The Patriots are in a position that they haven't been in for five years, which is going into the playoffs and, better yet, as the No. 2 seed. That means there isn't a hyperfocus on the offseason just yet, so free agency and the draft feel like distant conversations.
However, that hasn't stopped analysts and fans from sharing their predictions, especially since the Patriots are expected to have around $50 million in cap space and 11 draft picks. Considering the number of rookies on this year's roster that made an impact, on top of the stellar free agents they signed, it's certainly something to look forward to in the midst of the playoffs.
What isn't so thrilling, though, is one of the latest predictions by the Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan, who sees Mike Vrabel and Co. not going all-out in free agency the way many fans have been longing for.
And while that might not be a big issue, it's not the kind of spending spree many have already expressed their hopes for, particularly when dreaming of seeing a blockbuster trade pulled off.
Another quiet free agency is not what most Patriots fans want to see in 2026
In an article making 20 predictions for the 2026 season, Callahan has the Patriots having a slow free agency again, and this time it's not because they don't have the money to spend, but because the impending free agent class lacks star power.
On top of that, when it comes to adding another receiver, he notes that the main name to look at is current Colts' pass catcher Alec Pierce, who he doesn't seem too thrilled about the team signing, despite how good he could be for Drake Maye to work with.
"Lately, all the best players at every premium position — quarterback, wide receiver, edge rusher, offensive tackle and cornerback — re-sign or are traded before they hit the open market. Big-time free-agent splashes just aren’t there to be made.
That means the best wide receiver available should be the Colts’ Alec Pierce, who’s never had a 1,000-yard season. Assuming the Pats don’t land Pierce or a big-name veteran like Hendrickson, March will feel like a failure to fans."
It's a disappointing prediction that Patriots fans won't be thrilled to see come to fruition, even if Callahan tries to make it better by stating that more free agents, like the under-the-radar signings from this past offseason, will be the driving force behind their free agency moves this year.
Although that's clearly better than nothing, it's not the blockbuster moves fans have been begging for, which might stir up Patriots Nation.
"But just like last spring, when smaller deals that netted K’Lavon Chaisson, Khyiris Tonga and Mack Hollins helped fortify a true contender in New England, free-agent success can again be mined outside of the top of their board."
Of course, this is just a prediction and we'll have to wait and see what eventually happens when free agency is here. And to be fair to Callahan, he's not entirely wrong to make such a predicition, especially given the success they've had with the players they have listed. So the Patriots can still get some good production out of less exciting players next year, too.
At the same time, because Maye is still on a rookie contract and they won't be on the hook for his massive extension just yet, Patriots fans want to see them go all out to bring in top talent to surround the young quarterback before it becomes more difficult to do so.
Maybe how they fare in the playoffs will change their direction in free agency. Or there's a chance they're comfortable with who's in the draft and will focus on them, instead.
We'll have to wait and see, but at least we have the postseason locked in for now and can worry about this later.