The New England Patriots are getting ready for a difficult playoff matchup on Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers. While the Pats are understandably the favorites, there is no denying that an upset is a possibility. We have yet to see Drake Maye and this young roster prove themselves in the postseason, so it's too early to tell if they have what it takes to march to the Super Bowl.
If the Patriots end up losing to the Chargers, there's a good chance that it'll be their last game in a New England jersey, especially when it comes to this trio.
1. Austin Hooper, TE
Austin Hooper has offered 263 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns this season in a secondary role. His blocking also took a step back, leaving his future up in the air as his free agency looms in March.
Hooper doesn't fit the timeline of a young and promising offense that could use a far different presence in the second tight end position. New England will likely chase a more imposing blocker and a younger TE who can take some of the pressure off Hunter Henry when it comes to the physicality of the position.
Even though Hooper has his moments, the Patriots can find a cheaper upgrade with higher upside. There isn't a compelling reason to consider a reunion unless something happens in the playoffs that changes perspective.
2. Tommy DeVito, QB
The former New York Giants starter was brought to New England to provide stability at the bottom of the quarterback depth chart. Now, with the ascendence of Drake Maye and the stability of backup Josh Dobbs, there is zero reason for an offseason reunion. Tommy DeVito is already 27 and is limited as a passer, unable to offer anything special with his legs.
Considering how the Patriots have yet to deploy DeVito in preseason or regular-season action, it's safe to say turning the page on him won't be an issue this offseason.
Now, there isn't a valid reason to bring back the restricted free agent once New England's postseason run comes to an end. Maye's breakout season has brought a level of stability to the position, offering the Pats a chance to utilize the emergency quarterback role for a development project. And if the team has concerns about Dobbs, there will be plenty of veteran arms to chase in free agency.
New England has no reason to waste time on DeVito, who isn't going to develop into a long-term backup. Whether it's a late-round draft pick or an undrafted free agent, the final roster spot in the Patriots' QB room should no longer belong to DeVito.
3. Stefon Diggs, WR
Stefon Diggs is New England's leading receiver heading into the playoffs, offering 1,013 yards and four touchdowns on the year. However, the contract that Diggs signed was always set up as a potential one-year deal. While the veteran playmaker is leading the WR room, Maye has proven he can elevate anyone, and Diggs has consistently appeared a step slower and unable to impact the game as consistently as he once did.
If the Patriots were to flame out in the first round, the first meaningful change might be parting ways with Diggs in favor of adding a younger star target. Let's not forget that he had fewer games with 50-plus yards (seven) than he did below that mark (10) in 2025.
Whether it's landing George Pickens in free agency or adding through the draft, it makes sense for the Patriots to turn the page on Diggs if the season doesn't end as hoped. There is not only the receiver's past of having issues with both Minnesota and Buffalo, but also legal concerns that could encourage a breakup for the two sides if the Patriots are tired of the off-field distractions.
Here's a look at what a potential offseason break-up might look like, courtesy of Spotrac:
Transaction Type | Dead Cap Hit (2026) | Salary Cap Savings (2026) |
|---|---|---|
Pre-June 1 Cut | $9,700,000 | $16,800,000 |
Pre-June 1 Trade | $8,000,000 | $18,500,000 |
Post-June 1 Cut | $5,700,000 | $20,800,000 |
Post-June 1 Trade | $5,700,000 | $22,500,000 |
Diggs was a solid addition that helped Maye take the next step in his career, but he shouldn't be untouchable this offseason. If the Patriots were to disappoint or Diggs' legal situation continues to distract, there is no question that Sunday could be his final game in a Pats uniform.