My Ridiculously Early Start on a 2026 Offseason Plan

[Rdforty2]

Do people think we'd carry 4 TEs and a FB? I'm thinking about a double dip at TE (Delp and Kacmarek) which would give Henry - Hill - Delp - Kacmarek and Gilliam. Too much?

Delp becomes Henry's long term replacement and Kacmarek gives us an extra blocker in 3 TE sets.

I could see them drafting 2, with so many late picks. Might as well take the most talented player.

But I dont see them keeping 4. Keeping 4 and a fullback would mean 1 less OL or 1 less WR. They already go thin at RB. Can't take a roster spot there. I dont think the team can afford to go light at WR or OL for a TE, especially considering the resources used for the #2 and #3 TE. Hill got a solid contract for a specific role, and a 3rd or 4th round TE should be in the rotation.

If one is taken with a 6th, it is possible to stick on the PS. Just dont know if they can afford the roster spot on the 53 man.

 

[mayoclinic]

So, here's a hypothetical scenario:

I. 2026 Draft

1. At 31, Max Iheanachor (or Blake Miller) is available. The Pats solidify the OL, especially if Akheem Mesidor is already off the board.

2. At 63, most of the the EDGE rushers (Parker, Jacas, Young, Lawrence) are gone, along with the top LBs (Rodriguez, Golday, Allen) and nickel/safeties (Stukes, Scott). Some EDGE rushers are still available like Dennis-Sutton, Crawford and Moore. Keylan Rutledge is also available. The Pats take Rutledge. This gives them a complete OL rebuild through at least 2028 with Campbell-AVT-Wilson-Rutledge-Iheanachor. Athletic and violent. OL is no longer a need for 2027.

3. The Pats trade 95 and 131 to Miami to move up to 87 (Miami also has 75, 90 and 94, so they like picking up an extra 4th) and grab one of the remaining EDGEs.

4. At 125 the Pats take the best available TE out of Sam Roush, Eli Raridon, Will Kacmarek, and Dallen Bentley (in that order). That gives you a 2026 TE/FB group of Hunter Henry, Julian Hill, rookie and Reggie Gilliam. TE/FB is not complete, but is stronger, deeper, and more physical than it was in 2025. Gilliam, Hill plus one of Roush/Kacmarek would give the Pats one of the most physical units in the NFL, and would complement the rebuilt OL. I would consider this an offensive unit built in Mike Vrabel's ideal image - athletic, violent, versatile, tough.

5-7. With picks 171, 191, 198, 202, 212 and 247 the Pats add depth and developmental upside. LB and DB are priorities, but slot WR, RB, move TE, OL depth, EDGE depth and DT are all options. This is a deep draft, and the Pats can target a few people if they like. There are many, many targets: Cyrus Allen, Eli Heidenreich, Adam Randall, Keagen Trost, Micah Morris, Billy Schrauth, Jeremiah Wright, Matthew Hibner Dan Villari and HlJaren Kanak on offense; Jimmy Rolder, Jack Kelly, Justin Jefferson, Red Murdock, Lander Barron, Eric Gentry, Jaden Dugger, VJ Payne, Michael Taaffe, Robert Spears-Jackson, Cole Wisniewski, Louis Moore, Jakobe Thomas, Jalen Huskey, Lorenzo Styles, CJ Demmings, Devon Marshall, Lorenzo Styles, Soriano Pride, Collin Wright, Ceyair Wrighr, Jordan van den Berg, Rene Konga, Damonte Capehart, Skyler Gill-Howard, Albert Regis, Landon Robinson, Trey Moore, Mason Reiger, Nyjalik Kelly, Bryan Thomas, Vincent Anthony. The FO won't address every hole, but some really good players will slip through the cracks, and there will be a real opportunity to add depth and developmental talent.

UDFA. Full in as many holes as posdible with players that slip through the cracks.

II. Post-Draft/UDFA

Trade a package to Philly for WR AJ Brown after June 1. This could include a 2027 2nd round pick, possibly a 4th and possibly players. Mike Onwenu and Pop Douglas could be throw-ins. If not traded, Onwenu could be a cap cut.

Where This Would Leave the Pats

2026:

1. The OL rebuild would be complete. Campbell-AVT-Wilson-Rutledge-Moses for 2026 with Iheanachor as swingbor in case if injury, and Campbell-AVT-Wilson-Rutledge-Iheanachor for 2027 on. Substitute Blake Miller if you prefer.

2. The WR room would be complete. Brown-Doubs-Boutte-Williams-Hollins-Chism, maybe a rookie slot WR, maybe Pop Douglas. Deep and versatile.

3. The TE/FB group, sling with the OL, would give the Pats a much more physical and violent offense.

4. The defense would mostly be as is, with a rotational EDGE addition and some added depth and developmental pieces.

I think this would be a very competitive team. That offense would beat the crap out of people, protect Drake Maye, give him better targets, and improve the running game.

2027:

- The Pats would give up 2nd and probably 4th round picks
- OL would not be a target
- WR would not be a target
- TE, RB, and defense would be targets

Fill in a few key pieces, and the rebuild could be fairly complete. Of course, you are always churning the bottom of the roster.

Thoughts?

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

So, here's a hypothetical scenario:

I. 2026 Draft

1. At 31, Max Iheanachor (or Blake Miller) is available. The Pats solidify the OL, especially if Akheem Mesidor is already off the board.

2. At 63, most of the the EDGE rushers (Parker, Jacas, Young, Lawrence) are gone, along with the top LBs (Rodriguez, Golday, Allen) and nickel/safeties (Stukes, Scott). Some EDGE rushers are still available like Dennis-Sutton, Crawford and Moore. Keylan Rutledge is also available. The Pats take Rutledge. This gives them a complete OL rebuild through at least 2028 with Campbell-AVT-Wilson-Rutledge-Iheanachor. Athletic and violent. OL is no longer a need for 2027.

3. The Pats trade 95 and 131 to Miami to move up to 87 (Miami also has 75, 90 and 94, so they like picking up an extra 4th) and grab one of the remaining EDGEs.

4. At 125 you take the best available TE out of Sam Roush, Eli Raridon, Will Kacmarek, and Dallen Bentley (in that order). That gives you a 2026 TE/FB group of Hunter Henry, Julian Hill, rookie and Reggie Gilliam. TE/FB is not complete, but is stronger, deeper, and more physical than it was in 2025. Gilliam, Hill plus one of Roush/Kacmarek would give the Pats one of the most physical units in the NFL, and would complement the rebuilt OL. I would consider this an offensive unit built in Mike Vrabel's ideal image - athletic, violent, versatile, tough.

5-7. With picks 171, 191, 198, 202, 212 and 247 you add depth and developmental upside. LB and DB are priorities, but slot WR, RB, move TE, OL depth, EDGE depth and DT are all options. This is a deep draft, and the Pats can target a few people if they like. There are many, many targets: Cyrus Allen, Eli Heidenreich, Adam Randall, Keagen Trost, Micah Morris, Billy Schrauth, Jeremiah Wright, Matthew Hibner Dan Villari and HlJaren Kanak on offense; Jimmy Rolder, Jack Kelly, Justin Jefferson, Red Murdock, Lander Barron, Eric Gentry, Jaden Dugger, VJ Payne, Michael Taaffe, Robert Spears-Jackson, Cole Wisniewski, Louis Moore, Jakobe Thomas, Jalen Huskey, Lorenzo Styles, CJ Demmings, Devon Marshall, Lorenzo Styles, Soriano Pride, Collin Wright, Ceyair Wrighr, Jordan van den Berg, Rene Konga, Damonte Capehart, Skyler Gill-Howard, Albert Regis, Landon Robinson, Trey Moore, Mason Reiger, Nyjalik Kelly, Bryan Thomas, Vincent Anthony. The FO won't address every hole, but some really good players will slip through the cracks, and there will be a real opportunity to add depth and developmental talent.

UDFA. Full in as many holes as posdible with players that slip through the cracks.

II. Post-Draft/UDFA

Trade a package to Philly for WR AJ Brown after June 1. This could include a 2027 2nd round pick, possibly a 4th and possibly players. Mike Onwenu and Pop Douglas could be throw-ins. If not traded, Onwenu could be a cap cut.

Where This Would Leave the Pats

2026:

1. The OL rebuild would be complete. Campbell-AVT-Wilson-Rutledge-Moses for 2026 with Iheanachor as swingbor in case if injury, and Campbell-AVT-Wilson-Rutledge-Iheanachor for 2027 on. Substitute Blake Miller if you prefer.

2. The WR room would be complete. Brown-Doubs-Boutte-Williams-Hollins-Chism, maybe a rookie slot WR, maybe Pop Douglas. Deep and versatile.

3. The TE/FB group, sling with the OL, would give the Pats a much more physical and violent offense.

4. The defense would mostly be as is, with a rotational EDGE addition and some added depth and developmental pieces.

I think this would be a very competitive team. That offense would beat the crap out of people, protect Drake Maye, give him better targets, and improve the running game.

2027:

- The Pats would give up 2nd and probably 4th round picks
- OL would not be a target
- WR would not be a target
- TE, RB, and defense would be targets

Fill in a few key pieces, and the rebuild could be fairly complete. Of course, you are always churning the bottom of the roster.

Thoughts?

Here's a thought, a very cut-throat and probably unpopular thought.
Could Moses be a cut candidate, I believe it would save about 3 million on the cap.
I have a very hard time believing we will take an OT at 31 to be a backup even for a year.
If we do take OT, I would not put a Moses cut/trade out of the equation.
Say our rookie OT wins the job in camp, you aren't paying a backup OT $10M.
I am not advocating a Moses cut/trade, but again, if you take an OT at 31 I think it's something to think about.

 

[mayoclinic]

Maybe, but cutting Moses saves only $3M, weakens OL depth, and forces you into starting 2 rookies. Not worth it.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Maybe, but cutting Moses saves only $3M, weakens OL depth, and forces you into starting 2 rookies. Not worth it.

Yes, I agree with this sentiment, and again I'm not advocating for it.
I'm just saying, knowing the league, it's hard to believe we would pay a backup OT $10M.
OTs are always a league wide need and injuries always happen.
Teams would come calling if Moses was relegated to a backup, and with that salary, he could most certainly be a move candidate.

 

[mayoclinic]

"I think Thibodeaux is gone if they can get a 3rd for him."

Strong Chance Kayvon Thibodeaux Is Traded Before Or During Draft?

According to Jason La Canfora, multiple league sources expect the upcoming NFL draft to catalyze a trade for Giants OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux. It's been pretty clear that the Giants would be willing to trade Thibodeaux

nfltraderumors.co

31. Max Iheanachor
63. Keylan Rutledge/Jake Golday/Treydan Stukes/Chris Bell

Then either trade 95 + 131 to move up for an EDGE if a good one is still on the board (DDS, Crawford, Moore), or trade 95 for Kayvon Thibodeaux.

125, 131, 171. Best available S, LB, WR or TE, depending on 63.

191-247. Development/depth.

 

[mgteich]

So, here's a hypothetical scenario:

I. 2026 Draft

1. At 31, Max Iheanachor (or Blake Miller) is available. The Pats solidify the OL, especially if Akheem Mesidor is already off the board.

2. At 63, most of the the EDGE rushers (Parker, Jacas, Young, Lawrence) are gone, along with the top LBs (Rodriguez, Golday, Allen) and nickel/safeties (Stukes, Scott). Some EDGE rushers are still available like Dennis-Sutton, Crawford and Moore. Keylan Rutledge is also available. The Pats take Rutledge. This gives them a complete OL rebuild through at least 2028 with Campbell-AVT-Wilson-Rutledge-Iheanachor. Athletic and violent. OL is no longer a need for 2027.

3. The Pats trade 95 and 131 to Miami to move up to 87 (Miami also has 75, 90 and 94, so they like picking up an extra 4th) and grab one of the remaining EDGEs.

4. At 125 the Pats take the best available TE out of Sam Roush, Eli Raridon, Will Kacmarek, and Dallen Bentley (in that order). That gives you a 2026 TE/FB group of Hunter Henry, Julian Hill, rookie and Reggie Gilliam. TE/FB is not complete, but is stronger, deeper, and more physical than it was in 2025. Gilliam, Hill plus one of Roush/Kacmarek would give the Pats one of the most physical units in the NFL, and would complement the rebuilt OL. I would consider this an offensive unit built in Mike Vrabel's ideal image - athletic, violent, versatile, tough.

5-7. With picks 171, 191, 198, 202, 212 and 247 the Pats add depth and developmental upside. LB and DB are priorities, but slot WR, RB, move TE, OL depth, EDGE depth and DT are all options. This is a deep draft, and the Pats can target a few people if they like. There are many, many targets: Cyrus Allen, Eli Heidenreich, Adam Randall, Keagen Trost, Micah Morris, Billy Schrauth, Jeremiah Wright, Matthew Hibner Dan Villari and HlJaren Kanak on offense; Jimmy Rolder, Jack Kelly, Justin Jefferson, Red Murdock, Lander Barron, Eric Gentry, Jaden Dugger, VJ Payne, Michael Taaffe, Robert Spears-Jackson, Cole Wisniewski, Louis Moore, Jakobe Thomas, Jalen Huskey, Lorenzo Styles, CJ Demmings, Devon Marshall, Lorenzo Styles, Soriano Pride, Collin Wright, Ceyair Wrighr, Jordan van den Berg, Rene Konga, Damonte Capehart, Skyler Gill-Howard, Albert Regis, Landon Robinson, Trey Moore, Mason Reiger, Nyjalik Kelly, Bryan Thomas, Vincent Anthony. The FO won't address every hole, but some really good players will slip through the cracks, and there will be a real opportunity to add depth and developmental talent.

UDFA. Full in as many holes as posdible with players that slip through the cracks.

II. Post-Draft/UDFA

Trade a package to Philly for WR AJ Brown after June 1. This could include a 2027 2nd round pick, possibly a 4th and possibly players. Mike Onwenu and Pop Douglas could be throw-ins. If not traded, Onwenu could be a cap cut.

Where This Would Leave the Pats

2026:

1. The OL rebuild would be complete. Campbell-AVT-Wilson-Rutledge-Moses for 2026 with Iheanachor as swingbor in case if injury, and Campbell-AVT-Wilson-Rutledge-Iheanachor for 2027 on. Substitute Blake Miller if you prefer.

2. The WR room would be complete. Brown-Doubs-Boutte-Williams-Hollins-Chism, maybe a rookie slot WR, maybe Pop Douglas. Deep and versatile.

3. The TE/FB group, sling with the OL, would give the Pats a much more physical and violent offense.

4. The defense would mostly be as is, with a rotational EDGE addition and some added depth and developmental pieces.

I think this would be a very competitive team. That offense would beat the crap out of people, protect Drake Maye, give him better targets, and improve the running game.

2027:

- The Pats would give up 2nd and probably 4th round picks
- OL would not be a target
- WR would not be a target
- TE, RB, and defense would be targets

Fill in a few key pieces, and the rebuild could be fairly complete. Of course, you are always churning the bottom of the roster.

Thoughts?

A fine plan

Do you think that Rutlege will be there at 63?

 

[mayoclinic]

Not likely, but not impossible.

 

[captain stone]

I don't want to draft a Guard anywhere near Day 2 this year. Save that for next year.

31 - DE/Blake Miller

63 - Weppun (if DE); DE (if Blake Miller)

95 - OT/ Weppun

 

[mayoclinic]

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25417596-10-notable-players-who-could-be-cut-or-traded-immediately-after-2026-nfl-draft

 

[captain stone]

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25417596-10-notable-players-who-could-be-cut-or-traded-immediately-after-2026-nfl-draft

Interested in: Greenard, Lawrence, Little, Moore & Thibideaux...

 

[DaBruinz]

Here's a thought, a very cut-throat and probably unpopular thought.
Could Moses be a cut candidate, I believe it would save about 3 million on the cap.
I have a very hard time believing we will take an OT at 31 to be a backup even for a year.
If we do take OT, I would not put a Moses cut/trade out of the equation.
Say our rookie OT wins the job in camp, you aren't paying a backup OT $10M.
I am not advocating a Moses cut/trade, but again, if you take an OT at 31 I think it's something to think about.

The problem with your scenario is that you don't differentiate between SALARY and SALARY CAP.
There is 2.8M remaining of Signing Bonus Pro-ration.

Moses SALARY is $6.5M of which 4.5M is guaranteed.
Moses SALARY CAP hit is 10.7M. Of which 1.4M of that is from Signing Bonus Pro-ration for this year.

If Moses is cut PRIOR to June 1st, then Moses' cap hit would be 7.3M this year.
If Moses is cut AFTER June 1st, Moses' cap hit would be 5.9M this year and 1.4M next year.

The 4.5M is getting paid to Moses regardless.
The 1.4M in signing bonus pro-ration is there for this year regardless.

Yes. I could see the Vrabel paying Moses to be the Swing tackle off the bench. Especially as insurance for both Campbell and the rookie OT in your scenario. Especially since the 4.5M is getting paid regardless.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

The problem with your scenario is that you don't differentiate between SALARY and SALARY CAP.
There is 2.8M remaining of Signing Bonus Pro-ration.

Moses SALARY is $6.5M of which 4.5M is guaranteed.
Moses SALARY CAP hit is 10.7M. Of which 1.4M of that is from Signing Bonus Pro-ration for this year.

If Moses is cut PRIOR to June 1st, then Moses' cap hit would be 7.3M this year.
If Moses is cut AFTER June 1st, Moses' cap hit would be 5.9M this year and 1.4M next year.

The 4.5M is getting paid to Moses regardless.
The 1.4M in signing bonus pro-ration is there for this year regardless.

Yes. I could see the Vrabel paying Moses to be the Swing tackle off the bench. Especially as insurance for both Campbell and the rookie OT in your scenario. Especially since the 4.5M is getting paid regardless.

Yup, you looked into he cap implications much more thoroughly than I did.
I was admittedly lazy in my analysis, thanks for the deeper dive.
The fact that there has been more talk of his potential retirement only strengthens the case for an OT at 31.

 

[mgteich]

Yup, you looked into he cap implications much more thoroughly than I did.
I was admittedly lazy in my analysis, thanks for the deeper dive.
The fact that there has been more talk of his potential retirement only strengthens the case for an OT at 31

There is unlikely to be a case for an OT at 31 unless it is for a falling Lomu; perhaps Vrabel has him as BPA, perhaps not.

Most likely place for an OT seems to be a trade up from 95.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

There is unlikely to be a case for an OT at 31 unless it is for a falling Lomu; perhaps Vrabel has him as BPA, perhaps not.

Most likely place for an OT seems to be a trade up from 95.

You think taking Miller or Iheanachor at 31 is unlikely?
Or you think it's unlikely they are there?
If those 3 mentioned aren't there, then yes I agree 3rd seems to be the spot, unless they absolutely love someone like Burke and he's there at the end of rd 2.

 

[mgteich]

You think taking Miller or Iheanachor at 31 is unlikely?
Or you think it's unlikely they are there?
If those 3 mentioned aren't there, then yes I agree 3rd seems to be the spot, unless they absolutely love someone like Burke and he's there at the end of rd 2.

I expect Iheanchor and Miller to be long gone, PERHAPS available if we use a 3rd or 4th to move up.

 

[mgteich]

You think taking Miller or Iheanachor at 31 is unlikely?
Or you think it's unlikely they are there?
If those 3 mentioned aren't there, then yes I agree 3rd seems to be the spot, unless they absolutely love someone like Burke and he's there at the end of rd 2.

I would be surprised to see Burke as a 2nd round value.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

I expect Iheanchor and Miller to be long gone, PERHAPS available if we use a 3rd or 4th to move up.

Got it.
In that scenario we should be definitely looking at Edge, unless there's a crazy run.
Then I would be looking at LB first, maybe Safety if one slips. WR only if AJ isn't happening.

 

[mayoclinic]

Most likely place for an OT seems to be a trade up from 95.

I don't see this, because I see no OTs worth trading up from 95 for.

If the 1st round options aren't there, take a day 3 swing with some upside. Maybe we get lucky, if not, it becomes a high-end in 2027.

 

[captain stone]

I would be surprised to see Burke as a 2nd round value.

Dude's a Right-Tackle-Only Day-3-caliber prospect. He's getting way over-rated here.