While drafting is viewed as the time to build a team’s foundation, free agency is used to complement those pieces. Last offseason, the New England Patriots did just that, signing multiple impactful contributors who have played a key role in the team's 11-win start to the season, such as Stefon Diggs, Milton Williams, Harold Landry III, and K’Lavon Chaisson.
Although it’s early to look ahead to the upcoming offseason, the Patriots have a lot of work to do if they want to retain this current core, as they have 18 players who’ll be free agents after this season. Having said that, not every free agent will want to return to New England, whether it's because of contract demands or playing time concerns. One of those players who’ll be looking for a fresh start is cornerback Alex Austin, as he hasn’t appeared in a single defensive snap since Week 4.
Alex Austin Won't Be with Patriots in 2026
When cornerback Christian Gonzalez was sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Patriots tasked Austin with being the starting corner opposite Carlton Davis III. However, Austin proved quickly that he was incapable of filling in for the second-team All-Pro.
In two starts, Austin was picked apart by opposing quarterbacks, as he was targeted 12 times, allowing nine receptions for 153 yards and one touchdown, all while breaking up one pass. After his abysmal showing, Austin was demoted to second string, where he played just 34 defensive snaps over the next two games.
Once Gonzalez came back, the Patriots no longer had use for Austin on defense. With Austin’s horrendous showing, you can’t blame them. His 42.2 Pro Football Focus grade and 37.9 coverage grade highlight how much of a liability he's been for the Patriots, which is why he hasn’t taken a defensive snap since.
Austin’s poor play was extremely disappointing, considering he displayed the potential of being a solid rotational cornerback the last two years. Although he was given few opportunities, he had some strong showings, recording 18 total tackles, seven pass deflections, and one interception in 14 games.
Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen in New England
Since being benched, Austin had primarily played on special teams, where he was a steady contributor before being placed on the injured reserve last Tuesday. The Patriots' utilization of just three cornerbacks and two safeties in their scheme left little room for Austin to play, so chances are that there's no room for him to get back into the defensive lineup. If he doesn't want to remain a special teams-exclusive option, a change in scenery will be necessary.
With Charles Woods and Miles Battle receiving playing time and already under contract for next season, it puts Austin at a disadvantage. Although he’s eligible to return this season, the decision to move him to injured reserve likely indicates the end of Austin’s tenure with the Patriots, as he’ll be a free agent following the conclusion of this season.
As for Austin, he’ll likely want a fresh start and be on a team that can give him playing time, even if he's a fan of head coach Mike Vrabel. With him still being a young player, he’s earned an opportunity to redeem himself on a prove-it deal, meaning he'll likely be lining up in another franchise's uniform once the 2026 season begins.