The New England Patriots had a relatively neutral opening day of the NFL’s legal tampering period on Monday. The franchise signed former Ravens edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones (three years, $39.5 million), former Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker (three years, $42 million) and former Bills fullback Reggie Gilliam (three years, $12 million) but lost the likes of Khyiris Tonga, Austin Hooper and Vederian Lowe.
Head coach Mike Vrabel and the front office missed out on high-end talent as well, watching
in the rearview as wide receiver Alec Pierce returned to the Colts. New England was linked to Pierce in recent days, based on reports circulating across the league.
As day two of the legal tampering period begins, below are four remaining free agents (outside of the organization) who could make sense for the Patriots to target.
WR Romeo Doubs
After releasing Stefon Diggs, New England is in serious need of weapons in the wide receiver room — especially one who’s productive in the red zone. Doubs has hauled in 21 touchdowns over his first four seasons in the NFL and amassed a single-season career high of 724 receiving yards on 55 receptions in 2025.
The 25-year-old doesn’t move the colossal needle Patriots fans have long hoped for at the position, but the offense needs another established receiver, which was still true with Diggs on the roster. Whether paired with an uber-talented receiver or not, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels would likely enjoy utilizing the receiver’s ability to move around the formation at various spots.
TE Mo Alie-Cox
New England has needed a viable blocking tight end ever since the departure of Pharaoh Brown in 2024. Alie-Cox has done just that at a notable level throughout his eight-year career.
The 32-year-old, paired with Vera-Tucker and Gilliam, should mightily improve the Patriots’ run-game production.
ED Arnold Ebiketie
New England lacked pass-rush depth on defense last season, and that remains true without K’Lavon Chaisson under contract and alongside Jones. If the Patriots decide to select a pass-rush specialist early in the draft, another body in the room is still a need; 2025 UDFA Elijah Ponder only totaled 215 defensive snaps, and fifth-round draft pick Bradyn Swinson spent a majority of his rookie year on the practice squad.
Ebiketie fell out of Atlanta’s rotation at the position, relative to the 27-year-old’s 2024 workload, but he still found a way to produce by posting two sacks, five tackles for a loss and six quarterback hits. The former 2022 second-round selection has 16.5 career sacks. Ebiketie would be quality depth to add as a situational pass rusher.
S Kevin Byard
New England has yet to extend Jaylinn Hawkins, one of the safeties who helped lead the team to a Super Bowl last season. According to Christopher Price of the Boston Globe, the Patriots and Hawkins’ representatives are continuing to discuss a potential return to the Bay State. But that’s also not a guarantee.
If a deal isn’t agreed upon, New England could pivot to another veteran in Kevin Byard, who played under Vrabel during the coach’s days with the Tennessee Titans. Although Byard will be entering his age-33 season, the three-time All-Pro shockingly had one of the best statistical seasons in his 10-year career with the Bears, recording seven interceptions, eight pass breakups, 93 tackles and four for a loss.
Given Byard’s age, the safety’s market value shouldn’t break the bank for the Patriots. He’d be an excellent piece next to rookie Craig Woodson and can contribute in run defense at an exceptional level as well.
