It has been four long years since the New England Patriots made the playoffs. However, during the 2025 season, the team has emerged as one of the league’s biggest surprises, and now the Patriots have a legitimate shot at entering the NFL postseason as one of the AFC's top seeds.
With expectations now reset, the focus shifts to sustaining that success in 2026. Executive Vice President of Football Operations Eliot Wolf and the front office will have to be aggressive this offseason. Armed with $58.7 million in cap space, per Spotrac, New England has the flexibility to address its biggest roster needs through free agency.
1. Khalil Mack, OLB & 2. Malcolm Koonce, DE
The Patriots' most glaring weakness remains the defensive line, particularly the pass rush. As of Sunday morning, the team has 29.0 sacks, which ranks 23rd in the league and is led by two offseason acquisitions, Harold Landry (8.5) and K'Lavon Chaisson (6.5).
While Landry is signed through the 2027 season, Chaisson is set to become an unrestricted free agent and will be expecting a substantial raise after signing a one-year, $3 million deal this past offseason. Even if the Patriots re-sign Chaisson, adding another reliable edge rusher is a necessity.
Khalil Mack, 34, has put together a Hall of Fame-caliber career since being drafted fifth overall in the 2014 NFL draft. A former Defensive Player of the Year (2016), with eight Pro Bowl selections, and three All-Pro selections, Mack is no longer in his prime, but he remains a productive rotational pass rusher.
For a Patriots defense looking to build off a potential postseason berth, Mack could provide veteran leadership and situational pressure off the edge. Given his age, Mack should be available on a short-term deal at a much lower figure than the $18 million he earned this season.
Malcolm Koonce, meanwhile, offers a younger (27) and more long-term solution. Over his last two seasons (2023 and 2025), Koonce has played at least 14 games each year, totaling 67 tackles, 11 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
After earning roughly $11 million this season, Koonce is likely in line for a multi-year deal at a similar annual value. If the Pats want a pass rusher entering his prime, he should be near the top of the list.
3. Braden Smith, OT & 4. Jermaine Eluemunor, OT
This season, the New England Patriots' pass protection has vastly improved. After being a weak point for the offense last season, major changes were in store. These included hiring a new offensive line coach in Doug Marrone and bringing in multiple new starters.
Free agent additions Garrett Bradbury and Morgan Moses, along with rookies Will Campbell and Jared Wilson, have solidified the unit alongside right guard Mike Onwenu. While the starting five looks strong, depth remains a concern, especially for a team with a young franchise quarterback.
Braden Smith, 29, has been a cornerstone of the Indianapolis Colts offensive line since he entered the league in 2018, helping create holes for star running backs Marlon Mack and Jonathan Taylor. As he enters what could be his last big payday, Smith will be looking for a multi-year deal worth near the $17.5 million he’s due this season.
If New England is willing to make that investment, Smith would be a day-one starter and a major boost for both the running game and second-year MVP quarterback, Drake Maye.
Eluemunor, 31, may not be a household name like Smith, but he brings versatility and familiarity. He spent the 2019-2020 seasons in Foxborough and overlapped with Patriots’ offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels, with the Raiders from 2022-2023.
With a $7 million salary this season, Eluemunor should command a similar short-term deal in free agency and would provide valuable depth and flexibility across the offensive line.
5. George Pickens, WR
While the Patriots have several No. 2 and 3 receivers, they still lack a true No. 1 option who can consistently stretch the field. Giving Drake Maye a dynamic, game-changing wideout should be a top priority this offseason.
While Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins have exceeded expectations, free agency presents an opportunity to add elite speed and explosiveness to the offense.
This past offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers offloaded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. As it turns out, all he needed was a change of scenery to showcase his immense skill. Through 14 games, the 24-year-old receiver has put up career highs in receptions (81), yards (1,212), and touchdowns (eight).
What makes his performance even more impressive is that the Cowboys already had one of the league’s best receivers in CeeDee Lamb. If the Dallas Cowboys fail to re-sign Pickens, the Patriots should be ready to strike. With ample cap space and a young quarterback in place, Pickens would give New England the explosive No. 1 receiver it has been missing for years.
The Patriots have finally laid the foundation for sustained success, but the next step is turning promise into contention. With a franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, a playoff-caliber core, and significant cap space at their disposal, this offseason represents a rare opportunity to accelerate the timeline. If New England is aggressive in free agency and targets impact veterans at key positions, the 2025 breakout season won’t be a one-year surprise—it’ll be the beginning of something real.