The New England Patriots defense was fantastic last year, finishing top ten overall with a particularly impressive playoff run that saw them allow just 12 PPG. This offseason, they retained nine of their eleven starters.
While the offense got the bulk of the attention this offseason, the defense shouldn't be ignored. In addition to nine returning starters, the team inked Dre'Mont Jones to a three-year deal after having a career-best 7.0 sacks in 2025, while they also signed last season's league interceptions leader, Kevin Byard, to replace Jaylinn Hawkins.
K'Lavon Chaisson's departure is notable, but the team traded up for Illinois edge defender Gabe Jacas in the second round.
The secondary is the defense's crown jewel and one of the league's best. Aside from Byard, Craig Woodson had a fantastic rookie campaign and will benefit from having a ball hawk beside him in the deep third of the field. Christian Gonzalez is a superstar, while Carlton Davis caught fire during the playoffs. Marcus Jones is one of the league's best slots.
While the top-end talent is elite, the depth is somewhat lacking and could prove to be the team's AAchilles'heel.
In a recent article from Bleacher Report's Moe Moton, it's suggested the Patriots should be in the market for a depth option in the back end: a member of one of the league's best defenses in 2025.
The Patriots should consider a trade for star safety M.J. Stewart
The Patriots' top-end talent is elite, but their depth raises eyebrows. Their cornerbacks beyond their starters are Charles Woods, Kindle Vildor, and fifth-round rookie Karon Prunty. While Woods was a respectable fill-in during last year's playoffs and Vildor has experience, none of the options inspires confidence.
Similarly, the safety position features the likes of Dell Pettus and Mike Brown as the most notable backups. Each could offer value on special teams, but expecting a meteoric rise from either may be overzealous.
Moton suggests the Patriots send a late-round pick to the Texans in exchange for defensive back M.J. Stewart, a former UNC defensive back who made stops with the Buccaneers and Browns before signing with the Texans in 2022.
The 30-year-old played 9 games last year, totaling 25 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble. His season was cut short after a torn quad in Week 10.
While Stewart doesn't offer stardom, he'd offer veteran depth and versatility. Stewart didn't feature on defense during the first two weeks last year, but he did in the next seven. He averaged 32.6 defensive snaps per game during that time, with nearly 55% of his snaps coming as a deep safety. Over 43% came as a box safety or slot corner.
While Stewart wouldn't be a long-term contributor and is coming off an injury, he should still be on the team's radar. The 30-year-old could likely be had for a late-round pick, as Moton suggests, and could even be released given the state of the Texans' safety room.
Reed Blankenship was signed, while Kamari Ramsey was selected in the fifth round. Calen Bullock and Jaylen Reed remain with the team as well.
A sixth- or seventh-round pick wouldn't be a large price to pay for veteran versatility, and if that's what Zak Kuhr and company believe is the best option for the Super Bowl hopefuls, then Eliot Wolf may need to start dialing.
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