The biggest deals that the Patriots have made in free agency in 2026 include the additions of wide receiver Romeo Doubs, defensive end Dre’Mont Jones, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and safety Kevin Byard. New England lost linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson, safety Jaylinn Hawkins, and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga in the open market.
Vera-Tucker presents as much risk as reward to the Patriots with the three-year, $42 million deal he was signed to, given his extensive injury history. The Patriots were appraised more positively than negatively for the one-year, $9 million deal for Byard and the three-year, $39 million deal for Jones, while Doubs’ four-year, $68 million deal was viewed as an overpay.
New England was able to compensate for their losses at edge rusher, as well as safety, in the open market, with Byard and Jones set to replace Chaisson and Hawkins in 2026. Doubs also enters the Patriots’ wide receiver room following New England’s decision to release Stefon Diggs, their leading receiver from 2025, on March 11.
Other free agent signings of note for New England include fullback Reggie Gilliam, as well as linebacker K.J. Britt.
The biggest deals that the Patriots have made in free agency in 2026 include the additions of wide receiver Romeo Doubs, defensive end Dre’Mont Jones, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and safety Kevin Byard. New England lost linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson, safety Jaylinn Hawkins, and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga in the open market.
Vera-Tucker presents as much risk as reward to the Patriots with the three-year, $42 million deal he was signed to, given his extensive injury history. The Patriots were appraised more positively than negatively for the one-year, $9 million deal for Byard and the three-year, $39 million deal for Jones, while Doubs’ four-year, $68 million deal was viewed as an overpay.
New England was able to compensate for their losses at edge rusher, as well as safety, in the open market, with Byard and Jones set to replace Chaisson and Hawkins in 2026. Doubs also enters the Patriots’ wide receiver room following New England’s decision to release Stefon Diggs, their leading receiver from 2025, on March 11.
Other free agent signings of note for New England include fullback Reggie Gilliam, as well as linebacker K.J. Britt.
A star wide receiver could slip in the upcoming NFL draft after recent developments. Following a three-year college career, the prospect declared for the draft, projected to be selected in the latter stages of the first round.
Texas A&M star KC Conception suffered bad news ahead of the big night. The wide receiver underwent knee surgery, which could have a negative effect on his draft stock, a little over a month before the event.
NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported on Monday that Concepcion underwent a knee scope, a routine and preventative procedure. Dallas Cowboys team physician Daniel Cooper performed it last week.
KC Concepcion Could Be Ready For Rookie Camp
KC Concepcion (Image Credits: Imagn)
Garafolo added that Concepcion should be 100% ready when rookie camp arrives. Fortunately, the news wouldn’t affect his draft stock. Playoff contenders and Super Bowl hopefuls should be interested in the prospect. Teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, and Buffalo Bills are projected to be in the mix to trade Concepcion.
He spent his first two seasons with the North Carolina State Wolfpack before transferring to Texas A&M. He caught 185 passes for 2,218 yards and 25 touchdowns before declaring for the draft. Now, some might question whether his latest procedure could become a risk to whoever drafts him.
The Kansas City Chiefs could also make a swing for his services. But more options are on the table for the AFC West team. Concepcion comes off a strong showing at the combine, so teams will have more factors to study before making a decision on the WR.