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Free agency has arrived, and the New England Patriots have a lot of work to do to continue to improve their roster after an impressive 2025 season.
At 12 p.m. ET on Monday, March 9, teams are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with unrestricted free agents. And then, beginning at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11, the free agency signing period begins, with the 2026 league year officially beginning.
So, to make things easier for Patriots fans, here's a comprehensive guide to free agency, highlighting potential free agents New England can sign, as well as possible trade candidates.
They currently have $43,836,396 available in cap space.
So, let's get into it.
With the Patriots releasing Stefon Diggs, they need a true top target for Drake Maye. While they have good options with Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, and Efton Chism, they need that true No. 1 receiver.
Free agents: Alec Pierce, Wan'Dale Robinson, Mike Evans, Jauan Jennings, Rashid Shaheed, Romeo Doubs, Deebo Samuel
Trade candidates: A.J. Brown (Eagles)
With the Patriots trading Garrett Bradbury, the expectation is that Jared Wilson will make the move back to center. But that puts New England in the market for a starting left guard. They also need depth at the tackle position.
Free agents: G Dylan Parham, G Isaac Seumalo, G Zion Johnson, G David Edwards, G Joel Bitonio, G Ed Ingram, G Chris Paul
Re-Sign: OT Vederian Lowe, OT Thayer Munford
While the Patriots have Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper is a free agent, and the thought process for not re-signing him is so New England can get a younger player, planning for the future.
Free agents: Cade Otton, Isaiah Likely, Chig Okonkwo, Dallas Goedert, David Njoku, Charlie Kolar
Re-sign: Austin Hooper
After releasing Antonio Gibson, that third running back spot is up for grabs behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.
Free agents: Kenneth Walker, Travis Etienne Jr., Rico Dowdle, J.K. Dobbins, Kenneth Gainwell, FB Patrick Richard, Nick Chubb, Najee Harris, Joe Mixon, Austin Ekeler
Besides wide receiver, THIS is the biggest need for the Patriots!
Free agents: Trey Hendrickson, Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh, Boye Mafe, Kwity Paye, Bradley Chubb, AJ Epenesa, Dre'Mont Jones
Re-Sign: K'Lavon Chaisson
Jaylinn Hawkins is a free agent, but has expressed interest in coming back. So with that, if New England can keep him, given his high production last season, that is likely preferred. But if not, there are other free agents they can look at to fill that void.
Free Agents: S Coby Bryant, S Bryan Cook, CB Greg Newsome II, CB Nahshon Wright, S Jaquan Brisker, S Kevin Byard, CB Cor'Dale Flott
Re-Sign: Jaylinn Hawkins
Within this category, the biggest question is the defensive tackle position simply because there is some unknown regarding whether Khyiris Tonga and the Patriots can come to a deal after one reportedly fell through. And then, there's Christian Barmore, whose legal situation will play a big factor into his status going forward.
Free agents: LB Bobby Okereke, DT Roy Lopez, DE Calais Campbell, DT DaQuan Jones, DT Christian Wilkins
Re-Sign: LB Jack Gibbens, DT Khyiris Tonga
Cut candidates: DT Christian Barmore
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 2026 Patriots free agency guide: Previewing and predicting every move
Continue reading...
At 12 p.m. ET on Monday, March 9, teams are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with unrestricted free agents. And then, beginning at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11, the free agency signing period begins, with the 2026 league year officially beginning.
So, to make things easier for Patriots fans, here's a comprehensive guide to free agency, highlighting potential free agents New England can sign, as well as possible trade candidates.
They currently have $43,836,396 available in cap space.
So, let's get into it.
Wide receiver
With the Patriots releasing Stefon Diggs, they need a true top target for Drake Maye. While they have good options with Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, and Efton Chism, they need that true No. 1 receiver.
Free agents: Alec Pierce, Wan'Dale Robinson, Mike Evans, Jauan Jennings, Rashid Shaheed, Romeo Doubs, Deebo Samuel
Trade candidates: A.J. Brown (Eagles)
Prediction: Trade for A.J. Brown or sign Alec Pierce to a four-year deal for over $100 million
Offensive line
With the Patriots trading Garrett Bradbury, the expectation is that Jared Wilson will make the move back to center. But that puts New England in the market for a starting left guard. They also need depth at the tackle position.
Free agents: G Dylan Parham, G Isaac Seumalo, G Zion Johnson, G David Edwards, G Joel Bitonio, G Ed Ingram, G Chris Paul
Re-Sign: OT Vederian Lowe, OT Thayer Munford
Prediction: Re-sign Vederian Lowe and Thayer Munford, sign Isaac Seumalo or Joel Bitonio
Tight end
While the Patriots have Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper is a free agent, and the thought process for not re-signing him is so New England can get a younger player, planning for the future.
Free agents: Cade Otton, Isaiah Likely, Chig Okonkwo, Dallas Goedert, David Njoku, Charlie Kolar
Re-sign: Austin Hooper
Prediction: Sign Cade Otton or Isaiah Likely
Running back
After releasing Antonio Gibson, that third running back spot is up for grabs behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.
Free agents: Kenneth Walker, Travis Etienne Jr., Rico Dowdle, J.K. Dobbins, Kenneth Gainwell, FB Patrick Richard, Nick Chubb, Najee Harris, Joe Mixon, Austin Ekeler
Prediction: Sign a veteran running back to fill that third spot
Edge
Besides wide receiver, THIS is the biggest need for the Patriots!
Free agents: Trey Hendrickson, Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh, Boye Mafe, Kwity Paye, Bradley Chubb, AJ Epenesa, Dre'Mont Jones
Re-Sign: K'Lavon Chaisson
Prediction: Sign Jaelan Phillips or Boye Mafe and lose out on K'Lavon Chaisson
Secondary
Jaylinn Hawkins is a free agent, but has expressed interest in coming back. So with that, if New England can keep him, given his high production last season, that is likely preferred. But if not, there are other free agents they can look at to fill that void.
Free Agents: S Coby Bryant, S Bryan Cook, CB Greg Newsome II, CB Nahshon Wright, S Jaquan Brisker, S Kevin Byard, CB Cor'Dale Flott
Re-Sign: Jaylinn Hawkins
Prediction: Re-sign Jaylinn Hawkins
Other potential moves
Within this category, the biggest question is the defensive tackle position simply because there is some unknown regarding whether Khyiris Tonga and the Patriots can come to a deal after one reportedly fell through. And then, there's Christian Barmore, whose legal situation will play a big factor into his status going forward.
Free agents: LB Bobby Okereke, DT Roy Lopez, DE Calais Campbell, DT DaQuan Jones, DT Christian Wilkins
Re-Sign: LB Jack Gibbens, DT Khyiris Tonga
Cut candidates: DT Christian Barmore
Prediction: Re-sign Jack Gibbens, but lose out on Khyiris Tonga. Christian Barmore stays.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 2026 Patriots free agency guide: Previewing and predicting every move
Continue reading...
