The New England Patriots exceeded all expectations en route to Super Bowl 60, but their remarkable 2025 season ended with a disappointing 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks
While there’s newfound optimism in Foxboro with head coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye leading the charge, the Patriots will have a more challenging road to the Super Bowl in 2026. Their schedule will be much tougher, and they’ll undoubtedly have a target on their back as the reigning AFC champion.
The work begins next month, when Vrabel and Co. must figure out how to retool a roster that can replicate the team’s 2025 success. The Patriots have the salary cap space to bring in big-name free agents, but they should prioritize retaining some of the talent that helped them defy the odds this past season.
An intriguing offseason lies ahead for New England. Here’s a rundown of the Patriots’ pending free agents, their top contract extension candidates, and potential free-agent fits who can bolster their roster for 2026 and beyond:
Cap space
The Patriots are projected to have roughly $42.7 million in cap space, which ranks 11th in the NFL, according to OverTheCap.
Pending free agents
- Austin Hooper, TE
- K’Lavon Chaisson, LB
- Khyiris Tonga, DT
- Jaylinn Hawkins, S
- Jack Gibbens, LB
- Vederian Lowe, T
- Yasir Durant, T (RFA)
- Alex Austin, CB (RFA)
- Jacquelin Roy, DT (RFA)
- Tommy DeVito, QB (RFA)
- Jack Westover, TE (ERFA)
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Eric Canha-Imagn Images Re-signing K’Lavon Chaisson should be a priority.
The Patriots should prioritize retaining linebacker K’Lavon Chiasson, who revitalized his NFL career this past season in New England. Chiasson recorded a career-high 7.5 sacks with 31 tackles and two forced fumbles in 16 games.
Mike Vrabel’s defense was outstanding for most of 2025, so the Patriots should do their best to run it back and retain Tonga, Hawkins, and Gibbens. Hooper remains a solid No. 2 tight end, but New England could look to move on from the veteran and pursue a talented tight end in the draft.
Top contract extension candidates
- Christian Gonzalez, CB
- Kayshon Boutte, WR
- DeMario Douglas, WR
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Kayshon Boutte deserves a contract extension after a strong Year 3 in New England.
Locking up Gonzalez, an elite cornerback, to an extension this offseason is a no-brainer. Boutte also made his case for an extension by becoming one of Drake Maye’s favorite targets and making several highlight-reel plays throughout the campaign.
Douglas is a solid role player, but he’s less of a priority for New England heading into this offseason.
Potential free-agent fits
- George Pickens, WR
- Alec Pierce, WR
- Rashid Shaheed, WR
- Trey Hendrickson, EDGE
- Malcolm Koonce, EDGE
- Isaiah Likely, TE
- Braden Smith, RT
Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Denny Medley-Imagn Images Alec Pierce would be a great downfield threat for the Patriots, but he’ll cost a pretty penny in free agency.
The Patriots should add another weapon to Drake Maye’s arsenal this offseason. Alec Pierce and George Pickens are the top wide receiver options, but they’ll be pricey.
The pass rush could also use an upgrade. Hendrickson is the elite, albeit expensive option. Koonce is coming off a solid, though inconsistent, season after re-signing a one-year “prove it” deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Hunter Henry will remain the starting tight end, but Isaiah Likely would be a solid complementary option if New England doesn’t select a TE with a high draft pick. Braden Smith is among the top tackle options set to hit the open market, and current Patriots right tackle Morgan Moses is entering his age-35 season.
