The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its list of 128 Modern-Era nominees for the Class of 2026, and 20 former Patriots are among those under consideration. While some spent only brief stints in Foxborough, others helped define eras of Patriots football.

The list will be narrowed down to 50 by a Screening Committee in mid-October, and then further narrowed to 25 semifinalists, and then 15 Modern-Era finalists, which will be announced later this fall. In addition to those finalists, the 50-member Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee will consider three Seniors Finalists, a Coach Finalist and a Contributor Finalist as potential members of the Class of 2026.

Here's a look at each of the 2026 nominees with Patriots ties:

Rodney Harrison – A tone-setting safety and two-time Super Bowl champion, Harrison was a key figure in the Patriots early 2000s dominance and is already in the team's Hall of Fame.

Adam Vinatieri – One of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, Vinatieri's legacy in New England includes game-winning kicks in Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII, as well as the Snow Bowl kick that helped launch the dynasty.

Wes Welker – A five-time Pro Bowler with New England, Welker redefined the slot receiver role during his six seasons (2007–2012), recording five 1,000-yard seasons and leading the league in receptions three times.

Vince Wilfork – A Patriots team Hall of Famer and five-time Pro Bowler, Wilfork was a dominant force in the middle for 11 seasons, winning two Super Bowls and serving as a defensive captain.

Logan Mankins – A six-time Pro Bowler and cornerstone of the offensive line, Mankins played nine seasons in New England, earning All-Pro honors and helping anchor the line during multiple Super Bowl runs.

Tedy Bruschi – A heart-and-soul leader of the Patriots dynasty, Bruschi won three Super Bowls and was named to the franchise's All-Dynasty and All-2000s teams. He was inducted into the Patriots team Hall of Fame in 2013.

Asante Samuel – A ball-hawking cornerback, Samuel played five seasons in New England, earning two Super Bowl rings and leading the NFL in interceptions in 2006.

Corey Dillon – Acquired in 2004, Dillon powered the Patriots to a third Super Bowl title with a franchise-record 1,635 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns that season.

Brandon Lloyd – Lloyd was a steady contributor in 2012, catching 74 passes for 911 yards and four touchdowns in his lone season with the Patriots.

Rich Gannon – The veteran quarterback was drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 1987 NFL Draft but was traded to the Vikings shortly thereafter.

Larry Centers – A prolific pass-catching fullback, Centers played the final season of his 14-year career with the Patriots in 2003, contributing to their Super Bowl XXXVIII championship run.

Steven Jackson – Signed late in the 2015 season, Jackson started the AFC Championship Game against Denver, scoring a touchdown in his brief Patriots tenure.

Fred Taylor – The longtime Jaguars star joined the Patriots in 2009 and played two seasons in a rotational role, scoring four touchdowns.

Torry Holt – Though he never played a regular-season snap, Holt spent the 2010 offseason and training camp with the Patriots before being placed on injured reserve.

Chad Johnson – Known as Chad Ochocinco during his time in New England, Johnson played the 2011 season with the Patriots, catching 15 passes and appearing in Super Bowl XLVI.

Reggie Wayne – The longtime Colts great signed with the Patriots in 2015 but was released before the regular season began.

Brian Waters – Waters joined the Patriots in 2011 and started every game at right guard, earning a Pro Bowl nod and helping the team reach Super Bowl XLVI.

Ted Washington – The massive nose tackle played a key role in the Patriots 2003 Super Bowl-winning defense, clogging the middle and anchoring the run game.

James Harrison – The longtime Steeler joined the Patriots late in 2017, starting in the playoffs and recording two sacks in the AFC Championship Game.

Adrian Wilson – Signed in 2013, Wilson spent the season on injured reserve and never played a snap for the Patriots.

The final Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be announced ahead of Super Bowl LX, with the induction ceremony set for next summer.

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