Patriots' major special teams makeover will be a season-long story in 2026

The New England Patriots saw significant roster turnover this offseason despite a tremendously successful 2025.

The offensive line and receiver rooms saw significant shuffling, while the team completely revamped its linebacker depth.

One of the most significant changes to the squad, however, has gone under the radar. Jeremy Springer's special teams unit has seen massive turnover this offseason, with several key special teamers traded, released, or allowed to leave in free agency.

Ahead of Week 1 against the Seahawks, it appears the Patriots will be missing as many as 10 core special teamers from last season, as well as Marcellas Dial, who played a huge role for Springer's unit in 2024 before missing last season with a torn ACL.

He was released during roster cuts, so they'll be without another role player from the third unit.

The Patriots' special teams unit will look far different in 2026

Looking at the team's special teams snap leaders from last season (excluding K/P), just five of the top ten are rostered, while only four are available for Week 1. Brenden Schooler will begin the year on the NFI list, while Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu, Jahlani Tavai, Jack Westover, and Anfernee Jennings are all no longer on the squad.

In total, the Patriots will need to replace more than 1,600 special teams snaps provided by the six departed players mentioned. Add in Schooler, and that figure eclipses 2,000.

Missing Schooler in Week 1 is a tough break, but he will return later in the season. To replace the production of the departed players, however, the team will have to rely on its latest additions.

Reggie Gilliam will replace Jack Westover's snaps, as he had a large role on special teams last season with Buffalo. We'll also likely see Mack Hollins play a larger role on Springer's unit with the additions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs to the receiver room.

The other snaps will likely go to less established players. Waiver claims Cam Latu and Darius Muasau have each played large special teams roles in their careers. Latu saw 271 snaps last season, while Muasau played 247 snaps as a rookie in 2024, though that total dipped to below 100 last season. Erick Hunter will also be expected to contribute.

The rookie class will also be expected to contribute. Draft picks Karon Prunty, Namdi Obiazor, and Quintayvious Hutchins, as well as UDFAs Tanner Arkin and Channing Canada, will be asked to play sizable roles. The same will be the case for Khalil Jacobs when he returns from short-term IR.

Jaylen Reed, who was included in the Kayshon Boutte trade, averaged 18.8 special teams snaps per game before he was completely removed from the unit after earning a larger defensive role.

For the first few weeks, Bryce Baringer's absence will also be a topic of conversation. Matt Haack was brought in for the team's final preseason game, and despite a fantastic performance in which 3/4 punts landed inside the 20, he was released.

The team instead signed Mitch Wishnowski to the practice squad, who averaged 45.3 yards per punt and placed 47.3% inside the 20 last season with the Bills. However, the Australian lost the job to seventh-round selection Tommy Doman. The Patriots will likely use all three practice-squad elevations before making a longer-term decision.

The Patriots' special teams should be solid again this season, but it will no doubt include its fair share of new faces.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow