Identifying Patriots' Top Roster Needs After First Wave Of Free Agency

Identifying Patriots' top roster needs after first wave of free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The New England Patriots haven’t made the same kind of splash in free agency this year that they did in 2025, but the reigning AFC champions were busy making quality additions to their roster last week.

Here’s a look at the team’s notable signings and departures to date:

Despite some strong additions, the Patriots still have plenty more work to do to build a roster capable of getting back to the Super Bowl next season.

Let’s look at some roster weaknesses that still must be addressed in the later stages of free agency, via trade or in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Another offensive tackle

Even if Will Campbell starts the upcoming season at left tackle and plays well, the Patriots could still use at least one more competent player at the position. Injuries to the offensive line are always a factor, so more depth would be ideal.

Basically, they need someone to fill Vederian Lowe’s role. Lowe filled in admirably for Campbell as the starting left tackle when the rookie missed four games late last season. Lowe left in free agency to join the 49ers, leaving 2025 seventh-round pick Marcus Bryant as the only backup tackle.

Another factor to consider: The Patriots have to find Morgan Moses’ eventual replacement at right tackle. Moses played all 21 games last season and was a reliable, steady presence on the o-line. But he’s also 35 years old.

The draft is probably the best place to find a good offensive tackle at this point.

Clemson right tackle Blake Miller, who made 54 starts in college, is an option in the first or second round. He plays with impressive toughness and athleticism, and he set the school record for offensive snaps over a career.

A No. 1 wide receiver

A legit No. 1 wideout is not required to win the Super Bowl, but it certainly helps. Even though Jaxon Smith-Njigba didn’t dominate in the Super Bowl, his incredible 2025 season (119 receptions, 1,793 yards and 10 TDs) played a huge role in the Seahawks winning the Lombardi Trophy.

All the top free agent wide receivers have signed, and the Patriots got one of them in Romeo Doubs, who should thrive in New England while playing a larger role than he did with the Packers. Doubs projects to be an upgrade over Stefon Diggs.

A trade is the only remaining option to get a top wideout. Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown is the top player involved in trade rumors, and the Patriots continue to have interest in him, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Brown has tallied at least 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in each of the last four seasons. He’s a threat all over the field and wins contested catches with his 6-foot-1, 226-pound frame.

The cost to get Brown isn’t cheap. A first- or second-round pick likely would be required to get a deal done.

If the Patriots don’t want to make a splash for Brown, taking a wideout in the first round would make sense. K.C. Concepcion of Texas A&M would give the Patriots a much-needed boost of speed at the position. He could be available near the end of Round 1.

Edge rusher

Edge rusher might be the Patriots’ most significant need. They ranked 26th in sacks, 20th in sack percentage and 23rd in opponent’s time to throw last season, per Next Gen Stats.

Harold Landry III led the team with 8.5 sacks last season, but injuries significantly impacted his effectiveness in the playoffs. Losing K’Lavon Chaisson to the Washington Commanders in free agency was a big setback.

Signing free agent Dre’ Mont Jones from the Ravens was a good addition, but more depth and ability is needed at that position.

Luckily for the Patriots, the 2026 draft class is loaded with good edge rushers and front seven players. Texas A&M pass rusher Cashius Howell would be a player worth considering at the end of the first round. He tallied a career-high 11.5 sacks for an elite Aggies defense that made the College Football Playoff.

Pass-catching/third-down running back

Antonio Gibson made a strong impact in two seasons with the Patriots. Unfortunately for him, his 2025 campaign was limited to just five games because of an ACL tear. He was released earlier this month, and the Patriots have yet to add a running back to fill his role as a third-down and pass-catching option. Gibson also was a capable kick returner.

Rhamondre Stevenson was one of the Patriots’ best players late in the regular season and in the playoffs. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry and scored seven total touchdowns (four rushing, three receiving) over the last eight games (including playoffs). The way he overcame early-season fumbling issues was pretty encouraging. But if he were to miss games due to injury, or if the fumbling returned, that would put a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of TreVeyon Henderson.

The former Ohio State star had a really good rookie season and led the team with 911 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. His four touchdowns of 50-plus yards were tied for the most by a rookie running back since 2000. But his production tailed off significantly at the end of the regular season and he was largely ineffective in the playoffs.

Many of the top free agent running backs have already signed, so upgrading at this position likely will have to come in the draft, or in training camp when veterans around the league start to get released.