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 close to $60 million in cap space to work with.
Among the positions with holes to fill is the secondary, where depth will be needed at cornerback and a potential starter could be used at safety.
Patriots’ current defensive back situation
Beginning at cornerback, the Patriots are set to return their top duo of Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis next season — with the lone question of when does Gonzalez sign his contract extension to make him one of, if not, the highest paid cornerbacks in football. Marcus Jones will then handle his usual nickel responsibilities after agreeing to an extension last season.
Behind the top trio, the depth remains questionable.
After being claimed on waivers after roster cutdown day last summer, Charles Woods worked his way into the rotation as the third boundary cornerback and a key special teamer. Woods held his own when called upon for injury relief, but New England may still feel that is a spot where they can improve. Mr. Irrelevant Kobee Minor and 2024 sixth-round pick Marcellas Dial Jr., who missed all of last year with a torn ACL, will factor into the depth equation with any external addition.
The team decided not to tender RFA Alex Austin after he fell out of the rotation in favor of Woods. The sides will now go elsewhere.
At safety, New England must find a running mate for Craig Woodson, who was one of the team’s best players during the playoff stretch. That partner could again be Jaylinn Hawkins, but the 28-year is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
A deep free agent and draft class at safety could lead to a depressed market for Hawkins and a reunion. New England could then take advantage of adding talent either way, improving on their depth that includes just Dell Pettus and primary special teamer Brenden Schooler.
Patriots free agency targets at defensive back
CB Josh Jobe (UFA): A long, physical corner, Jobe worked his way from UDFA to a starter in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl winning secondary this past season. While his length gives him an advantage in press, Jobe is smooth in zone coverage where he found success under Mike Macdonald the past two seasons (19 pass deflections, including a career-high 12 this season). Soon-to-be 28-years old, Jobe, who also finished top-25 in run stops, logged a pass breakup and TFL against New England in the Super Bowl.
CB Nahshon Wright (UFA): The Patriots might not find themselves in the top of the cornerback market, but the 6-foot-4 Wright profiles as a corner who would appeal to Mike Vrabel. While he was susceptible to coverage busts, Wright’s ball production was among the best in the league as he tallied five interceptions and seven more pass breakups. He also ranked second among all corners with 16 run stops.
CB Eric Stokes (UFA): A former first-round pick in Green Bay, Stokes took a one-year deal in Las Vegas last offseason and turned in one of the best seasons of his career. At 6-foot-1, he has the size and ability to play press man and isn’t afraid to get involved in the run game (6 stops last season). Stokes does only have one career interception, an area the Patriots might prioritize after struggling to force turnovers last regular season.
CB Montaric Brown (UFA): Taking over as the outside starting corner for an aggressive Jaguars defense in Week 6, Brown went on to set career highs recording 12 pass deflections and a pair of interceptions. He’s got the size and length to remain on the boundary.
CB Joshua Williams (UFA): After spending his first three years in Kansas City as a part-time player, the 26-year old Williams saw his role drastically reduce as he played just 17 defensive snaps this past season. Williams had previously shown positive flashes and has enticing size at 6-foot-3 — in addition to being a full-time special teamer — making him an intriguing depth option who could perhaps grow into a larger role.
S Coby Bryant (UFA): Switching from cornerback to safety in Mike Macdonald’s defense, Bryant has gone on to record seven interceptions and 13 pass breakups over the past two seasons. He can play the deep half and defend the run while his corner background shows up in coverage. The ability to wear multiple hats in an early-down quarters defense should make him an easy scheme fit for New England.
S Bryan Cook (UFA): Perhaps the top safety on the market, the 2022 second-round pick largely played in the deep part of the field for Kansas City. He’s brings a level of physicality to the backend and flies downhill in support.
S Alohi Gilman (UFA): Acquired by the Ravens in the October trade that sent Odafe Oweh to the Chargers, Gilman is a bit undersized but extremely smart as a versatile deep safety. He has also shown a knack for ball production recording four interceptions and forcing five fumbles over the last four seasons.
S Reed Blankenship (UFA): Blankenship is coming off a down-season, but also brings experience from a two-high safety defense. Rising from a UDFA to Eagles captain in 2025, Blankenship is also known for his communication on the back-end — a trait the Patriots prioritize in their safeties.
