PATRIOTS FREE AGENTS LIST

(Prior to start of free agency)

Restricted Free Agents: CB Alex Austin, CB Miles Battle (ERFA), QB Tommy DeVito, T Yasir Durant, LB Jack Gibbens, RB Deneric Prince (ERFA), DL Jaquelin Roy

Unrestricted Free Agents: LB K'Lavon Chaisson, S Jaylinn Hawkins, TE Austin Hooper, T Vederian Lowe, T Thayer Munford Jr., DL Khyiris Tonga

ARRIVALS

LB KJ Britt - Reportedly Signed (first reported by Adam Schefter from ESPN)

Analysis: Britt was primarily a special teams contributor for the Dolphins last season, playing 334 special teams snaps to just 148 snaps on defense. However, in 2024, Britt started 11 games for the Buccaneers at inside linebacker. He should immediately help out on special teams for the Patriots while providing linebacker depth behind Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss.

S Mike Brown - Reportedly Signed (first reported by Ian Rapoport from NFL Network).

Analysis: Brown has made more contributions on special teams than defense over his first four seasons. Limited to just nine games in 2025, Brown played 2023 under Mike Vrabel in Tennessee, familiarity that played a role in him reuniting with Vrabel in New England. He did play 37 percent of the Titans defensive snaps in 2024, a sign that Brown might just find his way onto the field as he provides depth behind projected starters Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson.

S Kevin Byard - Reportedly Signed (first reported by Dianna Russini from The Athletic)

Analysis: Byard will be 33 in August but is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, being named first-team All-Pro for the third time while grabbing seven interceptions. His familiarity with Mike Vrabel from their time together with the Titans made him an easy connection, especially when coupled with the open starting spot at the safety position next to Craig Woodson. Byard's leadership and experience will be a big plus to the secondary and he should help Woodson continue to build on his outstanding rookie season.

WR Romeo Doubs - Reportedly Signed (first reported by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport) | Full Report | Film Review

Analysis: Doubs had 55 catches for 724 yards with the Packers last season and gives the Patriots a new weapon to pair with quarterback Drake Maye. He has good size (6-foot-2) and brings versatility to the Patriots passing offense. Doubs should immediately step into a significant role on the offense where his chemistry with Maye will be one of the key developments of 2026.

FB Reggie Gilliam - Reportedly Signed (first reported by Mike Garafolo from NFL Network) | Film Review

Analysis: Josh McDaniels has long employed a fullback in his offense so the reported signing of the Bills longtime fullback should not come as a surprise. Gilliam's three-year deal shows the Patriots have long-term plans for him as they look to round out their offensive backfield. Gilliam has just 16 career receptions and eight career rushing attempts, but should play a key role leading the way in short-yardage situations.

TE Julian Hill - Reportedly Signed (first reported by Ian Rapoport from NFL Network).

Analysis: Hill spent his first three seasons in Miami where he developed into an all-around tight end. He had 22 starts over the last two years, grabbing 27 catches while also contributing as a blocker in the run game. He played a career high 55 percent of the offensive snaps for the Dolphins. Hill helps replace Austin Hooper, providing tight end depth behind Hunter Henry while bringing some needed tenacity as a blocker.

G Alijah Vera-Tucker - Reportedly Signed (first reported by Ian Rapoport from NFL Network) | Film Review

Analysis: Vera-Tucker was highly regarded coming out of USC, and the Jets selected him 14th overall in 2021 draft. Injuries have derailed three of his first five seasons, with him missing the entire 2025 season with a torn triceps. Vera-Tucker fills an obvious need and, if he can stay healthy, he'll be a slam dunk addition, likely slotting in at left guard. However, he also has experience at right guard and right tackle, so his versatility is also a plus. According to PFF, Vera-Tucker had the 10th highest-graded guard (77.7) and the 4th lowest pressure rate allowed in 2024 (2.8%).

DE Dre'Mont Jones - Reportedly Signed (first reported by Dianna Russini from The Athletic) | Film Review

Analysis: Jones put together his most productive season in 2025, splitting time between the Titans and Ravens while picking up a career-high seven sacks. He's been a consistent performer over his seven-year career, playing his first four years with Denver, then spending two with the Seahawks. Jones has 69 career starts and 22 career sacks and provides solid veteran depth at a position of offseason need.

LB Jesse Luketa - Officially Signed | Press Release | Bio

DEPARTURES

CB Alex Austin - Reportedly Signed with Miami Dolphins.

C Garrett Bradbury - Traded to Chicago Bears. | Press Release

LB K'Lavon Chaisson - Reportedly Signing with the Washington Commanders (first reported by Ian Rapoport from NFL Network).

WR Stefon Diggs - Released. | Press Release

TE Austin Hooper - Reportedly Signing with the Falcons.

LB Anfernee Jennings - Released. | Press Release

T Vederian Lowe - Reportedly Signing with the 49ers (first reported by Jeremy Fowler from ESPN).

LB Jahlani Tavai - Released. | Press Release

DT Khyiris Tonga - Reportedly Signing with the Chiefs (first reported by Tom Pelissero from NFL Network).

Returning

QB Tommy DeVito - Re-Signed.

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