The New England Patriots' defense will feature nine returning starters from the 2025 season, with K'Lavon Chaisson and Jaylinn Hawkins the only departures. Dre'Mont Jones replaced the former, while the latter was let walk after Kevin Byard signed.
The defense looks to be one of the league's best, but one glaring area of concern is the edge. Harold Landry has been MIA for all of training camp following foot surgery that landed him on PUP. It seems incredibly unlikely he'll be ready for Week 1, and he'll likely start the regular season on PUP, keeping him out for the first four weeks.
His replacement, Jones, lacks elite pass rush acumen. While the former Bronco, Seahawk, Titan, and Raven managed a career-high 7.0 sacks last season (two against the Patriots), he's managed more than 5.5 sacks only one other season in his career. Expecting him to be a double-digit contributor is foolish.
Elijah Ponder managed four sacks last season in a rotational role, and linebackers coach Mike Smith has sung his praises, specifically regarding his elite athleticism. He could make a jump, but expecting more than seven sacks seems bold.
Second-round selection Gabe Jacas didn't sign his rookie deal until late July following contract disputes, and he's been a non-factor thus far in preseason.
Bradyn Swinson, Jesse Luketa, and Quintayvious Hutchins have all been solid contributors in preseason, but they all project to be depth pieces and special-teamers at best. If the Patriots can't find another contributor, they could be in dire straits on the edge, barring a sudden breakout.
"This is a position...I think it's gotten worse this summer."@_AndrewCallahan and @DanPizzuta discuss the edge rusher depth on the Patriots roster...how concerning is it?
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) August 24, 2026
-@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/44hRbyWI0K
The Patriots may need to look elsewhere to strengthen the edge
If Landry starts the season on PUP, the team's edge defenders will likely be a combination of Jones, Ponder, Jacas, and Swinson, with Luketa and Hutchins vying for practice squad roles.
In total, the group totaled 11.0 regular season sacks in 2025, all of which came from Jones (7) and Ponder (4). Jacas, of course, was a rookie, while Swinson saw minimal play time, but the point remains that the lack of pass rush juice is a major issue.
Earlier in the offseason, rumors surrounding players like Kayvon Thibodeaux and Alex Highsmith often saw New England on the receiving end of a trade. While those rumors seemed to die down over the last two months, the team may need to revisit them as the season approaches.
The team no longer has Kayshon Boutte to hang as trade bait, but Highsmith could likely be had for less than expected. The Steelers' edge defenders include T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer, and former first-round selection Jamin Davis.
Herbig was handed a $100 million deal this offseason, meaning the former Charlotte 49er may not be in the team's plans beyond this season. Perhaps a fourth-round pick would be enough for the Steelers to bite?
Highsmith is currently on the Steelers' books for $20.1 million in 2026 and $21.1 million in 2027. The Patriots would be responsible for $14.5 million in 2026 if they were to acquire him, but could release him at the end of the season, effectively treating him as a one-year rental.
The team needs help on the edge, and a player who had 9.5 sacks last season would certainly boost their fortunes.
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