Well before the start of the 2026 season, there were concerns about the Patriots' defensive line's lack of explosiveness, mainly because they didn't re-sign K'Lavon Chaisson after his career year, and Harold Landry remained out due to injury.
They only brought in Dre'Mont Jones in free agency, and he hasn't been the game-changer their defense desperately needed. Although he's been better than expected, he suffered an injury that sidelined him in Week 3, making it clear that the defense needs a lot of help.
Trevor Lawrence was sacked once in this week's game, which was credited as a split between Gabe Jacas and Elijah Ponder, which was great to see from the young duo. But beyond that one takedown, the quarterback experienced virtually no pressure all game long.
It let the Jaguars move the chains with ease and score five touchdowns that day, all while Lawrence did whatever he pleased. That won't cut it going forward, so the Patriots need to get serious about adding more help.
They could consider a few free agents, and while they might not be top-tier talent, they certainly wouldn't make the team worse.
4 free agent pass rusher that Patriots should seriously consider signing
Bobby Wagner
If they want to target two needy positions, the Patriots should inquire about Bobby Wagner, a 10-time Pro Bowl linebacker who could bolster their questionable roster and add much-needed pass-rush help.
Although he's not a young, hungry player at 36, he is still coming off a season in which he recorded 162 combined tackles, 8 for a loss, 9 quarterback hits, 2 interceptions, and 4.5 sacks. His best attributes match what the Patriots currently lack, particularly tackling, and his veteran presence would be invaluable for a mostly developing defensive roster.
Wagner's average of 9.5 tackles per game last season ranked sixth in the league, which is a lingering weakness for New England's current linebackers, and he's also great at stopping the run, which is another struggle for the team right now.
It seems like a win/win situation to get him in the door if he's willing to sign.
Haason Reddick
Things have been chaotic for Haason Reddick in recent years, like the frustrating end to his tenure with the Jets, but he's still a productive part of any defense he's on, and the Patriots could be the next ones to benefit.
The 32-year-old is only a few seasons removed from a year when he racked up 11 sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, and 23 quarterback hits, showing the kind of aggressiveness and violence Mike Vrabel loves in his defenses.
His production over the last two years hasn't matched that, but he was also with the Jets, who haven't been a good team for who knows how long, and he played in just 13 games with the Bucs last year. So if he can remain healthy, there's a lot to like about what he could add to the Patriots.
It would certainly be a risk, but it might be one worth trying.
Denico Autry
Mike Vrabel has made it clear he likes to bring in players he knows, whether from his time as the Titans' head coach or his one-year stint with the Browns. So signing Denico Autry would be right up his alley.
Autry spent the last two seasons with the Texans, playing in 22 games and recording just 21 combined tackles, 6 for a loss, 10 quarterback hits, and 6.5 sacks. So on the surface, he's not exactly what the Patriots need or should be looking for.
However, Vrabel's familiarity with him could go a long way, especially since he played really well during his three years in Tennessee starting in 2021. During that time, he totaled 108 combined tackles, 30 for a loss, 54 quarterback hits, 14 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, and 28.5 sacks.
Sure, that was 3-5 years ago, but Vrabel clearly knew how to get the best out of him, and a reunion could make that happen again. If anything, he brings a veteran voice to the locker room with consistent production that could help the current defense. That's not something to be upset about.
Leonard Floyd
Because veteran experience and leadership are themes among these free agents, Leonard Floyd fits right in. The Super Bowl Champion is as consistent as they come, having only missed two games in the last five seasons.
The Patriots haven't been so lucky with their roster over the past two years, especially this season, and that kind of reliability would be invaluable right now. On top of that, Floyd has played for five teams in his 10-year career, so it shouldn't be a problem if he's thrust into a starting role after the season has already begun.
Over the last three years, he's spent time with the Bills, 49ers, and Falcons, and he put up an impressive stat line across all three teams: 93 combined tackles, 22 for a loss, 46 quarterback hits, 3 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, and 22.5 sacks.
His consistency and reliability are among his most desirable traits, and he has playoff and Super Bowl experience. He could be a strong voice in this locker room and for the defense, while also making a difference in the pass rush.
Add us as a preferred source on Google