The Patriots currently have 31 players on the roster who'll be free agents of all types after the 2025 season. Lots of these players are bottom of the roster or practice squad players, and some may not appear on the 53-man Pats roster under Mike Vrabel.
A few players, former high draft picks and others, will be challenged to perform to earn an extension after this season, if they make the 2025 roster. Here, we'll look at a handful of players who will probably be around to show Vrabel what they can do. If they contribute to meeting what has to be Vrabel's overall goal, to make the playoffs this season, their chances will be enhanced greatly.
Among them are a former first and third-round pick, and a couple of starters on the 2024 squad. In addition, a couple of "show-me" free agents on one-year contracts appear on this list. So here we go to see which players need a big season to avoid being let go after 2025.
Patriots high draft picks who a need a top season to be back in 2026
The most prominent player who will need to step up in 2025 to be back is 2022 first-round draft pick, guard Cole Strange. Strange may experience a position change to center, which could provide him with new opportunities in 2025. The Patriots will have until May first to decide whether to pick up Strange's fifth-year option. That seems unlikely, so he'll need a top 2025 to get an extension.
A second premium draft pick who'll hit free agency is cornerback Marcus Jones. Jones is a solid player and is a good candidate for an extension after this season. One way the coaching staff can help him earn one is to utilize his talents more on offense. Jones is the Patriots' most explosive offensive player, yet he seldom sees that side of the ball. He should see it more in 2025.
Another productive player who'll again be a free agent is tight end, Austin Hooper. He came aboard last season and became a nice backup to Hunter Henry in the tight end room. He helped provide a solid one-two punch for young quarterback Drake Maye. Another similar season of 45 or so catches and Hooper could very well earn himself another extension.
Patriots who will need a breakout season to gain a contract extension
An offensive lineman with lots of snaps in 2024 will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025. It's left tackle Vederian Lowe. Lowe was the Patriots' best left tackle last season, and he'll likely be contending for either a starting again or for a backup spot depending on Mike Vrabel's draft activities at the position.
A second offensive lineman, veteran guard Wes Schweitzer, was signed to a one-year deal. Schweitzer should be a candidate to start at left guard in contention with Strange and Sidy Sow. He should be an upgrade, but he'll have to earn that spot on the field. If he performs as expected, he could earn a one-year extension for 2026.
On defense, linebacker Jack Gibbens is on a one-year deal. Gibbens plays for Mike Vrabel at Tennessee and will likely be given some opportunities to shine. The 26-year-old former Titan had his best season in 2023, when he notched 95 tackles, a sack, and three passes defended. He'll fit Vrabel's new upfield system but still be playing in 2025 for a contract extension.
Those are several Patriots' 2026 free agents looking to have a big season in 2025 to earn an extension. The competition under the Mike Vrabel regime, with lots of new faces, will be fierce. Vrabel indicates that whoever wins the position with his on-field play will get the reps. That will provide a great incentive for all of these potential 2026 free agents to perform.