25 Patriots players slated to become free agents in 2026 (2025)

There are 25 New England Patriots players currently slated to be free agents in 2026.

For the most part, the team has done a tremendous job with the handling of the in-house free agent contracts. Lead personnel executive Eliot Wolf made multiple extensions with key veterans last year, which means the pending free agent list isn't as long as it could have been.

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There are still several key contributors heading into the 2025 season with uncertainty looming in regards to their long-term future with the team. Things are even more uncertain given the new dynamic with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel taking on a prominent role in the personnel decisions.

Here's a list of Patriots players currently entering the final year of their contract:

IOL Cole Strange

Interior offensive lineman Cole Strange could stick around for another year if the Patriots decide to pick up his fifth-year option by the May 1 deadline. They could also pass on the option, see how Strange performs in 2025 and try to reconnect down the line for a possible extension. Strange was drafted as a guard, but there have been talks of him potentially working in at center as well this season.

CB Marcus Jones

Marcus Jones is expected to serve as the Patriots' top slot cornerback option with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III flanking outside. Not only has Jones been a reliable slot defender, but he's also one of the most electric special teams returners in the league. Whether the Patriots choose to keep him or move on could ultimately depend on the price tag.

TE Austin Hooper

Tight end Austin Hooper proved to be one of the Patriots' most reliable offensive weapons last season. Drake Maye depended heavily on both Hooper and Hunter Henry to make plays when the wide receivers struggled across the board. The hope is that some of the younger talent at the tight end position in New England rises to the top by the end of the season, including players like Jaheim Bell and rookie CJ Dippre.

OT Vederian Lowe

Vederian Lowe got plenty of grief for his struggles at left tackle last season. To be fair, he's a suitable backup option at the position, but he isn't a viable long-term starter. The Patriots were backed into a corner out of desperation, and that led to Lowe getting 13 starts at the position, which turned into an absolute disaster. Lowe is still only 26 years old, and he could still improve with better coaching in 2025.

S, Jaylinn Hawkins

Things are getting noticeably deep at the safety position. Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers are projected to serve as the top-two options at the position, while Jaylinn Hawkins, Dell Pettus and Marte Mapu play in support roles. However, the Patriots' surprising decision to spend a fourth-round draft pick on California safety Craig Woodson could shake things up in a major way.

Other Patriots 2026 free agents

• LB Jack Gibbens

  See Also

  Personality, Perseverance, and Passion: Get to know the Patriots' 2025 NFL Draft Class

• EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson

• G Wes Schweitzer

• DT Khyiris Tonga

• S Marcus Epps

• EDGE Monty Rice

• DT Eric Johnson

• C Ben Brown (RFA)

• CB Alex Austin (RFA)

• DT Jaquelin Roy (RFA)

• CB Isaiah Bolden (ERFA)

• RB Terrell Jennings (ERFA)

• OT Demontrey Jacobs (ERFA)

• CB D.J. James (ERFA)

• DE Truman Jones (ERFA)

• CB Miles Battle (ERFA)

• WR John Jiles (ERFA)

• G Tyrese Robinson (ERFA)

• TE Jack Westover (ERFA)

• K John Parker Romo (ERFA)

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 25 Patriots players slated to become free agents in 2026