FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots are looking to improve the roster of players who helped them secure a spot in Super Bowl LX, now that the legal tampering period in 2026 NFL free agency is underway.
Mike Vrabel’s team fell short of capturing a record-setting seventh Lombardi Trophy, falling to the Seattle Seahawks, 29-13, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, in February.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Vrabel told reporters that he’s looking to add “really talented players” in free agency.
The NFL free agency signing period officially begins when the new league year kicks off at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
The Patriots have already started making additions, while also losing players to other teams. Last week, the team released star wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Track the latest Patriots free agency updates below:
Wednesday, 5:55 p.m. -- Patriots add two depth pieces
According to NFL insiders, tight end Julian Hill and safety Mike Brown have agreed to contracts with the Pats.
Wednesday, 3:17 p.m. -- Patriots lose key member of secondary
Former Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins is parting ways with New England, signing a two-year, $10 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
Hawkins was a fourth-round pick with the Atlanta Falcons back in 2020, before signing with the Pats back in 2024.
In 2025, he recorded 71 tackles and had a career best 4 interceptions.
Wednesday, 2:43 p.m. -- Patriots sign three-time Pro Bowler
The Patriots have reportedly signed three-time Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard to a one-year, $9 million contract.
Byard led the NFL in 2025 with seven interceptions.
The 10-year veteran previously played for the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tennessee Titans.
Wednesday, 11:57 a.m. -- Patriots sign veteran defender
The Patriots made a move to beef up their defense, signing 26-year-old linebacker KJ Britt to a one-year deal.
The former Dolphins defender has played in 76 games in his four-year career. Britt slots in behind Robert Spillane and Christian Ellis for added depth.
Wednesday, 8:50 a.m. -- Patriots releasing veteran defender
The Patriots ahve reportedly released linebacker Anfernee Jennings.
Jennings had racked up 217 total tackles and 7.5 sacks over five seasons in New England.
Wednesday, 8:47 a.m. -- Patriots lose key defensive player to NFC East team
Pass-rushing specialist K’Lavon Chaisson is reportedly signing a 1-year, $12 million deal with the Washington Commanders.
Chaisson ranked second among Patriots defenders with 7.5 sacks in 2025.
Tuesday, 2:20 p.m. -- Patriots sign veteran wide receiver
The Patriots have reportedly signed Green Bay Packers free agent wide receiver Romeo Doubs to a 4-year deal worth about $70 million. NFL Insider called the signing “a huge payday.”
In 2025, Doubs caught 55 passes for 724 yards and scored six touchdowns.
The 25-year-old caught more than 200 balls and tallied 21 touchdowns in four seasons with the Packers.
Tuesday, 7:08 a.m. -- Patriots signing starting offensive lineman
The Patriots are signing left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. The former New York Jet is joining New England on a reported 3-year, $42M deal. The 26-year-old was drafted 14th overall in 2021 out of USC.
Monday, 2:02 p.m. -- Defensive lineman leaving Patriots
Khyiris Tonga is reportedly signing with the Kansas City Chiefs on a 3-year, $21 million deal that includes $14 million guaranteed.
Monday, 1:15 p.m. -- Patriots signing former Buffalo Bills player
The Patriots have reportedly agreed to a 3-year, $12M deal with fullback Reggie Gilliam. The NFL veteran spent the last six seasons with the Buffalo Bills, appearing in 94 games.
Monday, 1:15 p.m. -- Veteran tight end departing Patriots
Veteran tight end Austin Hooper is reportedly leaving Foxboro and signing with the Atlanta Falcons, one of his former teams.
Monday, 12:15 p.m. -- Patriots are signing an edge rusher
The Patriots are signing former Baltimore Ravens edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones to a reported 3-year, $39.5 million deal. He gets $14.5 million in the first year.
Monday, 10:57 a.m. -- The Patriots release a linebacker
Linebacker Jahlani Tavai is reportedly being released from the Patriots roster.
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