For much of the offseason, the Patriots' pass rush was a major concern, and unfortunately, now that they've trimmed their roster to 53 for the upcoming season, that feeling hasn't changed. In fact, it might be stronger now, seeing who they decided to keep and who they haven't pursued in free agency.
It was one of their biggest weaknesses during the 2025 season, as well, with Harold Landry III leading the way with 8.5 sacks. The problem is that most of his production came in the first 10 games, and he fell off when things started to matter most.
On top of that, the next most productive pass rusher, K'Lavon Chaisson, wasn't re-signed in free agency, leaving the Patriots with a major hole on the defensive line.
Although it led them to draft Gabe Jacas in the second round earlier this year, he didn't practice with the team until after training camp had already begun, and based on his preseason performance, he has a lot of catching up to do before becoming the team's leading off-the-ball linebacker.
Because of that, and the fact that Landry will miss the first four games of the season (at least) because he was placed on the PUP list, the Patriots need to explore their free agent options ahead of Week 1.
Nearly all the most explosive options have already signed elsewhere, but that doesn't mean the Patriots can't bring in those who can be productive and get to opposing quarterbacks.
The Patriots have no reason not to pursue one of the top free agent pass rushers
Kyle Van Noy
The most obvious pick of the group would be a familiar veteran who has had two stints in New England throughout his career: Kyle Van Noy.
After acquiring him from the Lions in 2016, Van Noy went on to become an anchor for the Patriots' defense, winning two Super Bowls with the team before moving on to the Dolphins in 2020. He made his way back to Foxboro the following year, and although that didn't go as planned, he eventually landed with the Ravens and quickly became a household name again.
During his three years in Baltimore, Van Noy recorded 71 combined tackles, 23 for a loss, 30 quarterback hits, 6 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, and 21.5 sacks. His most impressive season came in 2024, earning him his first Pro Bowl nod and officially putting him back on the Patriots' radar.
Despite his standout tenure, he remains a free agent less than two weeks before the 2026 season. While he's not the ideal candidate given his age, the Patriots would benefit from his experience and mentorship for a young defensive line.
Sam Williams
A surprising cut by the Cowboys makes for a potential new chapter with the Patriots for 27-year-old Sam Williams.
He hasn't had the most impressive career thus far, largely because of a serious knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, but he was a highly respected rookie who found himself in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
Through his first two seasons, he recorded 48 combined tackles, 15 for a loss, 16 quarterback hits, 2 forced fumbles, 3 recoveries, and 8.5 sacks. He couldn't replicate that kind of success last season, but much of that was because the Cowboys completely revamped their defensive line, which continued this offseason and forced Williams out.
If the Patriots want to explore a younger option for their pass rush, they should consider Williams, who has shown a lot of potential and could be a solid addition and go on to become a game-changer.
BJ Ojulari
A second-round pick by the Cardinals during the 2023 draft, BJ Ojulari has had a stunted career due to injury, which forced him to miss the 2024 season. He only suited up for 8 games last season, recording just 9 combined tackles, 1 for a loss, 3 quarterback hits, and a sack, but he looked a bit more promising during the preseason this summer.
He went into training camp this summer with plenty of competition at the position and a new head coach with no loyalty to any player, no matter how recently they were drafted. And because of that, it wasn't difficult for the Cardinals to admit defeat and cut a player like Ojulari.
Signing him would be more of an experiment for the Patriots, who would hope a change of scenery and his college career would finally show up on the field in New England.
Ojulari has shown a lot of potential, and if the Patriots believe they can turn things around for him, then he would be an intriguing addition to their defense and perhaps their biggest bargain.
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