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Patriots free agency live updates: Safety Kevin Byard reportedly agrees to 1-year contract
The Patriots have made several reported moves over the last few days, including signing WR Romeo Doubs and OG Alijah Vera-Tucker.
The New England Patriots aren’t going to be running back the same roster that made it all the way to Super Bowl LX last month.
“We’re looking for the better, younger, cheaper player every day, and the players that we have are trying to not let that happen,” Mike Vrabel said after New England’s loss to Seattle at Levi’s Stadium. “And that’s the dynamic, and that’s the business of the National Football League.”
That business got underway in earnest this week, as the legal tampering period in NFL free agency began at 12 p.m. on Monday.
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As such, expect plenty of news over the next few days as New England tries to shore up several areas of its depth chart.
The Patriots have already been busy over the last week, cutting ties with Stefon Diggs and trading starting center Garrett Bradbury.
Now the onus falls on Eliot Wolf, Vrabel, and the rest of New England’s top brass to use their cap space and assets to upgrade a roster that fell just a game short of a title in the 2025 season.
New England has already been busy over the last few days — reportedly signing free-agent targets like DE/LB Dre’Mont Jones, OG Alijah Vera-Tucker, and WR Romeo Doubs.
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As the free-agency feeding frenzy continues, follow along here over the next few days for the latest updates on New England’s offseason additions, as well as the other top storylines percolating across the NFL.
LIVE UPDATES
Wednesday, March 11
7:00 p.m.: Cornerback Alex Austin is leaving the Patriots for the Miami Dolphins on a one-year contract, according to NFL insider Jordan Shultz.
5:55 p.m.: The Patriots are adding a bit more depth to their roster — signing tight end Julian Hill and safety Mike Brown.
Hill, 25, spent his first three NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He caught 15 passes for 140 yards last season with the Dolphins, but was primarily utilized as a blocker and a contributor on special teams.
Brown, 26, has spent the last three seasons with the Tennessee Titans — primarily chipping in on special teams in 2025.
Hill in particular has no qualms with throwing his weight around as a blocker — as seen on this play below. New England is adding some scrappers to its roster, especially alongside a bruising fullback like Reggie Gilliam.
4:07 p.m.: It looks like Jack Gibbens will also be a UFA after New England chose to not tender him at the start of the new league year.
4:01 p.m.: The new league year has started across the NFL.
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As such, the Patriots have officially announced several reported moves — including Diggs’ release, the Bradbury trade, and cutting Tavai and Jennings.
4:00 p.m.: It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that the Vikings are interested in former Cardinals QB Kyler Murray. Could see him doing well with a coach with a knack for resurrecting QB careers like Kevin O’Connell.
3:10 p.m.: That didn’t take long.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins is signing a two-year deal with the Ravens. Hawkins out, Byard in.
Hawkins had a very strong season as New England’s starter at safety alongside rookie Craig Woodson in 2025.
It’s been an offseason of change so far for New England — as they have not retained five of their six unrestricted free agents:
Safety Jaylinn Hawkins (Ravens)
Edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson (Commanders)
Tackle Vederian Lowe (49ers)
Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (Chiefs)
Tight end Austin Hooper (Falcons)
Thayer Munford Jr. is New England’s lone UFA that still hasn’t signed yet.
3:00 p.m.: The Patriots are bolstering their secondary with an All-Pro safety.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Patriots are signing veteran safety Kevin Byard to a one-year, $9 million deal.
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Byard, who will turn 33 before the 2026 season, is coming off a strong season with the Bears — earning Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors after leading the NFL with seven interceptions.
Byard has plenty of familiarity with Mike Vrabel — playing for him in Tennessee from 2018 to 2023.
With the signing of Byard, it likely means that the Patriots are set to move on from Jaylinn Hawkins, who is a free agent. Byard should be a strong veteran presence to pair alongside fellow starter Craig Woodson — who impressed as a rookie safety in 2025.
2:40 p.m.: The Patriots have reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with safety Kevin Byard.
12:55 p.m.: Another former Patriot has a new home — as Josh Uche signs with the Dolphins.
12:15 p.m.: The Patriots are adding some depth at linebacker with former Dolphins LB KJ Britt.
He was a backup linebacker/ key special teamer with the Dolphins last season, playing in 17 games — and starting one. He should carve out a solid role on this New England roster.
11:30 a.m.: For now, it seems like the Raiders are willing to keep Maxx Crosby. But I wonder if something’s gotta give there, especially if Las Vegas does keep all of its pending contracts in place.
Even with that trade falling through and the concerns now out in the open about Crosby’s knee, it doesn’t seem like the Raiders are entertaining trade offers at a discount … at this point.
11:20 a.m.: Elsewhere across the NFL, Daniel Jones gets PAID by the Colts.
9 a.m.: Following the dramatic rollback of the Maxx Crosby trade on Thursday evening, the Ravens have wasted no time in seeking a replacement acquisition. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Baltimore is signing former Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson to a four-year deal worth $112 million.
It’s a 4-year, $112M deal for Trey Hendrickson. Huge. https://t.co/iNg6iyEJqP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2026
8:50 a.m.: There were multiple updates regarding the Patriots’ defensive line on Wednesday morning. Defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson is reportedly signing with the Commanders on a one-year deal worth $12 million, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
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Additionally, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported minutes later that New England was releasing defensive end Anfernee Jennings.
Patriots are releasing Anfernee Jennings today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2026
Tuesday, March 10
Could Patriots make a surprise push for Maxx Crosby once again?
11:30 p.m.: Could the Patriots potentially circle back in trade talks with the Raiders — especially with the cost to get Crosby now going down?
Of course, it remains to be seen if Tom Brady has any interest in trading the Raiders’ best player to New England. But Las Vegas doesn’t exactly have a lot of leverage now — and an elite pass rusher like Crosby would still fit an obvious need for the Patriots.
We’ll see what the next steps are for the Raiders after this sizable setback.
But New England could be primed to pounce if the Raiders do try to ship Crosby to another team now that the Ravens are walking away.
Crosby told The Athletic’s Dianna Russini that he wanted to play for Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel in New England, as she noted on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Zolak and Bertrand” last month.
“Maxx Crosby doesn’t seem too happy in Las Vegas. Is he going to ask for one officially and ask out? Is that a guy? I can tell you, I know he wants to play for Mike Vrabel. He’s told me before,” Russini said.
When news first broke of the Ravens’ trade with the Raiders on Friday, Russini shared on X that Crosby had “his eye on the Cowboys, Ravens, and Patriots for weeks.”
10:45 p.m.: Could the Raiders still try to move Crosby this offseason, even if they likely won’t get another pair of first-round picks for the Pro Bowl edge rusher?
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“The Raiders were set to meet Tuesday night to try to figure out their next steps, according to sources,” ESPN’s Ryan McFadden wrote. “For now they are prepared to get Crosby healthy and have him play for Las Vegas, but they already have received calls from several teams inquiring about his availability in a trade, a source said.”
Even if the Raiders want to try and keep Crosby moving forward, they have already committed plenty of cap space over the last few days on several other free-agent signings — using some of the spending power that was seemingly freed up by moving Crosby’s contract off the books.
10:30 p.m.: If Crosby’s expected recovery timeline from meniscus surgery was always going to extend into the summertime, the Ravens don’t have much of a leg to stand on if they’re nixing the trade over that.
Perhaps Baltimore just got cold feet over the cost it would take to pry Crosby out of Las Vegas? Regardless, it’s a brutal setback for the Raiders, who now don’t have a whole lot of leverage in any future trade talks for Crosby if they still intend on flipping him.
Which team is going to give up multiple blue-chip draft assets in order to get a guy whose medicals forced a team to already call off a trade?
10:00 p.m.: Maxx Crosby’s agent, CJ LaBoy, is now chiming in.
9:00 p.m.: The A.J. Brown trade chatter doesn’t seem to be dying down between the Patriots and Eagles.
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By signing a proven wideout in Doubs, the Patriots now have the leverage (and security) it needs to potentially wait things out as far as trade talks with Philly.
It wouldn’t come as much of a surprise if the Eagles wait until after June 1 to move Brown, given that it would significantly lower the team’s dead cap hit this season.
8:09 p.m.: According to Russini, Crosby failed his physical today. No deal.
The Ravens paid a MAJOR price to initially pry Crosby out of Las Vegas — dealing away two first-round picks, including the 14th overall selection this year.
Crosby has also three years left on a $106.5 million contract with $91.5 million guaranteed. His base salary for the 2026 season is $30 million and carries a $35.79 million salary cap hit.
7:59 p.m.: Wow! The Raiders just announced that the Ravens have backed out of their trade for Maxx Crosby. Wonder if medicals played a part in this — with Baltimore reportedly agreeing to send a pair of first-round picks to Vegas.
Could the Patriots be back in play for the potent edge rusher?
7:45 p.m.: One area where Doubs can really help the Patriots? In the red zone.
He has 18 touchdowns over the last three seasons. New England’s red-zone efficiency was an issue last season. The Patriots ranked 17th in the NFL — scoring touchdowns in just 57 percent of their red-zone treks in 2025.
Here are more things to know about New England’s new wideout.
7:40 p.m.: Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Trey Hendrickson is expected to make a decision tomorrow on his next team. Given the expected high price tag, it doesn’t seem like New England will be a viable option.
6:40 p.m. It doesn’t seem like the 49ers have any interest in trading away backup QB Mac Jones.
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According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the 49ers’ asking price for Jones is “astronomical” in any trade talks.
Despite his disastrous end to his Patriots career, Jones was steady in 2025 with San Francisco — throwing for 13 touchdowns and six interceptions in 11 games.
3:25 p.m.: For Patriots fans still holding out hope over an A.J. Brown trade, it seems like it’s still an option for New England. Doubs may not be a WR1, but the Patriots at least have some depth at that position, and could wait until after June 1 to pursue a deal for Brown — when his price tag might come down a bit.
3:15 p.m.: For those keen on a potential Brian Thomas Jr. trade, it doesn’t seem like the Jags are all that interested in dealing him — per Adam Schefter.
2:50 p.m.: According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Doubs picked the Patriots over the Commanders in free agency:
2:45 p.m.: Romeo Doubs’ contract with the Patriots is for 4 years and up to $70 million, per Ian Rapoport. According to Albert Breer of SI, the deal has a max value of $80 million.
Doubs — who will turn 26 next month — is coming off the best season of his career in 2025 with the Packers.
He led Green Bay in catches (55), receiving yards (724) and tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns (6). He’s also an underrated red-zone threat with 18 touchdowns over the last three seasons.
He’s a nice pickup to a Patriots WR grouping that also includes Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III.
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Still feels like he’s more of a very strong WR2 on a contender, but maybe he has room to grow in Foxborough — especially with a QB like Maye.
2:20 p.m.: Elsewhere, the Jets are bringing back Geno Smith after a disastrous season with the Raiders.
2:16 p.m.: The Patriots are reportedly signing wide receiver Romeo Doubs to a four-year contract worth $70 million, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Sources: #Packers FA WR Romeo Doubs is signing with the #Patriots. A new weapon for Drake Maye. pic.twitter.com/4k0sUNwXyG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2026
2:00 p.m.: New contract details have emerged over Alijah Vera-Tucker’s new 3-year deal with New England.
And given the bonuses in place, it’s clear that New England is emphasizing their new guard’s health and the benchmarks he needs to clear in order to max out his contract.
He’s set to earn a $250,000 bonus for each game he’s active — equating out to $4.25 million each season if he doesn’t miss a single game.
In total, he’s appeared in just 43 of a possible 85 career games in the NFL due to several critical injuries.
1:40 p.m.: No surprise here, but NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reports that the Patriots continue to explore trade talks with the Eagles on A.J. Brown.
“The conversations regarding A.J. Brown are not dead yet,” Wolfe said of the Patriots and their efforts toward adding a WR1. “I think their No. 1 priority if they had a choice would be to figure out how to trade for Eagles receiver A.J. Brown. But my understanding is that the Eagles’ asking price is still very high.
“And so right now, there’s not much common ground right now on a deal. That can change in the coming days, so that’s the one I’m keeping an eye on.”
11:45 a.m.: If New England is still looking to add an impactful pass rusher, veteran Trey Hendrickson could make sense — albeit at a steep price.
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Hendrickson not signing with a team on Day 1 of NFL free agency was somewhat of a surprise. But it seems like his asking price needs to drop first.
“You see the Houston Texans go out and give Danielle Hunter a $40 million a year extension. You see yesterday that the Carolina Panthers shocked the NFL and gave Jaelan Phillips $30 million a year. Trey Hendrickson sees himself in the company of those kinds of players,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on “Get Up.”
“Sometimes it takes a player a little bit of time to understand how the market works like that and to accept that just because Danielle Hunter might get $40 (million), you might not get $40 (million),” he added. He’s a very strong-minded, prideful person. He wants to get his price. And until he feels like he does, he’s not willing to compromise on that.”
Hendrickson has been one of the pass rushers in the league over the last few seasons — recording 35.0 total sacks across two seasons in 2023 and 2024. But he’s also 31 years old and missed 10 games in 2025 due to a core muscle injury.
11:20 a.m.: Daniel Popper of The Athletic doesn’t seem to be a fan of the Alijah Vera-Tucker signing in New England. He gave the deal a “D” in his latest post.
“Vera-Tucker is a very good player when he is on the field. The problem is he cannot stay on the field. He played in five games in 2022 because of a torn triceps,” Popper wrote. “He played in seven games in 2023 because of a torn Achilles. He missed all of last season because of a torn triceps on his other arm. He has been in the NFL for five seasons.
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“He has suffered season-ending injuries in three of them. Sandwiched in between those three seasons was a standout 2024 at right guard. Still, this deal is a massive risk for the Patriots. If it works out, New England could get solid surplus value on this contract. If it does not, it could be a disaster.”
There’s a lot to like about Vera-Tucker’s upside as a stabilizing force on New England’s O-line. Still, those injury concerns are legitimate.
PATRIOTS SIGN G ALIJAH VERA-TUCKER
12:05 a.m.: Well, that didn’t take long.
Just as it seemed like New England was closing up shop on a relatively quiet first day of NFL free agency, the Patriots have reportedly signed a new starting offensive guard.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are signing former Jets offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker to a three-year contract. ESPN’s Adam Schefter added that the contract is $42 million deal worth up to $48 million.
Vera-Tucker was initially drafted 14th overall by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of USC — just one pick before New England selected QB Mac Jones.
Vera-Tucker, who will turn 27 in June, has proven himself to be one of the best guards in the NFL … when healthy.
During the 2024 season in New York, PFF graded him as the 10th-best offensive guard in the NFL — with the fourth-lowest pressure rate allowed that season at just 2.8 percent. But he then missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a torn triceps just before the start of the year.
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He also played just 12 total games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. In total, he’s appeared in just 43 of a possible 85 career games in the NFL.
If Vera-Tucker can stay on the field, there’s a lot to like about what he can do to solidify New England’s offensive line. With the Patriots trading starting center Garrett Bradbury, the logical move is for New England to shift Jared Wilson to center and slot in an established veteran in Vera-Tucker at left guard.
So long as Vera-Tucker regains his form as a Pro-Bowl-caliber talent, he should provide some stability between a pair of second-year starters in Will Campbell (LT) and Wilson (C).
Monday, March 9
9:30 p.m.: Not an awful lot to draw from the first day of NFL free agency when it comes to the Patriots.
To recap thus far:
Additions:
LB/DE Dre’Mont Jones
FB Reggie Gilliam
Exits:
WR Stefon Diggs (released)
C Garrett Bradbury (traded to Bears)
DL Khyiris Tonga (Chiefs)
TE Austin Hooper (Falcons)
OT Vederian Lowe (49ers)
LB Jahlani Tavai (cut)
Jones and Gilliam both address key needs for New England. Jones should bolster New England’s pass rush, while Gilliam is a physical blocker who should carve out a key role in the running game for Josh McDaniels and Co.
Still, New England has a few more areas it needs to shore up, ideally at WR and on the offensive line.
With Diggs out of the equation and free-agent targets like Alec Pierce and Mike Evans off the board, one has to wonder what the next move is for New England.
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Is it revisiting trade talks for targets like A.J. Brown or Brian Thomas? Do they pivot to a wideout like Romeo Doubs — a talent, but far from a sure thing as a WR1?
It feels like the Patriots don’t have much leverage in trade talks with Philadelphia at this point, so it might take some time to shore up that area of the roster.
Adding a veteran left guard should also be a priority — adding some stability between Will Campbell and Jared Wilson. Ben Brown is a solid depth option, but New England would get a major lift if it could get a former All-Pro like Joel Bitonio to sign on the dotted line. Alijah Vera-Tucker is another appealing name, although he has dealt with injury concerns.
One area that might need to be addressed in the draft is tight end, as potential targets like Isaiah Likely and Cade Otton signed elsewhere.
As far as retaining talent, it will be interesting to see if New England can re-sign K’Lavon Chaisson and Jaylinn Hawkins. Chaisson felt like the type of player who was going to get snagged very quickly in free agency, so it should be taken as good news that he’s still available.
Hawkins should also be a priority for New England, as he formed a strong 1-2 punch with rookie Craig Woodson this past season. If Hawkins signs elsewhere, New England needs to move FAST on adding another starter. Kevin Byard could be an option as a All-Pro talent, even at his age (33).
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It is a shame that the Patriots weren’t able to retain Tonga — who quickly became a fan favorite and a key cog on the D-line. New England will likely turn to Cory Durden as the next man up at that spot on the roster.
8:45 p.m.: Another former Patriot lands a free-agent deal as Cole Strange signs a 2-year, $13 million deal with the Chargers. Strange hasn’t lived up to his first-round billing, but the Chargers need all the help they can get on the O-line.
6:56 p.m.: Former Patriots wideout Kendrick Bourne has found a new landing spot, signing a 2-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals.
6:45 p.m.: If New England is turning to free agency to try and bolster its offensive line (especially at left guard), that pool is also getting pretty thin.
Isaac Seumalo is signing a 3-year, $31.5 million deal with Arizona.
6:24 p.m.: Check another potential WR target off of New England’s list.
The Seahawks are reportedly re-signing Rashid Shaheed on a 3-year, $51 million contract. He’s a straight burner who can also make a sizable impact in the return game. Nice bit of business for Seattle to retain him.
5:00 p.m.: For now, it looks as though a trade for A.J. Brown might be New England’s best path forward in its search for a WR1.
But, could Jags third-year pro Brian Thomas Jr. be an appealing pivot option?
According to SNY’s Connor Hughes, Jacksonville is “entertaining” trade offers for the talented wideout this offseason.
Rather than pay a steep price for a soon-to-be 29-year-old wideout in Brown, the Patriots could add a 23-year-old receiver in Thomas looking for a bounce-back season.
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Despite regressing to 707 yards off 48 catches last season with the Jags, Thomas was a force as a rookie in 2024 — posting 1,282 receiving yards off of 87 catches.
4:45 p.m.: It didn’t take long for Tua Tagovailoa to find a new home — as he lands with the Falcons on a 1-year deal. He’ll compete for the starting role in Atlanta with Michael Penix Jr.
4:22 p.m.: New England’s depth is taking a hit once again — as Vederian Lowe is signing a two-year, $12 million max deal with the 49ers.
For all of Lowe’s struggles in 2024, the veteran was stout as New England’s backup left tackle this past season — performing admirably as the team’s starting tackle when Will Campbell was sidelined with a knee injury.
Even if New England is adamant about keeping Campbell at LT moving forward, Lowe served as a valuable backup option. Depth at tackle will be paramount for the Patriots moving forward — given Campbell’s shaky play and starting RT Morgan Moses’ age (35).
2:55 p.m.: As wideout options dwindle on the open market, the Patriots have “checked in on and shown interest” in free-agent wide receiver Romeo Doubs, per MassLive.com’s Mark Daniels.
Doubs might be the best free-agent option available now that Alec Pierce, Mike Evans, and Wan’Dale Robinson are off the board. The 25-year-old WR recorded 55 catches for 724 yards and six touchdowns last season with Green Bay.
2:46 p.m.: Some positive news about Jaylinn Hawkins’ potential return to New England.
2:40 p.m.: Another potential target for New England’s offense is off the board, as longtime Bucs WR Mike Evans is signing a three-year deal with the Niners.
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Evans, even at his age, has been as consistent as they come when it comes to hitting 1,000 yards per season. However, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports that New England was never in on the 32-year-old veteran.
2:23 p.m.: Patriots miss out on another wideout, as former Vikings WR Jalen Nailor signs a 3-year deal with the Raiders. According to Dianna Russini, the Patriots were interested.
Nailor had 29 catches for 444 yards and four touchdowns last season with Minnesota. A young pass-catcher with room to grow. Nice move by Las Vegas.
2:15 p.m.: The top left guard on the market has signed elsewhere. Former Bills lineman David Edwards goes to New Orleans on a 4-year, $61 million contract.
2:10 p.m.: Another potential slot wideout for New England goes elsewhere, as Wan’Dale Robinson signs a 4-year, $78 million deal with the Titans. He led all WR with 622 receiving yards when aligned in the slot in 2025.
2:08 p.m.: One of the more notable (and versatile) members of the 2025 Patriots is reportedly heading elsewhere. Defensive tackle (and occasional fullback) Khyiris Tonga is signing a three-year deal worth $21 million with the Chiefs. The contract includes $14 million in guaranteed money, per Tom Pelissero.
Former Patriots DL Khyiris Tonga is signing with the Chiefs on a three-year, $21 million deal that includes $14M guaranteed, sources tell The Insiders
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 9, 2026
Deal negotiated by @davidcanter and @NessMugrabi of @aurasportsgroup pic.twitter.com/9hMUaRVJDc
PATRIOTS SIGN FB REGGIE GILLIAM
1:20 p.m.: The fullback is … well, back, in New England.
According to Mike Garafolo, the Patriots have signed fullback Reggie Gilliam to a 3-year deal worth up to $12 million.
New England desperately wanted a go-to fullback last season as a key blocker and versatile tool in Josh McDaniels’ offense. Jack Westover left a lot to be desired in that role after the team’s top option, Brock Lampe, got hurt during training camp.
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As noted by The Athletic’s Chad Graff, Gilliam should also provide value on special teams after playing more than 75% of ST snaps for the Bills the last five years.
1:08 p.m.: According to Ian Rapoport, former Patriots TE Austin Hooper is signing with the Atlanta Falcons on a 1-year deal.
Hooper spent the last two seasons as the No. 2 TE on New England’s depth chart behind Hunter Henry. He had had 21 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns during the 2025 season.
12:53 p.m.: Another potential Patriots TE upgrade is off the board, as former Massachusetts high-school star Isaiah Likely leaves Baltimore and signs a 3-year, $40 million contract with the Giants. Plenty of untapped potential there.
12:51 p.m.: The Dolphins reportedly have their new QB, as they are signing Malik Willis to a 3-year deal worth up to $67.5 million — including $45 million guaranteed.
12:48 p.m.: With Alec Pierce back in Indy, the Colts are reportedly trading wideout Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers.
A shifty slot WR, Pittman would have made some sense as a pivot for New England after losing out in the bidding war for Pierce. Alas, he joins a Pittsburgh wideout grouping with DK Metcalf. Still not exactly sure who is throwing to them next season, however.
12:44 p.m.: Jaelan Phillips gets PAID by the Panthers – 4 years, $120 million. Would have been an obvious fit for New England given their pass-rushing needs — but certainly not at that price.
12:30 p.m.: TE Cade Otton is re-signing with the Bucs. He would have made a lot of sense for a Patriots tight-end grouping that needs to get younger moving forward.
12:22 p.m.: After playing a key role in beating the Patriots in Super Bowl LX, Kenneth Walker is now heading to the AFC. He’s reportedly signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes and Co. have a new weapon in the ground game.
PATRIOTS SIGN DL/LB DRE’MONT JONES
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12:10 p.m.: According to Jordan Schultz, the Patriots are signing former Ravens DL/LB Dre’Mont Jones to a 3-year, $39 million contract.
Jones, 29, played for both the Titans and Ravens in 2025 — recording 7.0 sacks and 55 pressures.His 24 quarterback hits last season were more than any player on the Patriots roster.
At 6-foot-3, 281 pounds, Jones can play both on the interior and line up on the outside in Mike Vrabel and Zak Kuhr’s defense.
It remains to be seen if K’Lavon Chaisson is still in the equation after this signing.
New England needs all of the help it can get on the edge, as the Patriots ranked 26th in the NFL last season in sacks with 35.0 on the year.
12:04 p.m.: Well, that was fast.
The Colts are re-signing Alec Pierce to a 4-year, $116 million contract. That’s $29 million a year.
New England’s options at for a new WR1 are now dwindling. We’ll see how they pivot.
According to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, the Patriots were “in on” Pierce, but weren’t willing to meet that asking price.
12:01 p.m.: Looks like Travis Kelce will be back in Kansas City for a 14th season.
12:00 p.m.: NFL free agency is underway!
11:55 a.m.: The Patriots have said that Will Campbell is their starting LT moving forward. But if a future Hall-of-Fame LT like Trent Williams is available ….
11:30 a.m.: The Patriots have reportedly released linebacker Jahlani Tavai, and tendered exclusive rights free agent FB/TE Jack Westover.
The Patriots continue to clear the decks, releasing LB Jahlani Tavai this morning ahead of the start of free agency, per source.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 9, 2026
8:15 a.m.: A change in Miami. The Dolphins have announced that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is being released.
We have informed QB Tua Tagovailoa that he will be released after the start of the new league year. pic.twitter.com/vc0chU6gYk
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) March 9, 2026
12:05 a.m.: There will be plenty of eyes on who New England adds from the free-agent market over the next few days.
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But the Patriots will also need to account for a few free agents on their own roster. Here are some names to take note of:
- TE Austin Hooper (UFA)
- OT Vederian Lowe (UFA)
- OT Thayer Munford Jr. (UFA)
- DT Khyiris Tonga (UFA)
- DT Jaquelin Roy (RFA)
- ED K’Lavon Chaisson (UFA)
- LB Jack Gibbens (RFA)
- S Jaylinn Hawkins (UFA)
12:00 a.m.: 12:00 a.m. The start of NFL free agency is set to begin in 12 hours. With New England operating with over $55 million in cap space after moving on from both Diggs and Bradbury, they should have the fiscal flexibility to target a few key players out on the open market.
Here are a few under-the-radar names to keep tabs on, as compiled by Conor Roche.
Some other top names to keep tabs on:
- WR Alec Pierce
- Edge Jaelan Phillips
- Edge Boye Mafe
- Edge Trey Hendrickson
- LG Joel Bitonio
- LG Alija Vera-Tucker
- LG Dylan Parham
- S Kevin Byard
- TE Isaiah Likely
- TE Cade Otton
- LB Tremaine Edmunds
- LB Bobby Okereke
Sunday, March 8
8 p.m.: Not the most promising news on the A.J. Brown trade front. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, “momentum seems to have stalled” on trade talks involving the star wideout.
7 p.m.: ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano doesn’t believe New England will land Alec Pierce on the free-agent market. But he predicts thePatriots will sign one of the top edge rushers, Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe.
According to Graziano, Mafe will get a three-year, $48 million contract with $25 million guaranteed from New England. Even though he only had two sacks in 2025, Mafe had 44 pressures this past season, per Pro Football Focus.
6 p.m.: Expect to hear the name Alec Pierce a lot over the next few days as a viable target for New England in free agency.
While Pierce’s big-play ability (21.3 yards per catch in 2025) makes him an appealing player to add to an offense led by Drake Maye, count former Patriots WR Chris Hogan among those wary about giving Pierce a hefty contract this week.
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“I’m not paying $30 million for someone to run go routes,” Hogan said on “The Patriots Report” podcast with The Boston Globe’s Christopher Price.
3 p.m.: New England missed out on one of the top trade targets in the NFL on Friday, as the Ravens dealt two first-round picks to the Raiders in order to acquire star edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
It was a steep price for Baltimore to pay. But even if New England wanted to try and match the Ravens’ offer, it might have fallen on deaf ears in Las Vegas — especially with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady calling some of the shots.
A person “involved” in the Crosby trade told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that there was “No way Tom was sending Maxx to [Mike] Vrabel.”
Again, it seems unlikely that New England would pony up the draft assets to outbid the Ravens, who were slated to pick 14th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft before dealing that pick away.
2 p.m. Former Packers wideout Romeo Doubs may not be a WR1, but he’s apparently a free agent that is being “closely watched,” by New England, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Doubs, who’ll turn 26 in April, has logged at least 600 receiving yards in each of the last three years.
1 p.m.: A.J. Brown has been the familiar name tossed around this offseason when it comes to trade targets for a Patriots team in need of a new WR1. But Colin McCarthy makes the case for New England to try to pry Brian Thomas Jr. out of Jacksonville.
Thomas struggled in his second season in the NFL in 2025, but he also eclipsed 1,300 total yards and recorded 10 touchdowns as a rookie with the Jags. If he’s on the outs in a burgeoning Jags receiver room, New England could find plenty of value there.
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12 p.m.: With New England trading away Bradbury, it looks like Jared Wilson will likely slot over to center next season. That could open the door for the Patriots to sign a veteran left guard this spring to sandwich in between a pair of second-year players in Will Campbell and Wilson.
Conor Roche looks at a few options here, including former All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio.
Saturday, March 7
11:00 a.m. New England might covet Eagles star wideout A.J. Brown this offseason. But according to Philly sports radio host Anthony Gargano, the Eagles are setting a very high price for the 28-year-old receiver.
“I do know that the Patriots have made an offer for A.J.,” he said on his “The Anthony Gargano Show” on Friday. “It’s around a one and a three (first-round and third-round NFL Draft picks). Not sure if the one is this year or next year, but I hear it’s a one and a three, and [Eagles general manager] Howie [Roseman] said no.”
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