Mar 12, 2026
3 min read
Follow all the Patriots' moves during the 2026 offseason, including free agent signings, contracts and more.
NFL free agency is underway and we're tracking every major signing, trade and release for the 2026 season, with analysis from our NFL Country reporters and assessments from our experts.
The new league year started on Wednesday at 16:00.ET, meaning free agents can now officially be signed.The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft begins April 23 on ESPN.
Here's a look at every 2026 NFL free agent signed by the New England Patriots and how they will impact the upcoming season:
Go to Top 50 Free Agent: Romeo Doubs
Romeo Dobbs, VR
Doubs is signing a four-year deal worth up to $80 million, per 's Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler.
What it means: The 6-foot-2, 201-pound Doubs represents the Patriots' big swing in free agency to give QB Drake Maye a top weapon.That would likely rule out a trade for Eagles WR A.J. Marron right now.Doubs, 25, is coming off a season in which he totaled 55 catches for 724 yards and six touchdowns for the Green Bay Packers.
Doubs and Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, DeMario Douglas and Efton Chism III join the depth chart.He has done well as a receiver of the type of possession, showing that third down in the red zone.The Packers suspending Doubs for one game in the 2024 season — after he missed two days of practice in that meeting — is something the Patriots are actually investigating as they consider how he fits into the team's culture.
Alia Vera-Tucker, G
Vera-Tucker has agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract with the Patriots, sources told Adam Schefter.
What it means: After the Patriots agreed to trade starting center Garrett Bradbury to the Bears for a 2027 fifth-round pick, it opened the door to move Jared Wilson from left guard to center — putting left guard on the team's needs list.Enter Vera-Tucker.The team still has fourth-year player Ben Brown as its top linebacker and could also use one of its 11 draft picks at the position to continue building depth and competition, which has been one of the team's offseason goals.
Dre'Mont Jones, Edge
According to NFL Network, the Patriots agreed to terms with Jones on a three-year, $39.5 million contract.
That said: The most important part of the offseason has been edge and speed, and Jones (6-foot-3, 281 pounds) is a step in that direction.The Patriots saw him twice last season — first as a Titan and later as a Raven — and Jones registered a sack on quarterback Drake Maye in each game.
Jones, 29, is entering his eighth NFL season.He played at Ohio State and was selected by the Broncos in the third round of the 2019 draft. His addition is a question of whether the Patriots will bring back K'Lavon Chaisson, who is lighter and faster than Jones but not strong at the line of scrimmage.
Kevin Baird III, Sr.;
Byrd agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract with the Patriots.
What this means: Byard played for Mike Vrabel on the Titans (2018-23), so his transition to the Patriots should be smooth.The 32-year-old is considered a consummate professional;he's always available and still has top-tier range, as evidenced by his 36 career interceptions, seven of which came last season for the Bears.Byard played in 164 regular season games (155 starts) and added an experienced bench presence along with impressive 2025 fourth-round pick Craig Woodson, who led the defense in quick moments as a rookie.Byard's signing comes on the heels of the news that cornerback Jaylynn Hawkins is leaving for the Baltimore Ravens.
Reggie Gilliam, FB
According to the NFL Network, Gilliam agreed to a three-year deal worth $12 million with $6 million fully guaranteed.
What it means: The 6-foot-2, 244-pound Gilliam is a physical tone-setter who should help in the running game on offense and on special teams.His poor style of play, and the Patriots targeting him in free agency, have shown that the coaching staff has identified him as a missing piece in 2025.
Gilliam played 21% of the snaps and 77% on special teams in Buffalo last season, and his presence could push second-year punter Jack Westover to stay on the roster.
Julian Hill, TE
Hill signed a three-year deal worth $18 million, according to sources.
What it means: The 6-foot-1, 251-pound Hill, who is entering his fourth NFL season after entering the league undrafted by Campbell, was not offered as a restricted free agent.The Patriots apparently see something in him to give him a three-year deal.He played in 45 games (26 starts) over three years in Miami, where he was praised by former coach Mike McDaniel for his toughness and blocking ability.Hill, now the No. 1 prospect.2 Patriots running back Hunter Henry after Austin Hooper left the Falcons in free agency has 33 receptions for 288 yards and 0 TDs in his career.Hill has played just under 500 special teams snaps over the past three seasons, so he should also put the Patriots in fourth place.
Mike Brown, S
Brown agreed to a one-year deal.
What it means: The 6-foot-1, 218-pound Brown will be reunited with former Titans coach Mike Vrabel and safeties coach Scott Booker after not signing a restricted free agent contract at Tennessee.Brown is a hard hitter whose main contributions will come in special teams (such as being a personal defender in the punt team), and he adds starters Byard and Depth behind Craig Woodson Vrabel talked about the importance of adding competition and depth to the entire list, and the addition of Brown in the 26-year-old (38 games, 5 starting category) fit.
Britt KJ, LB
Britt signs a one-year contract.
What it means: Britt, who entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick of the Buccaneers (Auburn) in 2021, will compete for a backup role behind starters Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss, who have a potentially significant role on special teams.The 6-foot, 240-pound Britt played 77% of the special teams snaps for the Dolphins last season.could fill one of his roles at least.It also provides a possible layer of insurance with top quarterback Jack Gibbens, a restricted free agent.Britt has played in 76 games, starting 16 (11 coming in 2024 with Tampa).
