Unlike the last two years, the New England Patriots are entering 2026 with some stability. Mike Vrabel is back as head coach after leading his team to a 14-3 record and Super Bowl berth in his first season, and together with a front office led by executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf is set to continue remodeling the team.
They have some resources at their disposal to do so, including around $41 million in salary cap space. While ranked in the top 10 in the NFL at the moment and with only 14 players set to enter the market, a 2025-like spending spree will not be in the cards for the organization this spring.
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Nonetheless, New England is expected to be quite busy over the coming weeks.
The action is set to pick up on Monday, March 9; at noon that day, the so-called legal tampering period will open. Two days later, on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET, free agency as well as the 2026 NFL league year and trading period will officially begin.
As is the case every year, our Patriots Free Agency Tracker will help you stay atop the flurry of news and rumors surrounding the team and the NFL as a whole. Please make sure to bookmark and regularly re-visit.
QB Tommy DeVito (RFA): Profile
RB Deneric Prince (ERFA): Profile
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FB Jack Westover (ERFA): Profile (3/7)
TE Austin Hooper (UFA): Profile
OT Vederian Lowe (UFA): Profile
OT Thayer Munford Jr. (UFA): Profile
OT Yasir Durant (UFA): Profile
DT Khyiris Tonga (UFA): Profile (3/6)
DT Jaquelin Roy (RFA): Profile (3/5)
DT Isaiah Iton (ERFA): Profile
ED K’Lavon Chaisson (UFA): Profile
LB Jack Gibbens (RFA): Profile
CB Alex Austin (RFA): Not tendered
S Jaylinn Hawkins (UFA): Profile
TBD
RB Antonio Gibson: Released | Analysis
WR Stefon Diggs: Released* | Analysis
Patriots decision: Cornerback Alex Austin will not be tendered as a restricted free agent. | Source
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New England “could be a landing spot” for Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore in a trade. | Source
The Patriots have shown interest in some big-name wide receivers, including Colts free agent Alec Pierce. | Source
Patriots release: New England will reportedly let wide receiver Stefon Diggs go next week. | Source
The Raiders are looking for two first-round picks and a player for Pro Bowl edge Maxx Crosby. | Source
The Patriots did not use the franchise tag on any of their free agents. | Source
The Vikings are open to trading Pro Bowl edge Jonathan Greenard. | Source
The Patriots believe the asking price for Eagles wide receiver and potential trade target A.J. Brown is “unserious.” | Source
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The NFL has set its salary cap for the 2026 season at $301.2 million. The Patriots are $41.3 million under that number, ranking in the top 10. | Source
New England came close to extending Khyiris Tonga during the season, but talks fell apart. | Source
The Patriots are apparently willing to take a patient approach with Jaylinn Hawkins. | Source
Potential Patriots free agency target Kyle Pitts is getting the franchise tag from the Falcons. | Source
Patriots release: Running back Antonio Gibson has been released after two seasons with the team. | Source
Jaylinn Hawkins hopes to “remain home” in free agency. | Source