Day 1 of the 2026 NFL legal tampering period is winding down, and the New England Patriots still have plenty of work to do heading into Day 2.
The Patriots made two noteworthy additions on Monday, signing defensive end Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year contract worth $39.5 million and fullback Reggie Gilliam to a three-year deal worth up to $12 million. They lost tight end Austin Hooper (Atlanta Falcons), defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (Kansas City Chiefs), and offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (San Francisco 49ers) in free agency.
Wide receiver, tight end, edge rusher, safety, and the offensive line remain areas of concern for Mike Vrabel’s group. These positions of need could be addressed via the NFL Draft and/or the trade market, but here are the best free-agent fits still available for New England as we prepare for Day 2 of the legal tampering period:
Wide receivers
Jauan Jennings
Jennings has taken his game to another level over his last two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, tallying 132 catches for 1,618 yards and 15 touchdowns in 30 games. He notched a career-high nine touchdown grabs last year.
While he isn’t what anyone would consider a true No. 1 WR, Jennings would upgrade New England’s receiver room as an every-down target for Maye. He’s a legitimate downfield and red-zone threat, so he’d immediately check off two boxes for New England.
Romeo Doubs
The Patriots have “checked in on and shown interest” in Doubs, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com. Doubs is coming off a solid season with the Green Bay Packers in which he totaled 55 catches for a career-high 724 yards and six TDs.
Doubs has been consistent through his first four NFL seasons. He isn’t the elite WR that Patriots fans covet, but adding the 25-year-old would give Maye another much-needed reliable target.
Tom E. Curran breaks down the Patriots potential options at wide receiver, and why he questioned their decision to move on from Stefon Diggs so early.
Tight ends
David Njoku
Njoku will turn 30 in July, but he’s still an excellent blocker and red-zone threat despite his down 2025 season. He also has experience with head coach Mike Vrabel, who spent the 2024 season with the veteran TE as a coaching and personnel consultant with the Cleveland Browns.
Chig Okonkwo
Okonkwo is only 26 and entered free agency as one of the most talented pass-catching TEs on the market. He has tallied at least 50 receptions in his last three seasons despite lackluster QB play, and he didn’t miss a game in his four years with the Tennessee Titans. He’d be an intriguing addition to Josh McDaniels’ offense.
Edge rushers
Trey Hendrickson
Full disclosure: We included Hendrickson on our “players to avoid” list due to his age, injury history, and what’s sure to be a hefty price tag. That said, he’s an elite pass rusher and undoubtedly the No. 1 option if New England hopes to upgrade the position beyond Dre’Mont Jones.
Hendrickson tallied 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons (2023 and 2024) with the Cincinnati Bengals. He had four sacks in seven games last year before suffering a season-ending core muscle injury.
K’Lavon Chaisson
Chaisson enjoyed a career year in his debut season with the Patriots. The 26-year-old had 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 10 tackles for loss during the regular season and was great in the playoffs, adding three sacks and four TFL.
The addition of Dre’Mont Jones indicates that Chaisson could be a one-and-done in New England. His departure wouldn’t be a surprise, as his price undoubtedly skyrocketed after his breakout campaign.
Alex Barth shares what Dre’Mont Jones will bring to the Patriots on Zolak and Bertrand.
Safeties
Jaylinn Hawkins
Like Chaisson, Hawkins was a standout player on the Patriots’ defense in 2025. The 28-year-old logged four interceptions, six pass breakups, and a forced fumble last season.
Re-signing Hawkins should be among New England’s priorities. If he leaves, the safety position will become one of the team’s most glaring needs.
Kevin Byard
Byard, 33, remains a standout player after a first-team All-Pro selection this past season. He led the league with seven interceptions and played in all 17 games for the Chicago Bears.
There’s also familiarity with head coach Mike Vrabel. Byard was in Tennessee for almost all of Vrabel’s six seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
Offensive linemen
Joel Bitonio, G
Bitonio is 34, but he’s a seven-time Pro Bowler who would be a great stopgap at left guard if Jared Wilson moves over to center. He allowed just two sacks in 686 pass-blocking snaps last season, per Pro Football Focus. He’ll likely want to sign with a contender if he doesn’t retire, making New England a good fit for both sides.
Dylan Parham, G
Parham would provide versatility with his ability to play left guard, right guard, and center. He’s consistent in pass protection and, although he has occasionally struggled in the run game, would be an upgrade to New England’s offensive line.
Yosh Nijman, LT/RT
Nijman starred as a run blocker last season, earning an 86.1 run block grade from PFF, which ranked sixth-best among all tackles who played at least 250 snaps. He has great size at 6-foot-7 and 314 pounds, and he did a nice job filling in at both left and right tackle when the Carolina Panthers dealt with injuries last season.
