As we have in the last few years, we’ll be following this year’s 2026 Patriots Free Agency signings and rumors, with this year’s Patriots Free Agents page now available for tracking the latest signings and departures.
We’ve also updated the current Patriots roster with the list, which reflects the unrestricted free agents, restricted free agents, and exclusive rights free agents.
As we update in the coming days, for accuracy, any reports cited will only come from credible, established sources.
Here’s what we already know:
Confirmed Patriots Player Departures:
RB Antonio Gibson: The Patriots announced his release not long after the Super Bowl, which makes the veteran a free agent. Gibson suffered a season-ending knee injury back in Week 5, and his departure will likely have the club exploring options to try to add depth both at the position and in the return game this offseason.
CB Alex Austin: Austin was set to be a restricted free agent, and Jordan Schultz reported on Wednesday that the team will not tender him ahead of free agency. (Added 3/5)
C Garrett Bradbury: Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Patriots are trading center Garrett Bradbury to the Chicago Bears. Adam Schefter of ESPN added that the Bears are giving up a 2027 fifth-round pick to New England in return for the veteran center who started every game in 2025, while playing the second-most snaps on the Patriots offensive line. (Added 3/6)
DT Isaiah Iton: According to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, the Patriots will not be tendering exclusive rights free agent defensive tackle Isaiah Iton. (Added 3/6)
TE Austin Hooper: According to Tom Pelissero, Austin Hooper has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. (Added 3/9)
DL Khyris Tonga: According to the NFL’s Mike Garafolo, Tonga has agreed to a 3-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs worth up to $14 million guaranteed. (Added 3/9)
LB Jack Gibbens: According to the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed, the Patriots did not tender restricted free agent linebacker Jack Gibbens, making him a free agent and giving him the ability to look for an opportunity with another team. (Added 3/11)
RB Deneric Prince: According to Mark Daniels of MassLive, the Patriots did not tender exclusive rights free agent Deneric Prince, making him a free agent. (Added 3/11)
DT Jaquelin Roy: According to Mark Daniels of MassLive, the Patriots didn’t tenderrestricted free agent Jaquelin Roy, making him a free agent. (Added 3/11)
QB Josh Dobbs: Ian Rapoport reports that after signing Tommy DeVito to a 2-year, $4.4 million contract, the team reportedly explored trading Dobbs but instead are releasing the backup quarterback. (Added 3/23)
Confirmed Patriots Additions:
LB Jess Luketa: According to Jordan Schultz, the Patriots added outside linebacker Jess Luketa, with Luketa coming to New England on a 1-year deal. He spent last season in Los Angeles on the Rams’ practice squad. (Added 3/5)
DE Dre’Mont Jones: According to the NFL’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots have agreed to terms with Ravens free agent defensive end Dre’Mont Jones on a 3-year deal. (Added 3/9)
FB Reggie Gilliam: According to Mike Garofolo, the Patriots have agreed to terms with free agent fullback Reggie Gilliam on a 3-year deal worth up to $12 million. (Added 3/9)
WR Romeo Doubs: According to the NFL’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots have agreed to terms with Packers free agent receiver Romeo Doubs. The deal is said to be 4-years and worth up to $70 million. (Added 3/10)
LB K.J. Britt: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Patriots are signing Dolphins free agent linebacker K.J. Britt to a 1-year deal. (Added 3/11)
S Kevin Byard: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the Patriots have signed Bears free agent safety Kevin Byers to a one-year, $9 million deal. (Added 3/11)
TE Julian Hill: The NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Patriots have reached an agreement with Dolphins free agent tight end Julian Hill. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. (Added 3/11)
S Mike Brown: The NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Patriots have reached an agreementwith Titans free agent safety Mike Brown. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. (Added 3/11)
LS Niko Lalos: According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots have signed long-snapper Niko Lalos to a 1-year deal. (Added 3/16)
CB Kindle Vildor: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Patriots and Vildor have agreed to termson a 1-year deal. (Added 3/19)
OL James Hudson: ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports that the Patriots have signed free agent offensive tackle James Hudson to a 1-year deal. (Added 3/23)
AJ Brown: Ben Belford-Peltzman reports that the Patriots are among the teams that have made an offer for Brown, but the Eagles are seeking a first and second-round pick, which New England is reportedly not willing to meet at this time. (Added 3/5) – Dianna Russini reports that the teams involved in the A.J. Brown discussions want the situation resolved in the next couple of days, with the plan being that if an agreement can’t be reached, they’ll turn their attention to identifying other options. (Added 3/6) – Ian Rapoport reports that the Patriots “do appear to be the most interested in AJ Brown,” adding that a trade “obviously makes sense considering Mike Vrabel’s connection to the former young superstar receiver that he had with the Tennessee Titans.” Rapoport said that “Reuniting would make a lot of sense,” but the issue has been finding the “right value” and that the two sides would like to “at least get some resolution soon.” (Added 3/6)
Khris Tonga: The Patriots reportedly made an attempt to extend Tonga during the 2025 season, but according to MassLive’s Mark Daniels, those talks fell apart “at the last minute.” The two sides were said to have talked at the Combine, but a deal didn’t materialize, and his asking price has since increased. – Signed with the Chiefs (3/9)
Christian Gonzalez: The Boston Herald expects a deal to get done between the two sides. “This is a matter of time with the extension, and I think everyone understands that.” Gonzalez said before the offseason that he hoped to be here for the long term, saying, “This is where I got drafted, and I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
Demario Douglas: As Douglas enters the final year of his rookie contract, he hopes to be here for the long-term but recently told Christopher Price of the Boston Globe that there hasn’t been any talks on extending him. “I haven’t had any talks about an extension, but I would love to stay.”
Jaylinn Hawkins: Hawkins is set to explore his options in free agency. Doug Kyed recently reported that “some around the NFL “still don’t consider Hawkins as a starting-level defender, which could lower his value, allowing the Patriots to sign him to a lower-level deal.” Hawkins told the Boston Herald before the start of the offseason that he hopes to return. “I really want to come back,” Hawkins said. “These are my brothers. This is the closest I’ve ever been to anybody, any unit, any DB unit, any coaching staff, anybody. This group is special. All of these guys are special. The chemistry is there. It was would be a blessing. That’s something I for sure want to get done. I’d love to be back.” – Christopher Price of the Boston Globe reports that the Patriots and reps for Hawkins continue to talk about a potential return to New England for the veteran safety. (Added 3/9)
– Mike Reiss provided a little insight into the negotiations during an appearance on Toucher & Hardy on Wednesday. “I think they’re still working at that,” said Reiss. “I don’t know where that stands right now, but I know, as Hawkins has publicly said, he’d love to come back. Not sure why that isn’t done yet, but maybe something that unfolds today.” (Added 3/11)
WR Alec Pierce: According to NFL analyst Tony Pauline, his sources report that the Patriots are preparing a major push to land the Colts receiver, with New England expected to be in the mix with both Las Vegas and Tennessee for Pierce’s services.(Added 3/5) – Re-signs in Indianapolis (3/9)
LB Boye Mafe: ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes that the linebacker Boye Mafe is a player the Patriots will landduring this upcoming free agency. The 27-year old was part of Seattle’s defense, finishing with one tackle and one quarterback hit against New England last month. (Added 3/6) – Signs with Cincinnati 3/9
WR Romeo Doubs: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that after not being able to reach an agreement, Packers WR Romeo Doubs will hit free agency, and the Patriots, Commanders, and Titans are closely watching his market, with the 49ers also potentially thought to be in the mix. (Added 3/8) – ** Signed on 3/10 ** – Mark Daniels reports that the Patriots “have checked in on and shown interest in” Dobbs. (Added 3/9)
LB Jack Gibbens: ESPN’s Mike Reiss believes that clarity should be coming this week with restricted free agent linebacker Jack Gibbens. He feels that Gibbens likely won’t be given a first or second round tender by the team, with the club instead potentially opting for a “right-of-first-refusal tender” as the likely scenario with the 27-year-old, who did a solid job handling the green dot duties during Robert Spillane’s absence in 2025. (Added 3/8)
TE Chig Okonkwo: Albert Breer reports that should the Patriots come up empty for free agent receiver Alec Pierce and Eagles WR A.J. Brown, they could turn their attention to tight end, and Tennessee’s Okonkwo could be a potential target. (Added 3/9) – signs with Washington 3/11
TE Isaiah Likely: Albert Breer reports the same on Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, who is also a Boston native. (Added 3/9) – Signs with the Giants (3/9)
On the Patriots Approach to Free Agency: “Well, I don’t want to tell you what it is because we’re still working through it. We want to have a plan, and we want to bring in really talented players that we have a vision for, that we also believe in the type of character that they have as we build this team and improve on what we did this year. We know how difficult that will be. So right now, the plan is to evaluate everybody that we can, have communication and conversations. When those times come with the agents, we approach the tampering window. But right now, it’s about gaining information from our scouting department and having our coaches look at it and then figuring out a few players at each position that may help us.” – Mike Vrabel 2/25
Patriots looking to improve in the kick return game: “I know TreVeyon [Henderson] had the one in the preseason, and then he was doing it a little bit. As we adjust, and every team adjusts to the new rules and different things, our blocking needs to kick up a notch. I think part of that would be having an explosive returner that could be back there. Really, once Antonio [Gibson] got hurt, that really set us back in that area. We’ll look to try to improve there as well.” – Eliot Wolf 2/24
On the release of Gibson and trying to create cap space: ” Every year is faced with difficult decisions. Mike [Vrabel] told the team, we’re always looking for younger, cheaper, better, faster, all those things. So I think our team is aware of that.” – Eliot Wolf 2/24
On Christian Barmore’s Future: “Christian [Barmore] has grown up quite a bit, and we continue to help him with that. And he continues to want to make improvements in that area. So, yeah, he’s continued to improve on the field. He had a little bit of a lull in the middle of the season there. He wasn’t playing quite as well, but kicked it up again at the end and continues to be a key cog in there for us.” – Eliot Wolf 2/24
On Jaylinn Hawkins: “[Jaylinn] Hawkins is a free agent, and he’s earned the opportunity to see what’s out there, but he’s certainly someone that we would welcome back.” – Eliot Wolf 2/24
On what the Patriots Want at Safety: “Communication is so underrated at that position. I think maybe a lot of fans don’t understand that. Being able to communicate, set the defense, that’s something that we talk to the coaching staffs in college about, and just making sure that anyone that comes in has to be able to communicate and be smart. But on the field, it’s the athleticism, it’s the change of direction, it’s the speed and range, the anticipation that these guys play with are very important traits that we look for.” – Eliot Wolf 2/24
On A.J. Brown (Patriots rumored to be interested): “I think the relationship with players, and specifically, you asked about AJ, has meant a lot. I’ve watched him grow. I’ve watched him mature. I’m proud of him . I’m proud the father that he is, I’m proud of the husband, and that has nothing to do with where he plays or where he played. Those are the things that are important. We reach out and text each other during the things that happened good to each other, and sometimes things don’t go so well for the people that you’re close with, and you text those as well. It’s a two-way street of support and reminders of what got us to where we are here today.” – Mike Vrabel 2/25
On Free agents K’Lavon Chaisson, Khryis Tonga, Vederian Lowe: “I’m very thankful of their contributions. Each of those players that you mentioned had a very unique contribution to our football team and to our success. There is no way around it. With that comes an opportunity for them in their particular situation. Would love to have them all back, but we know that that’s not always the case in the National Football League. We’ll see where those conversations go. Obviously, I thank those players and all the free agents that helped us win 17 games and compete for a championship.” – Mike Vrabel 2/25
Khyris Tonga on Potentially Staying in New England: “This was special, and to be able to come back, man, would be cool. But you know how this goes, so we’ll see. But yeah, just grateful for my time here.” – via Mark Daniels – 2/27
We’ll be adding more here, including reports and rumors throughout the day and in the coming days as we follow how the 2026 version of this team continues to come together.
🔍 Questions Answered in This Article
Which players have the Patriots released in 2026 free agency?
The Patriots have released RB Antonio Gibson and WR Stefon Diggs. They will also not tender restricted free agent CB Alex Austin, making him a free agent.
Are the Patriots pursuing AJ Brown?
Yes, the Patriots have made an offer for AJ Brown. However, they are reportedly unwilling to meet the Eagles' asking price of a first and second-round pick at this time.
What is the status of Christian Gonzalez's contract extension with the Patriots?
The Boston Herald expects a contract extension for Christian Gonzalez to get done, stating it's 'a matter of time.' Gonzalez has expressed his desire to stay with the team long-term.
Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.
AJ Brown, Max Crosby, Hendrickson etc. It’s hard to listen/read these articles that are recycling daily, when the source is the media in a quiet news timespan. They reek of click-bait for ratings. And the fact that some of these players will be huge cap hits and require giving away high draft picks doesn’t compute. And some, like AJ Brown have injury issues. I heard Brown had to get his knees drained 2x a day in the week prior to the 2024 Superbowl. I believe Hendrickson tore his Achilles last October…is he even going to play much this year? Alec… Read more »
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AJ Brown, Max Crosby, Hendrickson etc. It’s hard to listen/read these articles that are recycling daily, when the source is the media in a quiet news timespan. They reek of click-bait for ratings. And the fact that some of these players will be huge cap hits and require giving away high draft picks doesn’t compute. And some, like AJ Brown have injury issues. I heard Brown had to get his knees drained 2x a day in the week prior to the 2024 Superbowl. I believe Hendrickson tore his Achilles last October…is he even going to play much this year? Alec… Read more »