The New England Patriots have put themselves in an excellent position heading into the offseason to improve their squad further. DC Terrell Williams will enter the offseason cancer-free, meaning the Patriots will see an experienced coach return next season.
Several under-the-radar players have established themselves as major contributors to New England's defense this season. K'Lavon Chaisson, Khyiris Tonga, Jack Gibbens, and Jaylinn Hawkins were all low-level starters or backups before this season, but under Vrabel and Zak Kuhr's tutelage, they've become major pieces to the unit's success.
The draft is likely to be a time in which New England deploys rich resources to further improve their defense, but several rotational pieces could be had should the Krafts be willing to shell out the cash.
While I'd expect at least one major move to bring in an offensive veteran this offseason, the Patriots may opt to be more frugal defensively, instead looking to add side dishes to their Milton Williams-led main course.
3 under-the-radar free agents the Patriots could sign in 2026
ED A.J. Epenesa, Buffalo Bills
Projected Cost: $6.5-8 million per year
The Bills have several front-seven defenders set to hit the open market, and Epenesa could very well be one of them. He may not have fit the bill for the type of edge rusher Vrabel preferred going into the season, but seeing the impact Anfernee Jennings has had in the latter half of the year, there's a chance he may change his tune.
Epenesa's size (6-foot-6, 260 pounds) combined with his nose for the football (2 interceptions), could make him a hot commodity on the open market. Despite his ability to run force, he's struggled to generate pressure this year.
Among qualifying edge defenders (min. 200 pass rush snaps), his win rate of 7.3% is better than just six players.
His run-stopping ability, compared to his minimal pass-rush ability, makes his market hard to gauge, and there's a chance Vrabel doesn't like him as a scheme fit for the unit. However, the opportunity to improve the run defense on the edge while stripping an AFC East rival of a key player could be a worthwhile move.
LB Kaden Elliss, Atlanta Falcons
Projected Cost: $4-6 million per year
The Patriots already have one Elliss on their roster, but this offseason, they have the chance to add another. Kaden, Christian's brother, has developed into one of the league's more experienced front-seven players.
After playing just 203 defensive snaps across his first three seasons, Elliss exploded in his fourth season, tripling his career snap total and notching 7 sacks. He signed with Atlanta the next season, and his role became that of a stand-up linebacker and situational pass-rusher rather than a full-time QB hunter.
The Patriots used Jahlani Tavai as their versatile linebacker/edge setter this season, but if he isn't to retire, there's a chance Vrabel and company look to move on from his $5.2 million cap hit in '26. Replacing him with the more talented Elliss could be a solid move, especially if another team pries away restricted free agent Jack Gibbens.
Aside from the brother storyline, Elliss has 12.5 sacks and has averaged 126 tackles over the last three seasons. Front-seven versatility and production are what the Patriots need and could be losing further this offseason.
Aside from Tavai's age and Gibbens' status as an RFA, K'Lavon Chaisson is an impending free agent. Elliss could provide pressure boost and the tackling acumen to solidify the second level. He'll turn 31 before the season begins, so the deal would likely be shorter-term, but it doesn't make it any less worthwhile.
SAF Dane Belton, New York Giants
Projected Cost: $5-7 million per year
The Patriots' safety duo was impressive this season. Jaylinn Hawkins ascended to be one of the league's best breakout players, while rookie Craig Woodson's athleticism has been on display all year. Combined, the duo played nearly 1,700 snaps during the regular season, but adding depth behind them should be a priority.
While he's proved himself to be an asset on special teams, Dell Pettus isn't an established defensive player. Practice squaders Richie Grant and John Saunders spent time on the active roster in 2025, but both would be long shots to make the team in '26.
The Patriots instead could turn to Dane Belton of the Giants. Three safeties for Big Blue played 700+ snaps during the regular season, and Belton finished as PFF's best. His tackling and versatility are his hallmarks. He was tenth in missed tackle rate among safeties (min. 200 run def. snaps), while he played at least 120 snaps at each free safety, slot corner, and in the box.
Hawkins is an impending free agent, but bringing in Belton in addition to ensuring the return of the Cal product could be a priority for Vrabel. When Tennessee's defense was at its best, three safeties, Kevin Byard, Amani Hooker, and Dane Cruikshank, all played major roles. If the Patriots brought in Belton, they'd have no trouble deploying three safety looks.
The Patriots will likely look to the draft more so than free agency to fill out their defense, especially given their selection of four offensive players in the top-100 last offseason. Nonetheless, I'd expect them to look to supplement their No. 4-ranked defense with under-the-radar free agents that could help elevate the unit to the next level in '26.