PATRIOTS FREE AGENTS LIST
(Prior to start of free agency)
Restricted Free Agents: CB Alex Austin, CB Miles Battle (ERFA), QB Tommy DeVito, T Yasir Durant, LB Jack Gibbens, RB Deneric Prince (ERFA), DL Jaquelin Roy
Unrestricted Free Agents: LB K'Lavon Chaisson, S Jaylinn Hawkins, TE Austin Hooper, T Vederian Lowe, T Thayer Munford Jr., DL Khyiris Tonga
ARRIVALS
LS Niko Lalos - Officially Signed | Press Release | Bio
LB KJ Britt - Officially Signed | Press Release | Bio
Analysis: Britt was primarily a special teams contributor for the Dolphins last season, playing 334 special teams snaps to just 148 snaps on defense. However, in 2024, Britt started 11 games for the Buccaneers at inside linebacker. He should immediately help out on special teams for the Patriots while providing linebacker depth behind Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss.
S Mike Brown - Officially Signed | Press Release | Bio
Analysis: Brown has made more contributions on special teams than defense over his first four seasons. Limited to just nine games in 2025, Brown played 2023 under Mike Vrabel in Tennessee, familiarity that played a role in him reuniting with Vrabel in New England. He did play 37 percent of the Titans defensive snaps in 2024, a sign that Brown might just find his way onto the field as he provides depth behind projected starters Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson.
S Kevin Byard - Officially Signed | Press Release | Bio
Analysis: Byard will be 33 in August but is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, being named first-team All-Pro for the third time while grabbing seven interceptions. His familiarity with Mike Vrabel from their time together with the Titans made him an easy connection, especially when coupled with the open starting spot at the safety position next to Craig Woodson. Byard's leadership and experience will be a big plus to the secondary and he should help Woodson continue to build on his outstanding rookie season.
WR Romeo Doubs - Officially Signed | Press Release | Film Review | Bio
Analysis: Doubs had 55 catches for 724 yards with the Packers last season and gives the Patriots a new weapon to pair with quarterback Drake Maye. He has good size (6-foot-2) and brings versatility to the Patriots passing offense. Doubs should immediately step into a significant role on the offense where his chemistry with Maye will be one of the key developments of 2026.
FB Reggie Gilliam - Officially Signed | Press Release | Film Review | Bio
Analysis: Josh McDaniels has long employed a fullback in his offense so the reported signing of the Bills longtime fullback should not come as a surprise. Gilliam's three-year deal shows the Patriots have long-term plans for him as they look to round out their offensive backfield. Gilliam has just 16 career receptions and eight career rushing attempts, but should play a key role leading the way in short-yardage situations.
TE Julian Hill - Officially Signed | Press Release | Bio
Analysis: Hill spent his first three seasons in Miami where he developed into an all-around tight end. He had 22 starts over the last two years, grabbing 27 catches while also contributing as a blocker in the run game. He played a career high 55 percent of the offensive snaps for the Dolphins. Hill helps replace Austin Hooper, providing tight end depth behind Hunter Henry while bringing some needed tenacity as a blocker.
DE Dre'Mont Jones - Officially Signed | Press Release | Film Review | Bio
Analysis: Jones put together his most productive season in 2025, splitting time between the Titans and Ravens while picking up a career-high seven sacks. He's been a consistent performer over his seven-year career, playing his first four years with Denver, then spending two with the Seahawks. Jones has 69 career starts and 22 career sacks and provides solid veteran depth at a position of offseason need.
LB Jesse Luketa - Officially Signed | Press Release | Bio
G Alijah Vera-Tucker - Officially Signed | Press Release | Film Review | Bio
Analysis: Vera-Tucker was highly regarded coming out of USC, and the Jets selected him 14th overall in 2021 draft. Injuries have derailed three of his first five seasons, with him missing the entire 2025 season with a torn triceps. Vera-Tucker fills an obvious need and, if he can stay healthy, he'll be a slam dunk addition, likely slotting in at left guard. However, he also has experience at right guard and right tackle, so his versatility is also a plus. According to PFF, Vera-Tucker had the 10th highest-graded guard (77.7) and the 4th lowest pressure rate allowed in 2024 (2.8%).
CB Kindle Vildor - Reportedly Signed (first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN)
Analysis: Vildor crossed paths with Mike Vrabel in Tennessee and now joins the Patriots to provide depth in the secondary and on special teams. He has 27 career starts in six seasons spread among four different teams. Last season he played 12 games for the Bucs and picked off the second pass of his career.
DEPARTURES
CB Alex Austin - Signed with Miami Dolphins.
C Garrett Bradbury - Traded to Chicago Bears | Press Release
LB K'Lavon Chaisson - Signed with the Washington Commanders.
WR Stefon Diggs - Released | Press Release
LB Jack Gibbens - Signed with Arizona Cardinals.
TE Austin Hooper - Signed with the Falcons.
LB Anfernee Jennings - Released | Press Release
T Vederian Lowe - Signed with the San Francisco 49ers.
LB Jahlani Tavai - Released | Press Release
DT Khyiris Tonga - Signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Returning
QB Tommy DeVito - Re-Signed.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
