The New England Patriots fielded one of the league's best defenses in 2025. They ranked fourth in points per game allowed during the regular season, while conceding only 18.8 points on average. They allowed only 12 points per game through the playoffs and forced nine turnovers, one of which was a pick-six.
The changes to their defense weren't all that significant this offseason. In fact, I project nine of 11 starters to remain the same compared to 2025, with K'Lavon Chaisson and Jaylinn Hawkins departing in free agency. The unit's depth, however, saw significant turnover. Khyiris Tonga, Anfernee Jennings, Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai, and Alex Austin are all no longer with the team.
Their replacements came through both free agency and the draft, as New England selected four defensive players. They added three defensive rookie free agents, too, and each could have a chance at nabbing a depth role. It will be fascinating to see how the team's top-end talent comes together to build the foundation for this unit.
Predicting the Patriots starting defense in 2026
DT: Milton Williams, Christian Barmore
Other Notable Contributors: Cory Durden, Joshua Farmer
The defensive interior is among the most obvious starting duos on the team. Milton Williams and Christian Barmore are a fearsome pair on the inside. They were tied for third among players along the defensive interior in pressures last season, and despite Barmore's shortcomings against the run, there's little doubt the pair will continue to succeed.
While they may not be listed as starters, I'd expect both Cory Durden and Joshua Farmer to play significant roles this season. Durden had a breakout season last year after being promoted from the practice squad in September, while Farmer would appear to be the most obvious candidate to replace Khyiris Tonga as the nose tackle, who signed with the Chiefs in free agency.
ED: Harold Landry, Dre'Mont Jones
Other Notable Contributors: Gabe Jacas, Elijah Ponder
Like defensive tackle, the edge is a position that sees plenty of rotation. Harold Landry led the team in sacks during the regular season last year, and despite tailing off due to injuries toward the end of the year, there's little reason for him not to keep his starting role. The signing of 280-pound Dre'Mont Jones would indicate Vrabel's desire to move to a heavier front with four down linemen, and after a career-best seven sacks in 2025, I'd expect him to start opposite Landry.
While Jones replaced K'Lavon Chaisson, second-round pick Gabe Jacas is likely to take Anfernee Jennings' role as the third edge defender. While stylistically different than Jennings, it seems reasonable that they'd have similar snap counts. Elijah Ponder had four sacks as a UDFA last season, and I could see a world where he reaches the 5-7 mark this season as a situational pass rusher.
LB: Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss
Other Notable Contributors: K.J. Britt
Linebacker was a position that didn't see much rotation when Spillane was healthy. Spillane was paired with Christian Elliss for the vast majority of the season, while Jack Gibbens, now of the Cardinals, had a smaller role as a rotational piece. The closest thing to Gibbens the team has is free agent addition K.J. Britt, who had 72 tackles in 2024 with the Buccaneers. Chad Muma and sixth-round selection Namdi Obiazor are players who could push for the third linebacker role.
CB: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis | Slot: Marcus Jones
Other Notable Contributors: Kindle Vildor
New England hardly saw any cornerback rotation beyond their top three last season, but both Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis dealt with injuries. In Gonzalez's absence during the first four weeks, Alex Austin stepped in to average 37.5 snaps per game. He was later placed on IR, and waiver claim Charles Woods stepped into the CB4 role. While Woods remains with the team, Austin left for the Miami Dolphins, along with Miles Battle, who played 31 defensive snaps in Week 17.
New England added veteran Kindle Vildor before the draft, who will likely operate as the fourth cornerback. Fifth-round pick Karon Prunty had an impressive 2025 with Wake Forest, while Marcellas Dial will compete for a roster spot after missing last year with a torn ACL. Kobee Minor was selected as Mr. Irrelevant last year and saw 41 defensive snaps over the final two weeks of the regular season. There isn't any debate over who the top three options are, and Vildor seems the surefire choice for the CB4 role as things stand.
SAF: Kevin Byard, Craig Woodson
New England made an upgrade in the defensive backfield this offseason, swapping 2025 breakout safety Jaylinn Hawkins for interceptions leader Kevin Byard in free agency. Byard has three All-Pros to his name and was one of Tennessee's stars when Vrabel was the head coach in Tennessee. Woodson was a steady presence as a rookie for all of last season and had both an interception and a fumble recovery in their wildcard matchup against the Texans.
Dell Pettus was the third safety last season, but played only 143 snaps across the regular season and playoffs. There weren't many significant contributions from anyone beyond Hawkins or Woodson last season, and I wouldn't expect a sudden rise in snaps to accommodate whoever wins the third safety job this season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google