The 2026 free agency period has been another one of major transition for Mike Vrabel's New England Patriots in Phase II of their rebuild. There have been some mostly expected exits and a bunch of signings, as well. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will the Patriots' roster.
One exit that was not a given was free agent safety Alex Austin. Nevertheless, he signed on with Miami, and Miami fans have guarded optimism about the player.
Vrabel has continued to use the broom on the 2024 players. The latest are linebacker Jahlani Tavai and edge Anfernee Jennings. Neither was a surprise. Tavai is the better player, but as a big inside linebacker, he doesn't fit Vrabel's defensive scheme, and Jennings struggled to find his fit since joining the team in 2020.
Expect more outgoings from 2024 as Vrabel seeks to further move on from that 4-13 team's players. By the time he's finished with the 2026 makeover, about 75 percent or more of the 2024 roster will likely have been broomed, including the mentioned Austin.
Alex Austin was somewhat of surprise non-tendering for the Patriots
Of the Patriots' 2026 batch of free agents, only two really stood a realistic chance of returning. They were defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, who unfortunately signed with the Chiefs. The Patriots botched the extension process for Tonga during the 2025 season. He was a solid contributor, and the Chiefs got a good player.
Austin was a waiver-wire pickup in 2023, and while not a star, he's still a bona fide NFL player and a decent depth piece.
Dante Walker of "PhinFanatic" talks about expectations in Miami for the former Patriots safety, Alex Austin.
"In three years, Alex Austin has started in six of 29 games played, recording 31 tackles, eight pass deflections, and an interception (which came against Josh Allen, no less). At one point, it appeared Austin was the latest diamond in the rough defensive back uncovered by Bill Belichick.
Nonetheless, the Dolphins are the perfect landing spot for a player like Austin. A team rife with opportunity paired with a young player who has shown elite flashes on tape — that's all fans can ask for when it comes to low-cost signings."
Austin played in only 12 games for the Patriots in 2025 due to injury issues that may have contributed to his being shown the door.
Meanwhile, Vrabel upgraded the safety position by signing the Bears' free agent, 32-year-old safety Kevin Byard III, to a one-year contract. The three-time All-Pro (including in 2025) is another of Vrabel's former Tennessee players.
Byard is a terrific addition. In 2025, he notched 91 tackles, with four tackles for loss, eight tackles defended, and a league-leading seven interceptions. He's as good as it gets and a huge upgrade over Austin. We'll see as the season progresses and injuries take their toll if letting Austin go comes back to haunt the Patriots.