Patriots' kick return battle is wide open early in training camp

The New England Patriots began their training camp along with the rest of the NFL this week, and while it's still early, there are already some fascinating storylines emerging.

A.J. Brown's chemistry with Drake Maye and Kayshon Boutte's strong play have been the headlines, but training camp is an opportunity for under-the-radar players to establish themselves as candidates for the 53-man roster.

Players like Andrew Rupcich, Chad Muma, and Mike Brown have received hype as potential end of the roster contributors given their histories with Mike Vrabel. UDFA wide receivers Kyle Dixon and Cameron Dorner have also been hyped given their strong college seasons last year.

Regardless of position, special teams is one of the primary ways to endear yourself to the coaching staff. Any of the players mentioned would likely be core special teamers should they make the roster, with some roles on special teams being there for the taking.

Patriots see plenty of rotation in kick and punt returns early in camp

Jeremy Springer's special teams unit was one of the best in the league last season, and it earned him a two-year extension. 2026 will bring a new set of challenges, however, with several core members of last season's unit having left. Among the departures were Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai, Alex Austin, and Miles Battle. The team also traded punt protector Marte Mapu.

Training camp is a time for experimentation, and that includes special teams. Specifically, the team has made a conscious effort to allow several players the opportunity to contribute in the return game.

Evan Lazar reported that over the first few days of camp, New England featured several kick and punt returners. The punt return game seems less relevant, given Marcus Jones's tremendous play and recent extension, but the kick return competition is a legitimate one.

Last season, seven different players returned a kick for the team, in large part due to having a pair of returners with the introduction of the dynamic kickoff ahead of the 2024 season. Twenty-five of the team's 70 kick returns last season were from players no longer with the team: Antonio Gibson and D'Ernest Johnson. Gibson also provided the only special teams touchdown.

Efton Chism returned 19 kicks across the regular season and playoffs, while Kyle Williams ran out 12. While they appear to be the favorites, some under-the-radar players may have the opportunity to get involved.

Undrafted rookies have a chance to make an early impression

Among the five UDFAs that featured as returners, none returned kicks in college, though they may have the athletic profiles to do so in the NFL. Recent addition Kobe Prentice ran a 4.37s 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. He spent 2025 at Baylor after transferring from Alabama.

A former teammate of Prentice's, Jam Miller, was selected in the seventh round and also fits the profile of a solid kick returner. With 4.42s speed and a compact build, he could make a name for himself on special teams with a strong camp.

It was reported that Lan Larison, along with Terrell Jennings, returned kicks this week. While he isn't a rookie this time around, Larison seems most likely to make a strong case as a kick returner. The former UC Davis back returned 43 kicks from 2021-2022 for the Aggies, averaging 26.2 yards per return. Additionally, he's a more complete back than Jennings, making him a more appealing option to roster as a third option.

As of now, the players that stick out as the top returners are Chism, Williams, and Larison. With reports of Williams having a reduced role early on in camp, special teams could be a way for him to separate himself.

Additionally, former Alabama teammates Miller and Prentice have excellent profiles for kick returners given their speed. With each looking to be a long shot to make the roster, they too could be contributors to Springer's unit in their rookie seasons.

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