The New England Patriots have made another signing in free agency, this time addressing their linebacker group. K.J. Britt, a fifth-round draft pick by the Buccaneers in 2021 who spent last season with the Dolphins, is coming to Foxborough on a reported one-year contract.
Let’s put a grade on the signing based on everything we know so far.
Instant grades: Patriots sign LB K.J. Britt
Matt St. Jean: K.J. Britt is competent as a run defender and has experience on special teams, which is all you can ask for from a depth linebacker. I expect him
to compete for a job in camp with someone the Patriots draft at the position, but he also functions as insurance if the board doesn’t fall their way. | Grade: C
Pat Lane: Britt is a depth linebacker who is really just a special teams addition. They need more bodies at the position, but this doesn’t answer pretty much any questions for the Patriots defense. | Grade: D+
Andrew Guindon: The Patriots needed linebacker depth, and Britt brings five years of experience to that group. He had a career year with the Buccaneers in 2024, starting 11 games and producing 72 total tackles. Britt’s involvement declined by almost 500 snaps in 2025 with the Dolphins, relative to the year prior, but he still played in all 17 games. He makes his mark on special teams, recording 77% of Miami’s special teams snaps last season. | Grade: C+
What do you think about the Patriots signing K.J. Britt? Do you like the move? Do you not? And how would you grade it? Please head down to the comment section to discuss.
