him since the 2024 season, and because he failed to do so, he was moved when the new head coach came to town.
He is now testing free agency for the first time in his career, and because he's coming off one of the better years he's had, it was assumed he would be signed fairly quickly. Yet he's still looking for the next pitstop of his career.
LB Kyle Van Noy
Going into the second week of free agency, the Patriots still need to add more help at pass rusher, and there are plenty of reasons to consider reuniting with a guy like Kyle Van Noy, who is shockingly still unsigned.
He has already expressed a desire to return to the team he saw the most success with, as he won two Super Bowls in New England, and since leaving the second time, has logged some impressive seasons that immediately make him a target for this year's team.
Van Noy most recently spent three years with the Ravens, and despite how productive he was, recording 91 combined tackles, 27 for a loss, 39 quarterback hits, an interception, 10 passes defended, four forced fumbles, and 23.5 sacks, the new regime led by John Harbaugh doesn't appear all that interested in bringing him back.
That gives the Patriots a chance to add a highly productive option who won't be too expensive, and could immediately improve their pass rush while giving their younger roster another mentor to learn from.