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9 under-the-radar players for Patriots to consider in free agency
A big-name signing might help the Patriots get over the top, but some additions to round out the roster could help that, too.
Ahead of the start of Monday’s legal tampering period, you’ve likely heard about all the rumors surrounding the Patriots and Alec Pierce, or any of the other top pending free agents.
While signing a big-name player might help New England get over the top in its hunt for a Super Bowl title, some signings to round out the roster could help achieve that, too. Just look at the offseason the Patriots had last year, in which the signings of linebacker Robert Spillane, wide receiver Mack Hollins, and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga proved to be key to their success.
The Patriots are equipped with roughly $60 million, so they won’t be forced to look for bargains this offseason. But, if they’re looking to add an unheralded free agent or two, here are nine possibilities.
Jalen Nailor, WR, Vikings
The Patriots should probably aim higher than adding an under-the-radar wide receiver this offseason, but this isn’t the point of this exercise. If the Patriots opt to make their receivers room or need depth at the position this offseason, Nailor is an intriguing option.
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Jalen Nailor, who turned 27 earlier in March, hasn’t been a terribly productive receiver over his first four seasons. However, he’s had an occasional big game over the last couple of seasons, and has logged 10 receiving touchdowns over the last two years. He’s split his time in the slot and on the outside during that time, which adds to his intrigue as a potential depth piece.
Daniel Bellinger, TE, Giants
There are a few notable tight ends set to become free agents, like David Njoku (Browns), Isaiah Likely (Ravens), and Chig Okonkwo (Titans). But unlike wide receiver, there isn’t a ton of starting quality talent in the tight end free-agent pool this offseason.
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Daniel Bellinger, though, could serve as a good complementary option to Hunter Henry. The 25-year-old had 19 receptions for 286 yards and two touchdowns this past season. Maybe he could increase that touchdown total if he plays with Drake Maye? He has a massive 6-foot-6 frame, giving him pretty good size as a red zone target. Bellinger’s also graded out as a decent run blocker over his four-year career, adding to his intrigue.
Teven Jenkins, G, Browns
Following their decision to trade Garrett Bradbury, the Patriots should probably pursue one of the top few available guards this offseason. But, if they miss out on one of those players, Teven Jenkins might have the highest upside of the next group. Jenkins was mostly a backup for the Browns last season. However, he graded out as a top-15 guard in football (per Pro Football Focus) when he was primarily a left guard with the Bears in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Daniel Faalele, G, Ravens
Daniel Faalele falls in the same grouping as Jenkins. He’s graded out as a relatively mediocre guard over the years, but he has some experience at offensive tackle over his four-year career and is massive at 6-8. His versatility would make him an ideal sixth offensive lineman option, especially if the Patriots lose Vederian Lowe in free agency.
Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Bengals
While Trey Hendrickson has rightfully received much of the shine ahead of free agency, there’s another standout edge rusher along the Bengals’ defensive line that should interest the Patriots. Joseph Ossai logged five sacks in 15 games this past season and has 10 sacks over the last two years. He also had a career-high 43 pressures this past season, per PFF, and his 89 total tackles over the last two years show his ability to help stop the run.
Arden Key, EDGE, Titans
If the Patriots go the route of signing players with a connection to Mike Vrabel or the coaching staff again this offseason, Arden Key would presumably be an option for them in free agency. Key played for Vrabel in the Patriots’ head coach’s final year in Tennessee, logging six sacks. He had 4.5 sacks and 33 pressures in 12 games this past season. Prior to 2025, the 29-year-old Key had recorded at least 39 pressures in each of the previous four years.
Kwity Paye, EDGE, Colts
Kwity Paye appeared primed to receive a rich contract entering the 2025 season. He had logged 16.5 total sacks in the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, proving his worth as a first-round pick in 2021.
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But Paye, who grew up in Rhode Island, only had four sacks this past season, and his 10.7 pass rush win rate was the fifth-worst mark among the 31 edge rushers who recorded as many pass rushes as he did (per PFF).
So, it would probably be smart for Paye and whoever signs him to agree to a one-year, prove-it deal this offseason.
Al-Quadin Muhammad, EDGE, Lions
If the Patriots lose Chaisson in free agency, Al-Quadin Muhammad would be a good candidate to replace him as a situational pass rusher. He had a career year with the Lions in 2025, logging 11 sacks and 53 pressures.
Muhammad only played 43 percent of the Lions’ defensive snaps, going to show that he’s almost strictly used in passing situations. He’s also turning 31 later in March. So, that might be why you haven’t heard as much buzz about him compared to the likes of Trey Hendrickson and Jaelan Phillips, as he appears to be in line for a short-term deal.
Devin Bush, LB, Browns
Robert Spillane’s injury late in the regular season exposed the Patriots’ depth at linebacker. After consistently slowing down opposing rushing attacks, New England had three straight games in which an opposing running back ran for at least 100 yards. That was also before Kenneth Walker ran his way to his Super Bowl MVP in the Seahawks’ dominant win over the Patriots.
So, if the Patriots want to get better at linebacker, Devin Bush could be a good option. He had a resurgent 2025 campaign with the Browns, logging career highs in total tackles (125), interceptions (three), and forced fumbles (two). He was also 19th among linebackers in run stops (44), per PFF, and spent a season with Vrabel in Cleveland in 2024.
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