PATRIOTS FREE AGENT: K'Lavon Chaisson
NOTABLE EXTERNAL FREE AGENTS: Trey Hendrickson CIN, Jaelan Phillips PHI, Jadeveon Clowney DAL, Haason Reddick TB, Arden Key TEN, Odafe Oweh LAC, Boye Mafe SEA.
POSITION ANALYSIS: This is the biggest need on the roster as the 2026 league year begins. K'Lavon Chaisson had an outstanding year on a one-year contract and will now get plenty of attention in free agency. The Patriots will have competition trying to sign him, but even with Chaisson back in the fold, there are significant questions along the edges of the defense.
Harold Landry III will have surgery this offseason to repair a lower leg injury that limited him starting in mid-October. Even if he can return to the form of early 2025, Landry turns 30 in July, adding another long-term question to the position group.
But the cupboards aren't entirely bare. Anfernee Jennings was rock solid down the stretch when Landry was limited, while undrafted rookie Elijah Ponder registered four sacks and showed flashes while playing nearly a quarter of the defensive snaps. Last year, the defense essentially split Landry's lost snaps with Jennings on run downs and Ponder on passing downs. That's good insurance, but adding an elite edge rusher should be considered.
While there are some older rushers available like Trey Hendrickson and Jadaveon Clowney, the long-term need at the spot could put younger players like Boye Mafe and Odafe Oweh in their sights. Mafe just turned 27 and saw his starting role reduced in Seattle this past season, registering just two sacks in four starts after recording 15 sacks in 27 starts the previous two seasons combined. Oweh also just turned 27 and had 7.5 sacks in just 12 games for the Chargers last season after being traded from the Ravens.
Another consideration should be the strong draft class of edge defenders, many who could provide the desired athletic juice off the edge. The Patriots will have to replace Chaisson one way or another, maybe with Chaisson himself, but a free agency signing at this position seems imminent, as would a significant draft selection.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
