Now that the Patriots are on their summer break until training camp begins late next month, it's a good time to review the roster and address the remaining holes well ahead of the 2026 season. Perhaps the most concerning void is on the defense, specifically pass rusher.
Although Mike Vrabel doesn't seem all that concerned about the current group, that might be due in large part to the addition of Dre'Mont Jones, who has impressed early in his tenure, and the rise of players like Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson this offseason
However, Harold Landry's absence, as well as the ongoing uncertainty surrounding rookie Gabe Jacas, spells trouble for a defense that was a top-10 unit last season. It should lead the Patriots to sign another veteran, and many had suggested one longtime Saints captain as the answer.
The problem is that he was just taken off the market, as Cameron Jordan is officially returning to New Orleans for his 16th season. While he might not have been the No. 1 choice, he would have easily elevated the defensive line to the level that they needed, but now we'll never know how he could've helped.
The Patriots just lost another intriguing solution to their current pass rushing woes
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Patriots have one less free agent pass rusher to consider signing for their 2026 roster. Jordan had been on fans' radar for much of the offseason, mostly due to his veteran experience and the fact that he was coming off a season where he recorded 10.5 sacks at 36 years old.
That's the kind of production they're currently lacking defensively, but now they'll have to shift their focus to other free agents if they choose to bring in more talent.
When asked about that possibility, Vrabel indicated that it's not on their current radar, as they feel comfortable with the group they have, and while that's an exciting development, the group appears far too unproven to have that much confidence ahead of what is already considered a very tough season.
Now that Jordan is unavailable, the top remaining free agents the Patriots could inquire about are unexciting but certainly viable. Perhaps the most notable of the bunch continues to be Joey Bosa, who they have been linked to for much of the offseason.
He is another name that might not be exactly what they're looking for, especially looking at his most recent production. However, he's another veteran who can bolster their defensive line to a level they don't currently have, and that alone is worth considering.
Whether they'll actually follow through on that is unclear at this point, but based on what Vrabel said recently on the matter, it doesn't look like a new pass rusher will be on his way to Foxboro any time soon.
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