PatsFans.com Menu
PatsFans.com - The Hub For New England Patriots Fans
PatsFans.com - The Hub For New England Patriots Fans
  • NEWS ▼
  • FORUM ▼
  • SCHEDULE
  • NFL ▼
  • STATS ▼
  • GAMES ▼
LOGIN | REGISTER
Home › Patriots Blog › Patriots Commentary
Patriots Commentary

2016 Patriots Roster: Free Agents & Offseason Outlook

Breaking Down the 2016 Patriots Roster: Who Stays, Who Goes?

Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri Senior Writer · PatsFans.com since 2011
Jan 27, 2016 at 9:17 am ET · 6 min read · 2.5k views
Never miss a story
Follow Us on Google News Follow on Apple News Newsletter
**** DO NOT USE ****
Photo: Greg M. Cooper - USA TODAY Sports
6 min read Patriots Commentary

The 2015 season is in the books, the Patriots came up short in their efforts to repeat as Super Bowl Champions and it is time to move on. As Bill Belichick would say…”we’re on to 2016.”

And, compared to other teams, the Patriots are a bit behind in terms of looking at impending free agents and free agency in general as they’ve had their eyes on the postseason. It is a familiar problem and one that that they’re used to dealing with.

The Patriots currently have 74 players on the roster, the 53-man unit that faced Denver in the AFC Championship and 21 players who are on IR. Of those 74, the team has 11 un-restricted free agents, four restricted free agents and three exclusive rights free agents, those players only the Patriots can make offers unless they decide to let them go to free agency.

We’ll break down the roster by position and list the free agents for the team. In the coming days and weeks, we’ll break down each free agent individually and make a case for them to stay or go as the team will have a lot of thinking to do.

Unlike last season there is no huge pending free agent contract pending with a player like Darrelle Revis. There will have to be decisions made in regards to contracts already on the books but overall the team is great shape to add some free agents in 2016 and with the salary cap. First up is the offense…

Like this article?
Support Steve and buy him a coffee.
PatsFans.com — Independent Patriots Coverage Since 2000

Support Us: Help Us Compete Against The Corporate Media Giants

We need your help. If you enjoy our content, please help us beat Google's Corporate algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.

Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"

Add as a preferred source on Google News
Read Next Patriots Players Thank Fans For Support Following Season Ending Loss →
About Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

View all posts by Steve Balestrieri
Tags: 2015 NFL Season 2016 Patriots Roster 2016 Patriots season 53 Man Roster Projection Bill Belichick Brandon LaFell Chandler Jones Danny Amendola Dion Lewis free agency free agents Jabaal Sheard Jimmy Garoppolo Julian Edelman LaGarrette Blount Malcolm Butler New England Patriots NFL Patriots Patriots edge rushers Rob Gronkowski Rob Ninkovich Tom Brady

Comments are closed.

📅 This Week in Patriots History:

From our archive - this week all-time:
May 30 - June 14 (Through 26yrs)

  • A historical look at the uniform numbers for the new Patriots: #24, Darrelle Revis(2014)
  • Social Media Reacts To The Shooting Death Of Former NFL Receiver Reche Caldwell(2020)
  • Julian Edelman Ready For "New Mountain To Climb" In 2019 Season Hype Video(2019)
  • 2013 New England Patriots - What the Magazines Are Saying(2013)
  • Wednesday Patriots Notebook 6/12: News and Notes(2024)
  • VIDEO: Stephon Gilmore Breaks Down His Technique and How To Be An Elite DB(2020)
FULL ARCHIVE
📈 Recent Most-Read Articles:
1
2022 New England Patriots Draft Picks – Full List
2
2024 Patriots Draft Picks – FULL LIST
3
Patriots Announce Ticket Increase, Dropping Stadium Parking Fees
4
Heading Into Free Agency, Patriots Have Two Tough Player Decisions to Make
5
Tom Brady’s ‘Life Is Hard’ Speech: Full Patriots HOF Transcript
📰 Follow PatsFans.com
Follow Us on Google News Follow on Apple News Get the Newsletter
Right Now At PatsFans.com:
Patriots News 06-14, Patriots Wrap Up Spring Workouts
2026 NFL Offseason:
Patriots News 06-14, Patriots Wrap Up Spring Workouts
By: Steve Balestrieri
  • Patriots Rookie Lomu Reveals "Weird" First Days at Right Tackle
  • Vrabel's Goal For Christian Barmore in 2026: "Being able to finish"

More Patriots News Headlines:

Patriots News 06-14, Patriots Wrap Up Spring Workouts

Patriots News 06-14, Patriots Wrap Up Spring Workouts

By: Steve Balestrieri
Patriots wrap up spring workouts, looking ahead to training camp and the 2026 season. Drake Maye's development, A.J. Brown & Romeo Doubs boost offense.
3 hours ago
Patriots Rookie Lomu Reveals “Weird” First Days at Right Tackle

Patriots Rookie Lomu Reveals “Weird” First Days at Right Tackle

By: Ian Logue
Patriots rookie Caleb Lomu details his 'weird' initial adjustment to right tackle after college, now feeling natural with veteran Morgan Moses' help.
2 days ago
Vrabel’s Goal For Christian Barmore in 2026: “Being able to finish”

Vrabel’s Goal For Christian Barmore in 2026: “Being able to finish”

By: Ian Logue
Vrabel challenges Christian Barmore to 'finish' plays and increase sacks in 2026. His season management is also detailed.
2 days ago
MORSE: Day 3 of Patriots Mini-Camp

MORSE: Day 3 of Patriots Mini-Camp

By: Mark Morse
Analyzing Patriots mini-camp Day 3, Drake Maye's red zone work, a late hit, and defensive dominance highlighted a spirited practice.
2 days ago
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 6/11

TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 6/11

By: Ian Logue
Here's the full transcript of what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say during his press conference on Thursday, June 11th, 2026.
3 days ago

Free Newsletter

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW

Join 2,000+ fans getting exclusive stats, analysis, and insights delivered straight to their inbox every week. Never miss a play.

📊
Weekly Stats Deep-dive analysis
🎯
First Access New features & tools
📤
Breaking News Player Signings & Rumors

Subscribe Now

* required

Intuit Mailchimp

PatsFans.com Social Logo
PATSFANS.com

The longest-running independent New England Patriots site online since 2000. Not affiliated w/any school, team or league.

Resources

  • Patriots Forum
  • Schedule
  • Patriots Roster
  • Transcripts
  • Archive

Stats

  • Offensive Stats
  • Opponent Stats
  • Offensive Line
  • Snaps Overview
  • Penalties

Analysis

  • Snap Analysis
  • Personnel Groupings
  • Stats By Personnel
  • Top 10 Plays
  • Offensive Line
  • Defensive Totals

Site

  • About Us
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Contact Us

© 2000-2026 PatsFans.com

Privacy Policy Advertise RSS Feed