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The New England Patriots have used the 2026 offseason as an opportunity to turn over every stone to improve upon the foundation of a roster that led them to an unexpected Super Bowl run earlier this year.
With the majority of the NFL’s offseason program already in the rearview mirror, the front office may now use this extended break to examine the work they’ve already done and make final preparations to secure an equally competitive group prior to the beginning of training camp in late July.
Earlier this week, we reviewed New England’s greatest remaining positions of need entering the summer months. Now, it’s time to project the best fits to fill those vacant roles in Foxboro.
Here are five free agent targets that the Patriots may look to sign before the cutdown to 53 begins:
2026 Projected Average Annual Value (AAV, per Spotrac): $1.01 Million
New England Patriots tight end Pharaoh Brown on his way to a touchdown against the New York Jets in the first half of a regular season game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in East Rutherford. CREDIT: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
If New England is looking to fill the “Y” tight end role after placing Julian Hill on season-ending injured reserve, Pharaoh Brown (32) may be one of the better available options on the free agent market.
The 6’6”, 246 lb. tight end has specialized as an in-line blocking tight end through several stops over the course of his eight-year career, including a one-year stint with the Patriots in 2023. That season, Brown filled precisely that role behind Hunter Henry with 399 offensive snaps taken, 282 total blocking snaps, a 73.3 overall offensive grade (per PFF), and a 63.3 run blocking grade.
Though his use as a receiver in the passing game was limited in Foxboro, Brown was efficient with the looks he got — catching 13 of 15 targets (86.7% reception rate) with 208 receiving yards, and scored on a 58-yard touchdown reception at the New York Jets in Week 3. In his career, Brown has caught 74 of 98 targets (75.5% reception percentage), with 752 receiving yards (10.2 yards per catch), three touchdowns, and has registered an average overall offensive grade of 59.0 and run blocking grade of 62.8.
Brown wouldn’t be expected to produce much as a receiver in New England’s offense in 2026 as the team looks to develop rookie tight end Eli Raridon into a threat downfield, but could provide great value in the run game until that plan bears fruit.
2026 Projected AAV: $5.71 Million
Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney looks on in the second half against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Jadeveon Clowney (33) has been well-traveled since being drafted number one overall in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, including stints with the Seattle Seahawks (2019), Tennessee Titans (2020), Cleveland Browns (2021-22), Baltimore Ravens (2023), Carolina Panthers (2024) and Dallas Cowboys (2025).
Some may criticize Clowney for never living up to the lofty expectations of a first overall pick at a premium position like edge rusher — having never registered a season with 10-plus sacks in his career — but through all of his stops, he’s been a consistent producer, especially against the run. Clowney’s career-best mark for sacks in a season is 9.5, which occurred twice — once in 2017 with Houston, and the other in 2023 with Baltimore. He's coming off of an 8.5 sack season with Dallas in 2025.
In his 12-year career, Clowney has recorded 66.5 sacks (5.5 sacks per year), 450 total tackles (37.5 tackles per year), 518 total pressures (43.2 pressures per year), 287 defensive stops (23.9 stops per year), 16 forced fumbles, and 11 fumble recoveries. He was named an Associated Press Second Team All-Pro in 2016 and was voted as a Pro Bowler in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Though his pass rushing production may come and go, Clowney’s found more consistent success with refinement in his technique and rush plan as he’s become more experienced, and has always been a reliable edge-setter against the run. He’s registered an average career overall grade of 76.2, pass rushing grade of 72.0, and run defense grade of 75.6. Last season, Clowney recorded 40 tackles, 40 total pressures, and registered an overall grade of 79.2 (18th among 115 qualifying edge defenders), pass rush grade of 80.6 (15th), and a run defense grade of 70.6 (26th), to add to his 8.5 sack performance.
Clowney’s been with Mike Vrabel at two separate stages of his career: in Houston, when Vrabel served as the Texans’ linebackers coach in 2016 and defensive coordinator in 2017; and in Tennessee in 2020, when Vrabel was the Titans’ head coach.
If the Patriots re-examine their situation along the edge and find it necessary to explore other options, Clowney could be their best fit. He enjoyed his greatest career success with Vrabel in 2016-17, and has found ways to be a reliable rotational defender as he’s become a veteran at the position. That’s helped his sack totals find more balance in recent years — and makes him a versatile addition that can provide value against the run on early downs and as a situational pass rusher in crunch time.
With continued uncertainty in the New England edge room throughout the spring and into the early summer, Clowney would give the group with a high-floor insurance plan to sustain through the rigors of the NFL season.
That is, of course, if the Patriots are willing to add another player into the room — which they’ve been reluctant to do to this point. If that changes, Clowney should be high on the list.
2026 Projected AAV: $6.78 Million
Jul 29, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins guard James Daniels (78) works on the field during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
James Daniels (28) has been a full-time starter in every season he’s been healthy since being drafted in the second round (39th overall) by the Chicago Bears in the 2018 NFL Draft, but those fully healthy seasons haven’t been Daniels’ reality in recent years.
After spending his first four seasons with Chicago, Daniels signed a three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 and was with the Miami Dolphins in 2025. The 6’4”, 320 lb. interior offensive lineman has starting experience at left guard, center, and right guard — where he’s primarily aligned for the last five seasons — and has filled in at times for both tackle positions. He’s performed well as a pass blocker in his career — has only allowed six sacks in eight seasons — and boasts a career average overall grade of 69.6, pass blocking grade of 67.2, and run blocking grade of 68.2.
Daniels has missed the vast majority of the last two seasons due to injury. In 2024, he suffered a torn achilles in Week 4 that sidelined him for the year, and in 2025, he played just three snaps before a pectoral injury landed him on season-ending injured reserve.
With starting experience at each interior position, Daniels could be an upgrade to the depth behind starters Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, and Mike Onwenu — competing with Ben Brown as the team’s “super sub” in the middle and eliminating the need to cross-train Caleb Lomu at four different positions as a rookie.
2026 Projected AAV: $1.78 Million
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones (92) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
DaQuan Jones (34) has been as reliable as they come at the nose tackle position for the better part of his 12-year career.
The 6’4”, 320 lb. interior defensive lineman was originally drafted in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, and overlapped with Mike Vrabel in Nashville for three seasons (2018-2020) before signing with the Carolina Panthers as a free agent in 2021. Jones’ time in Carolina was short-lived; after one year, he joined the Buffalo Bills in 2022, where he played the last four seasons.
In his career, Jones has racked up 372 total tackles, 203 defensive stops, and four forced fumbles, and has shown the ability to be disruptive against the pass as well, with 20 sacks and 238 total pressures.
Jones wouldn’t be a long-term solution at nose tackle for New England, but would give them a proven player with a more prototypical body type to play over the center — something they’ve been lacking a direct replacement for since the departure of Khyiris Tonga this spring. Jones has experience playing nose tackle in Vrabel’s defensive scheme, and could be an affordable, effective contributor on early downs and short yardage against the run.
2026 Projected AAV: $4.59 Million
Dec 14, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano (58) reacts after a sack against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Another in-division target, Matt Milano (31) has spent the entirety of his nine-year career with the Buffalo Bills.
The former Boston College Eagle was a key component in Buffalo’s defensive scheme under head coach Sean McDermott, highlighted by an outstanding 2022 campaign that culminated in Associated Press First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections. Milano’s proven to be a high IQ player who’s shown the versatility to produce as a drop-defender in zone coverage and as a blitzer from the second level.
In the three years since his stellar 2022 season, Milano has dealt with several injuries that have prevented him from seeing the field with regularity. He played in five games in 2023 (all starts) before a stress fracture in his leg sidelined him for the year, and four games in 2024 (all starts) before suffering a torn biceps that caused him to miss most of that season.
Milano bounced back in 2025 with a 12-game campaign that didn’t end on injured reserve, although he did spend the year managing a pectoral injury that was suffered against the Patriots in their Week 5 matchup. In his 12 starts during the 2025 season, Milano recorded 67 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, 29 defensive stops and registered 10 total quarterback pressures. He’s allowed a passer rating-against of 81.6 when targeted in his career, and has more career interceptions (10) and pass breakups (39) than touchdowns allowed (seven).
Milano's injury history may diminish his value as a starter, but that’s not what New England would need him to be — and that arrangement could serve both sides well at this point in the linebacker’s career. Rather than a linchpin of the defense, Milano would slot in as the first substitute off of the bench for either Robert Spillane or Christian Elliss, and would be a reliable sub-package defender in obvious passing situations. He brings more experience and coverage skills than the players that currently make up the linebacker room in Foxboro, and the contrast in skillsets would give the unit a nice complementary piece.
Plus, it would be great to see him return to the Boston area after spending the greater part of the past decade in Buffalo.
2026 Projected AAV: $3.00 Million
Nov 23, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Giants punter Jamie Gillan (12) kicks the ball in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
If the Patriots are looking to bring in competition for Bryce Baringer at punter during training camp, that player will likely be a younger unknown, as the current market for the position is relatively dry.
One interesting veteran option in free agency would be Jamie Gillan (28), who spent his first three seasons with the Cleveland Browns and the last four years with the New York Giants. One season removed from a career-best inside-the-20 percentage of 48.2%, Gillan is comfortable kicking in less-than ideal weather conditions and holds a career net yards per punt average of 40.3 yards.
Head-to-head, Baringer has Gillan bested in career net yards per punt average, 41.0 to 40.3, and inside-the-20 percentage, 41.1% to 37.2%. Based on their numbers, Baringer would be the presumed victor in that battle, but having a Scotland-born punter in the building could lead to some high quality training camp content.
Dubbed “The Scottish Hammer,” Gillan would continue the region’s growing relationship with Scotland that was brought about by the World Cup. If nothing else, it would be a fun signing for a few weeks in training camp.
New England has completed the bulk of their roster build for the 2026 season, but with weeks to go until the start of training camp, the group is sure to undergo further transformations before the trim down from 90 to 53 begins.
Who would you like to see the Patriots add to the roster this summer? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on Patriots Roundtable.
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Patriots Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Patriots. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
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Follow Eddie on Patriots Roundtable
Related Articles:
- 5 Remaining Positions of Need for the New England Patriots in 2026
- 10 Key Takeaways from New England Patriots Minicamp 2026
- Way-Too-Early 2026 New England Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection
- An Early Overview of the 2026 New England Patriots 90-Man Roster
- 2026 NFL Draft Grades: New England Patriots Report Card and Analysis
Check out the Patriots Roundtable Podcast!
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The New England Patriots have used the 2026 offseason as an opportunity to turn over every stone to improve upon the foundation of a roster that led them to an unexpected Super Bowl run earlier this year.
With the majority of the NFL’s offseason program already in the rearview mirror, the front office may now use this extended break to examine the work they’ve already done and make final preparations to secure an equally competitive group prior to the beginning of training camp in late July.
Earlier this week, we reviewed New England’s greatest remaining positions of need entering the summer months. Now, it’s time to project the best fits to fill those vacant roles in Foxboro.
Here are five free agent targets that the Patriots may look to sign before the cutdown to 53 begins:
TE Pharaoh Brown
2026 Projected Average Annual Value (AAV, per Spotrac): $1.01 Million
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New England Patriots tight end Pharaoh Brown on his way to a touchdown against the New York Jets in the first half of a regular season game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in East Rutherford. CREDIT: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
If New England is looking to fill the “Y” tight end role after placing Julian Hill on season-ending injured reserve, Pharaoh Brown (32) may be one of the better available options on the free agent market.
The 6’6”, 246 lb. tight end has specialized as an in-line blocking tight end through several stops over the course of his eight-year career, including a one-year stint with the Patriots in 2023. That season, Brown filled precisely that role behind Hunter Henry with 399 offensive snaps taken, 282 total blocking snaps, a 73.3 overall offensive grade (per PFF), and a 63.3 run blocking grade.
Though his use as a receiver in the passing game was limited in Foxboro, Brown was efficient with the looks he got — catching 13 of 15 targets (86.7% reception rate) with 208 receiving yards, and scored on a 58-yard touchdown reception at the New York Jets in Week 3. In his career, Brown has caught 74 of 98 targets (75.5% reception percentage), with 752 receiving yards (10.2 yards per catch), three touchdowns, and has registered an average overall offensive grade of 59.0 and run blocking grade of 62.8.
Brown wouldn’t be expected to produce much as a receiver in New England’s offense in 2026 as the team looks to develop rookie tight end Eli Raridon into a threat downfield, but could provide great value in the run game until that plan bears fruit.
EDGE Jadeveon Clowney
2026 Projected AAV: $5.71 Million
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Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney looks on in the second half against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Jadeveon Clowney (33) has been well-traveled since being drafted number one overall in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, including stints with the Seattle Seahawks (2019), Tennessee Titans (2020), Cleveland Browns (2021-22), Baltimore Ravens (2023), Carolina Panthers (2024) and Dallas Cowboys (2025).
Some may criticize Clowney for never living up to the lofty expectations of a first overall pick at a premium position like edge rusher — having never registered a season with 10-plus sacks in his career — but through all of his stops, he’s been a consistent producer, especially against the run. Clowney’s career-best mark for sacks in a season is 9.5, which occurred twice — once in 2017 with Houston, and the other in 2023 with Baltimore. He's coming off of an 8.5 sack season with Dallas in 2025.
In his 12-year career, Clowney has recorded 66.5 sacks (5.5 sacks per year), 450 total tackles (37.5 tackles per year), 518 total pressures (43.2 pressures per year), 287 defensive stops (23.9 stops per year), 16 forced fumbles, and 11 fumble recoveries. He was named an Associated Press Second Team All-Pro in 2016 and was voted as a Pro Bowler in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Though his pass rushing production may come and go, Clowney’s found more consistent success with refinement in his technique and rush plan as he’s become more experienced, and has always been a reliable edge-setter against the run. He’s registered an average career overall grade of 76.2, pass rushing grade of 72.0, and run defense grade of 75.6. Last season, Clowney recorded 40 tackles, 40 total pressures, and registered an overall grade of 79.2 (18th among 115 qualifying edge defenders), pass rush grade of 80.6 (15th), and a run defense grade of 70.6 (26th), to add to his 8.5 sack performance.
Clowney’s been with Mike Vrabel at two separate stages of his career: in Houston, when Vrabel served as the Texans’ linebackers coach in 2016 and defensive coordinator in 2017; and in Tennessee in 2020, when Vrabel was the Titans’ head coach.
If the Patriots re-examine their situation along the edge and find it necessary to explore other options, Clowney could be their best fit. He enjoyed his greatest career success with Vrabel in 2016-17, and has found ways to be a reliable rotational defender as he’s become a veteran at the position. That’s helped his sack totals find more balance in recent years — and makes him a versatile addition that can provide value against the run on early downs and as a situational pass rusher in crunch time.
With continued uncertainty in the New England edge room throughout the spring and into the early summer, Clowney would give the group with a high-floor insurance plan to sustain through the rigors of the NFL season.
That is, of course, if the Patriots are willing to add another player into the room — which they’ve been reluctant to do to this point. If that changes, Clowney should be high on the list.
G James Daniels
2026 Projected AAV: $6.78 Million
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Jul 29, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins guard James Daniels (78) works on the field during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
James Daniels (28) has been a full-time starter in every season he’s been healthy since being drafted in the second round (39th overall) by the Chicago Bears in the 2018 NFL Draft, but those fully healthy seasons haven’t been Daniels’ reality in recent years.
After spending his first four seasons with Chicago, Daniels signed a three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 and was with the Miami Dolphins in 2025. The 6’4”, 320 lb. interior offensive lineman has starting experience at left guard, center, and right guard — where he’s primarily aligned for the last five seasons — and has filled in at times for both tackle positions. He’s performed well as a pass blocker in his career — has only allowed six sacks in eight seasons — and boasts a career average overall grade of 69.6, pass blocking grade of 67.2, and run blocking grade of 68.2.
Daniels has missed the vast majority of the last two seasons due to injury. In 2024, he suffered a torn achilles in Week 4 that sidelined him for the year, and in 2025, he played just three snaps before a pectoral injury landed him on season-ending injured reserve.
With starting experience at each interior position, Daniels could be an upgrade to the depth behind starters Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, and Mike Onwenu — competing with Ben Brown as the team’s “super sub” in the middle and eliminating the need to cross-train Caleb Lomu at four different positions as a rookie.
NT DaQuan Jones
2026 Projected AAV: $1.78 Million
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Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones (92) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
DaQuan Jones (34) has been as reliable as they come at the nose tackle position for the better part of his 12-year career.
The 6’4”, 320 lb. interior defensive lineman was originally drafted in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, and overlapped with Mike Vrabel in Nashville for three seasons (2018-2020) before signing with the Carolina Panthers as a free agent in 2021. Jones’ time in Carolina was short-lived; after one year, he joined the Buffalo Bills in 2022, where he played the last four seasons.
In his career, Jones has racked up 372 total tackles, 203 defensive stops, and four forced fumbles, and has shown the ability to be disruptive against the pass as well, with 20 sacks and 238 total pressures.
Jones wouldn’t be a long-term solution at nose tackle for New England, but would give them a proven player with a more prototypical body type to play over the center — something they’ve been lacking a direct replacement for since the departure of Khyiris Tonga this spring. Jones has experience playing nose tackle in Vrabel’s defensive scheme, and could be an affordable, effective contributor on early downs and short yardage against the run.
LB Matt Milano
2026 Projected AAV: $4.59 Million
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Dec 14, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano (58) reacts after a sack against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Another in-division target, Matt Milano (31) has spent the entirety of his nine-year career with the Buffalo Bills.
The former Boston College Eagle was a key component in Buffalo’s defensive scheme under head coach Sean McDermott, highlighted by an outstanding 2022 campaign that culminated in Associated Press First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections. Milano’s proven to be a high IQ player who’s shown the versatility to produce as a drop-defender in zone coverage and as a blitzer from the second level.
In the three years since his stellar 2022 season, Milano has dealt with several injuries that have prevented him from seeing the field with regularity. He played in five games in 2023 (all starts) before a stress fracture in his leg sidelined him for the year, and four games in 2024 (all starts) before suffering a torn biceps that caused him to miss most of that season.
Milano bounced back in 2025 with a 12-game campaign that didn’t end on injured reserve, although he did spend the year managing a pectoral injury that was suffered against the Patriots in their Week 5 matchup. In his 12 starts during the 2025 season, Milano recorded 67 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, 29 defensive stops and registered 10 total quarterback pressures. He’s allowed a passer rating-against of 81.6 when targeted in his career, and has more career interceptions (10) and pass breakups (39) than touchdowns allowed (seven).
Milano's injury history may diminish his value as a starter, but that’s not what New England would need him to be — and that arrangement could serve both sides well at this point in the linebacker’s career. Rather than a linchpin of the defense, Milano would slot in as the first substitute off of the bench for either Robert Spillane or Christian Elliss, and would be a reliable sub-package defender in obvious passing situations. He brings more experience and coverage skills than the players that currently make up the linebacker room in Foxboro, and the contrast in skillsets would give the unit a nice complementary piece.
Plus, it would be great to see him return to the Boston area after spending the greater part of the past decade in Buffalo.
BONUS! P Jamie Gillan
2026 Projected AAV: $3.00 Million
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Nov 23, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Giants punter Jamie Gillan (12) kicks the ball in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
If the Patriots are looking to bring in competition for Bryce Baringer at punter during training camp, that player will likely be a younger unknown, as the current market for the position is relatively dry.
One interesting veteran option in free agency would be Jamie Gillan (28), who spent his first three seasons with the Cleveland Browns and the last four years with the New York Giants. One season removed from a career-best inside-the-20 percentage of 48.2%, Gillan is comfortable kicking in less-than ideal weather conditions and holds a career net yards per punt average of 40.3 yards.
Head-to-head, Baringer has Gillan bested in career net yards per punt average, 41.0 to 40.3, and inside-the-20 percentage, 41.1% to 37.2%. Based on their numbers, Baringer would be the presumed victor in that battle, but having a Scotland-born punter in the building could lead to some high quality training camp content.
Dubbed “The Scottish Hammer,” Gillan would continue the region’s growing relationship with Scotland that was brought about by the World Cup. If nothing else, it would be a fun signing for a few weeks in training camp.
Looking Ahead
New England has completed the bulk of their roster build for the 2026 season, but with weeks to go until the start of training camp, the group is sure to undergo further transformations before the trim down from 90 to 53 begins.
Who would you like to see the Patriots add to the roster this summer? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on Patriots Roundtable.
–
Patriots Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Patriots. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
–
Follow Eddie on Patriots Roundtable
Related Articles:
- 5 Remaining Positions of Need for the New England Patriots in 2026
- 10 Key Takeaways from New England Patriots Minicamp 2026
- Way-Too-Early 2026 New England Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection
- An Early Overview of the 2026 New England Patriots 90-Man Roster
- 2026 NFL Draft Grades: New England Patriots Report Card and Analysis
Check out the Patriots Roundtable Podcast!
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Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Continue reading...
