The New England Patriots finished 2025 with a 14-3 record, capturing the AFC East title, and a #2 seed in the postseason, accumulating a +170 point differential - 3rd in the league.

The Patriots head toward the 2026 league year with around $33M of cap space, based on a $303M league threshold. This includes 50 contracts, headlined by Milton Williams ($29M), Stefon Diggs ($28M), and Mike Onwenu ($25M).

New England currently boasts 11 draft picks, including two 4th-round picks (Chicago) and four 6th-round picks. Patriots Future Draft Picks

Early Offseason Questions

  • How will potentially looming off-field allegations for WR Stefon Diggs and DL Christian Barmore impact the mindset of the front office as they continue this roster buildout?
  • WRs Kayshon Boutte & Demario Douglas are heading into contract years. Are they core pieces to the Drake Maye puzzle, or will the Patriots seek a more defined WR1 for the passing game?
  • With Maye’s extension likely to come this time next year, how aggressive will the front office be to slide in other extensions in 2026 to stagger/balance the cash flow?

Notable Free Agents

(Spotrac Valuation APY)

ED K’Lavon Chaisson ($9M)
S Jaylinn Hawkins ($8.3M)
TE Austin Hooper ($2.4M)

VIEW ALL FREE AGENTS

Option Decision

CB Christian Gonzalez

When healthy, Gonzalez has proven to be one of the best, young shut-down corners in the game. The Patriots will have no trouble locking in an estimated $17.5M option for 2027.

Extension Candidates

G Mike Onwenu

The 28-year-old right guard is entering a contract year in 2026, set to earn $17.5M against a $25M cap hit. With experience at tackle as well, Onwenu should be strongly considered as a core piece of Drake Maye’s OL going forward. He projects toward a 3 year, $61M extension in our system.

CB Christian Gonzalez

Gonzalez is the atypical "shut-down" cornerback, who will be tasked with guarding the #1 weapon on the other side of the ball, will be rarely targeted because of his talent, and therefore likely won't accumulate statistical production like many other players at the position. He's as valuable as any in the game, and currently projects toward a 3 year, $81M extension in our system (with 2 years of rookie contract still on the books).

Bubble Candidates

DL Christian Barmore

Release Candidate

The 26-year-old brings a medical concern (blood clots) and an off-field concern (domestic violence allegations) into 2026, with 3 years, $53.5M remaining on his deal. There’s a $2M salary guarantee to contend with here, but an outright release still frees up $4.3M.

RB Antonio Gibson

Release Candidate

A torn ACL, plus the emergence of Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson as a 1-2 punch likely pushes Gibson out of the picture in 2026. New England can free up $3.5M of space by moving on.

Potential Cap Conversions

DL Milton Williams’s 2026 salary is already secure. Converting it to bonus (plus void years) can free up $17.5M of space.

CB Carlton Davis’s 2026 salary is already secure. Converting it to bonus (plus void years) can free up $12.6M of space.

ED Harold Landry’s 2026 salary is secure. Converting it to bonus (plus void years) can free up $9M of space.

LB Robert Spillane’s 2026 salary is secure. Converting it to bonus (plus void years) can free up $6.6M of space.

RELATED LINKS
Patriots 2026 Salary Cap Table
2026 Patriots Free Agents
Spotrac’s Offseason Guides