The New England Patriots were thoroughly rocked by the Seattle Seahawks 29-13 in Super Bowl 60, and the scoreline doesn't tell the tale of how much of a blowout this game was. New England didn't score until the fourth quarter, and their two touchdown passes both came when the result of the game was all but in hand.
The Patriots still managed to make it one step short of the ultimate prize just one year after winning four games all season long. With oodles of cap space and Drake Maye still on his rookie contract, the Patriots can make some big additions this season.
With those big additions coming to town, there will be some subtractions that will be taken out of the equation. Be they breakout performers looking for a new contract or backups who can be replaced, New England will try to trim some fat this offseason.
These four players need to accept that they will likely not be back with New England in the 2026 season, as the Patriots will likely spend most of their offseason attention trying to get some upgrades at these spots.
4 Patriots who won't be back after horrendous Super Bowl 60 loss
4. OT Vederian Lowe
The Patriots will likely spend a ton of resources on remaking their offensive line in the offseason, and Lowe could be washed out of the roster entirely. Knicked out of a starting spot on even the a poor offensive line, Lowe will need to continue his NFL career elsewhere.
3. TE Austin Hooper
Hooper's production was much worse in 2025 than it was one year ago, as it became clear that Josh McDaniels valued Hunter Henry over him. Hooper, who will turn 32 in the middle of next season, may not have many more years left under his belt as a professional player.
2. S Jaylinn Hawkins
Hawkins is likely going to cash in as a free agent. While he put together a solid season for Zak Kuhr, he didn't perform well enough to make himself an indispensable linchpin of the secondary. If he goes above a certain price, it seems more likely than not the Patriots will let him walk.
1. EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson
Chaisson went from one of the biggest busts in Jacksonville Jaguars history to a solid rotational pass rusher for the Patriots. However, with his breakout campaign attracting attention from around the league, someone is likely going to overpay as they try to make Chaisson a big part of their defensive infrastructure.