The 2026 NFL offseason is about a wrap, and the New England Patriots' 90-man roster is essentially put together - for the time being. Change is the name of the game and continues all season long, but the roster will be essentially ready and pared down to 53 players by the first game.
The draft has continued the job of trying to fill holes and improve, and succeeded to an extent. The best addition may come later if the long-anticipated trade for the Eagles' No. 1 receiver A.J. Brown materializes.
Top players were added in the draft to the offensive line, the edge, tight end, and other positions. The 2026 draft started strong and then fell off somewhat, but in total, it was a decent effort. However, it was not in the same class as the 2025 version. None of the offensive draftees is expected to start.
With the offseason essentially in the bank, it's time to suggest the offense's starting 11. The changes from 2025 will come via free agency, where time-tested veterans were brought in to hopefully improve their respective positions. Some did, others are questionable, but the starting 11 isn't hard to predict at the moment.
The starting Patriots' offense will have solid changes from 2025
The Patriots' starting quarterback is set in stone. It's an MVP-level quarterback, Drake Maye. Maye took the team to the Super Bowl in his second season, and only missed out on the MVP award by a hair. He deserved to win it.
Despite a shoulder injury, he achieved all but the final win. If he's fully healthy all the way in 2026, he may be able to climb even that hurdle and take home the Lombardi.
The offensive backfield starters may change depending on alignment. The Patriots signed a true fullback in free agency away from the Buffalo Bills in a 6'1", 255-pound battering ram named Reggie Gilliam.
If not well-versed in using a dual-threat quarterback, Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels is certainly attuned to the use of a fullback in his offenses.
The most recent example was James Develin, a Patriots mainstay for seven seasons, who retired after the 2019 season. Gilliam may start, and if so, he'll plow the road for the likely starting running back, Rhamondre Stevenson. Expect an upgraded running game in 2026.
At tight end, the Patriots return veteran starter Hunter Henry, and in 12 offenses, he'll be joined most likely by free agent signee from Miami, Julian Hill, whose specialty, like Gilliam's, is blocking.
At wide receiver, who the No. 1 starter will be is in flux. Stefon Diggs has been released, and if the rumors about a post-June 1 trade for the Eagles' star No.1 receiver, A.J. Brown, come to fruition, he'll start outside. He'll be joined by free agent addition Romeo Doubs. Both are solid upgrades.
Lastly, the offensive line will have at least two alterations. First, since 2025's center, Garrett Bradley, was jettisoned, Mike Vrabel will move 2025's starting left guard, Jared Wilson, to his last college position at Georgia, center.
He'll be flanked on the left by free agent addition Alijah Vera-Tucker. He's a solid performer when he can stay on the field, and if so, he'll start at left guard. Returnee, Mike Onwenu, who may be entering his final season in Foxborough, will start at right guard.
There will be no changes at tackle. Will Campbell should be healthy and start again at left tackle, and 35-year-old workhorse Morgan Moses will man the right side. Should either be unable to go, rookie first-round draft pick Caleb Lomu will slot in for him.
That's the likely Patriots' starting 2026 offense. There are significant improvements at wide receiver if Brown comes aboard, fullback (if Gilliam starts), and hopefully at left guard if Vera-Tucker can avoid the injury bug.
The depth is also better, and that will be a huge factor as the grueling 17-game schedule takes its toll. For better or worse, those are the probable 2026 offensive starters. We'll see if they'll better the solid achievements of the 2025 group soon enough.
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