The New England Patriots didn't sit on their hands when free agency began, adding the likes of wideout Romeo Doubs and offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker, on top of other names. While they addressed some key offensive needs with notable moves, the Patriots improved their defense with more team-friendly contracts.
Of New England’s five defensive signings, four of them were to one-year contracts. Although most notable was star safety Kevin Byard, who agreed to a one-year, $7 million contract, the Pats also agreed to terms with linebacker K.J. Britt, who inked a one-year, $1.4 million contract.
Even though his signing to generate a ton of buzz, Britt's arrival in New England could be an under-the-radar signing that ages like fine wine.
K.J. Britt Could Become More Important Than Patriots Expected
Britt, 26, spent the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins, serving primarily on the special teams. Across 17 games, Britt logged 35 total tackles, 10 of which were on special teams, and one quarterback hit. Despite being viewed as a special teams signing, Britt has a legit shot to compete for backup linebacker reps with Marte Mapu, who’s been an utter disappointment in his three-year tenure with the Patriots.
New England currently has six inside linebackers on the roster, with Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss slated as the starters, while Britt, Mapu, Chad Muma, and Otis Reese IV are the team’s backups. Considering Spillane missed time last season due to an ankle injury, reliable depth behind him is crucial.
Among the backups, Britt holds the edge on experience, appearing in 1,109 defensive snaps across his five-year career, and has proven to be the more dependable player.
The former fifth-round selection out of Auburn University has appeared in 76 games split between the Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording 161 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and three pass deflections over his career.
Although he only appeared in just 149 defensive snaps last season, Britt proved to be a quality player against the run, earning a 79.2 run defense grade, per Pro Football Focus. Even though his run defense grade was a modest 57.3 in a bigger role with the Buccaneers in 2024, his recent play suggests improvement in that area.
His progression is exactly what the Patriots’ defense could use. Following the departures of linebackers Jack Gibbens and Jahlani Tavai, New England is thin on reliable backup run-stoppers–creating a clear path for Britt to earn reps.
Mapu's Job Isn't Safe
This isn’t good news for Mapu. The former third-round selection has struggled to live up to expectations as a hybrid defender. After primarily playing safety in his first two seasons, head coach Mike Vrabel decided to move Mapu to linebacker, hoping to ignite a potential role.
However, in a crowded linebacker room, Mapu appeared in just 121 defensive snaps, and like Britt, he made his living on the special teams, recording nine tackles. Despite showing some signs of being effective in coverage, recording three interceptions in 44 games, it just hasn’t come together for Mapu.
With the addition of Britt and the expectation that the Patriots will add another off-ball linebacker via the draft, Mapu must display some growth in the summer. That includes adding more strength in the offseason, as Vrabel prefers bigger, mobile linebackers.
Britt's signing adds proven depth and productive play against the run to the Patriots’ linebackers room. Hopefully, he can become a potential contributor in early-down situations and be a long-term backup option.