Since the start of the offseason, the New England Patriots have been taking their time in deciding anything regarding their roster, with their biggest move so far being the release of wide receiver Stefon Diggs just one year into his three-year deal.
Although it wasn't entirely surprising, it does create another hole that Mike Vrabel and Co. will have to address in free agency, putting more pressure on the new regime to adequately replace the production they lost by moving on from the veteran receiver.
Their other priorities are clear: they also need improvements across the team. But now that they have more cap space to work with, we might see more moves than initially projected, making this year's free agency another can't-miss time.
On this page:
- Free-agency snapshot
- Major Patriots signings
- Confirmed Patriots departures
- Best targets remaining
- Best trade targets remaining
- Depth signings and minor moves
- More Patriots free-agency coverage
Free-agency snapshot
- Cap space remaining:Â $50.1 million (per PatsCap)
- Biggest signing:Â EDGE Dre'Mont Jones, WR Romeo Doubs
- Biggest departure:Â WR Stefon Diggs, LB K'Lavon Chaisson
- Most surprising move:Â Khyiris Tonga leaving for the Chiefs
- Biggest remaining need(s):Â EDGE, offensive tackle, tight end
- Last updated:Â 12:40 pm EST on March 12
The Patriots made a lot of big splashes during the 2025 offseason, and most insiders have claimed we shouldn't expect that same activity this year.
However, moving on from Stefon Diggs created $16 million more in cap space, and the Bills traded for WR DJ Moore, so there are plenty of reasons for the Patriots to replicate last year's spending spree.
Major Patriots signings
- EDGE Dre'Mont Jones (3 years, $39.5 million)
- G Alijah Vera-Tucker (3 years)
- WR Romeo Doubs (4 years, $80 million)
- S Kevin Byard (1-year, $9 million)
Confirmed Patriots departures
- TE Austin Hooper (signed with the Falcons)
- LB Jahlani Tavai
- DL Khyiris Tonga (signed 3-year deal with Chiefs)
- LT Vederian Lowe (signed with the 49ers)
- LB K'Lavon Chaisson (signed 1-year deal with the Commanders)
- LB Anfernee Jennings
- S Jaylinn Hawkins (signed 2-year deal with the Ravens)
- LB K'Lavon Chaisson (signed with the Commanders)
- CB Alex Austin (signed with the Dolphins)
Best targets remaining
DE Joey Bosa
After losing out on the Maxx Crosby trade that has now been nullified and letting K'Lavon Chaisson walk in free agency, the Patriots need to prioritize adding a dominant pass rusher to their defense, as Dre'Mont Jones won't be enough.
With Trey Hendrickson now off the board, too, their next best option might be Joey Bosa, who spent last season with the Bills. Although he's dealt with injuries over the last four years, he suited up for Buffalo in 15 games and logged 29 combined tackles, nine for a loss, 16 quarterback hits, two passes defended, five forced fumbles, and five sacks.
He's clearly still destructive and could bring that production to a very-needy Patriots' defensive line.
TE Dallas Goedert
By signing fullback Reggie Gilliam, there's a chance the Patriots will decide to shift their tight end focus to more of a pass catcher than a blocker, creating a path for Dallas Goedert to join the team.
They can use Gilliam as an extra lineman, and that lessens the need for a blocking tight end, giving Drake Maye another big-bodied weapon to work with alongside Hunter Henry. That's what Goedert would immediately bring, as he's coming off another productive season, nearing 600 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns for the Eagles.
The 31-year-old can help out with their current wide receiver woes, as most of the most desirable additions have already gone elsewhere, and that's exactly what the offense needs.
LB Bobby Wagner
A seasoned veteran who could elevate their defensive line and their locker room? That makes Bobby Wagner all the more intriguing to sign.
The linebacker group was already considered a needy position, and it only became more so by letting K'Lavon Chaisson sign with the Commanders and the decision to release Jahlani Tavai. Obviously, Wagner isn't the ideal candidate Vrabel would want to bring in, since he is nearing 36, but he's a proven talent their defense currently lacks.
Despite any age concerns, he was impressive during his second season with the Commanders, recording 162 combined tackles, eight for a loss, nine quarterback hits, two interceptions, four passes defended, and 4.5 sacks.
Best trade targets remaining
WR AJ Brown
At this point, if the Patriots don't trade for AJ Brown this year, it's probably fair to assume he will never suit up with New England in his NFL career. The wide receiver has been connected to the team since he was initially drafted, as he was a favorite to be taken by Bill Belichick in the first round.
As we know, that's not how it went, and Brown has since been connected to the franchise still since his trade from the Titans. Now that Mike Vrabel is in charge, there's good reason to believe Brown could make his way to Foxboro.
But the Eagles' current price tag is considered "unserious," and because of that, the Patriots might not make a move. He's still a name to watch, though, as reports suggest Philadelphia isn't opposed to trading him this year.
DE Kayvon Thibodeaux
Another pass rusher to keep an eye on will be Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux. With the addition of Abdul Carter last year and the rise of Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence, New York is rumored to be willing to move on from Thibodeaux, making him available to a team like the Patriots.
The rumored asking price is nothing less than a fourth-round pick, and that's a trade that Vrabel and Co. could easily make. It might be their best bet to add some much-needed help to their defensive line, while also bringing in another EDGE through the draft.
DL Jonathan Greenard
With so many players from the defensive line departing this year, the Patriots have every reason to inquire about Jonathan Greenard's availability after reports claim the Vikings are willing to move him this offseason.
The 28-year-old would be an excellent addition to an already thriving group and help fill the voids left by K'Lavon Chaisson and Khyiris Tonga, as a pass rusher and run stopper.
Although his 2025 season wasn't his best, he's only one year removed from a year where he logged 12 sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, and 22 quarterback hits, which is exactly the kind of production New England needs, not to mention the kind of leadership Greenard could bring to their locker room.
Depth signings and minor moves
- Signed OLB Jesse Luketa to a one-year deal on March 5
- Re-sign QB Tommy DeVito to a two-year deal on March 6
- Traded C Garrett Bradbury to the Bears on March 6
- Signed FB Reggie Gilliam (3 years, $12 million) on March 9
- Signed LB KJ Britt (1-year) on March 11
- Signed TE Julian Hill
- Signed S Mike Brown