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The New England Patriots find themselves in a much different position than they were at this time last season. After overhauling the roster in Year 1 under Mike Vrabel, the Patriots turned things around and advanced to Super Bowl LX.
Entering free agency in 2026, the list of needs is significantly shorter for Vrabel and the front office. As they now look to further upgrade the roster and fill just a handful of holes, the Patriots are projected to have more than $40 million in cap space to work with.
Among the positions that could see significant change is the wide receiver position. Despite the group exceeding expectations last season, the playoffs proved upgrades can still be head while several players enter the final years of their respective contracts.
Patriots’ current wide receiver situation
Perhaps the biggest question mark entering the offseason is centered around the future of Stefon Diggs. While the veteran was one of the team’s most important players on and off the field last year, a lackluster playoff run paired with a rising cap hit (in addition to an ongoing legal issue) may result in the team moving on. Speaking at the Combine, neither Eliot Wolf or Mike Vrabel would commit to Diggs’ future.
Outside of Diggs, Mack Hollins proved to be a reliable big-framed target for Drake Maye as he became one of the most efficient intermediate wide receivers in football. The 32-year old does not have any guaranteed money remaining on his deal, while Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas enter the final years of their rookie contracts.
The top of New England’s depth chat is then rounded out by a pair of second-year players. Third-round pick Kyle Williams managed just 31 percent of snaps his rookie year as he was behind those aforementioned veterans. But, Williams showed big-play ability which has left the team excited about his future entering year two. UDFA Efton Chism III also took on a minimal role and did not see significant offensive snaps until Hollins’ late-season injury. A favorite of the coaching staff, Chism, who finished with four catches for 95 yards and a touchdown while shining as a blocker, could also be in store for a bigger snap share next season.
After a poor postseason from the offense and question marks atop the depth chart, New England is expected to look for upgrades at the position. As Vrabel reiterated last week, teams must typically draft truly impactful wide receivers as they rarely hit the open market. That rings true this year in a poor free agent class, but some reinforcements may still make themselves available.
Patriots free agency targets at wide receiver
Alec Pierce (UFA): After leading the league in yards per reception for the second-straight season as he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark on just 47 receptions, it remains hard to believe the Colts let the 25-year old Pierce hit free agency. If he finds his way to the open market, New England should be aggressive. A true deep threat at 6-foot-3 with explosive ability, Pierce, who also developed into a more complete receiver this season, would be an ideal fit for Drake Maye.
Mike Evans (UFA): The 12-year veteran was limited to just eight games last season as he dealt with several injuries which snapped his streak consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Evans will now find his way to free agency where he perhaps will find a new team for the first time in his career. When healthy, Evans still proved productive and would be another big-bodied option who can play along the outside. But, the 32-year old would be a short-term option.
Romeo Doubs (UFA): Doubs appears set to depart a crowded Packers receiver room and find a new home this offseason. Playing X receiver in Green Bay, Doubs has averaged just over 40 yards per game during his career but is coming off the best two seasons of his career — where his success rate spiked to 58 percent. The 6-foot-2 Doubs has also proved his ability to win at the catch point, but would likely be another addition to the middle of the depth chart rather than the top.
Jauan Jennings (UFA): After nearly posting 1,000 yards last season, Jennings saw his per-game production dip this year despite hauling in a career-high nine touchdowns. The 28-year old continued to be a physical and versatile option, however, who has hauled in nearly 60 percent of his contested targets over the last two seasons.
Jalen Nailor (UFA): Playing behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Nailor has not been a full-time player throughout his career. When given opportunities, he has shown promise which could led to a team betting on his potential in an expanded role in free agency.