The New England Patriots used free agency and 2026 NFL Draft capital to address edge rusher. In Dre’Mont Jones and Gabe Jacas, the team should have two new pieces to pair on the opposite side of the defense with Harold Landry III.
But Super Bowl contenders adding more depth is never a bad idea. Recently, Pro Football Sports Network’s Jacob Infante proposed the Patriots adding a free agent former All-Pro to their edge rushing group.
On May 4, Infante ranked veteran edge rusher Haason Reddick at No. 8 on his list of still available NFL free agents. Infante then predicted Reddick to play for the Patriots in 2026.
“Haason Reddick reached double-digit sack totals every season from 2020 to 2023, earning two Pro Bowl honors in the process,” wrote Infante. “In the two succeeding years, though, he’s combined for just 3.5 sacks.
“The chances he returns to that elite level of production at this stage seem slim, but an NFL team will take a chance on him to bounce back in their rotation.”
Reddick made second-team All-Pro with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022. During that season, he had 16 sacks.
From 2020-23, Reddick reached double-digit sacks every season. He also made the Pro Bowl during 2022 and 2023.
Could Patriots Target Haason Reddick in NFL Free Agency?
With Jones and Jacas added, the Patriots appear to have their edge rusher room just about complete.
Jones should help replace K’Lavon Chaisson, who left in NFL free agency. Jacas gives the Patriots a chance to improve their pass rush, which should be one of the defense’s top priorities in 2026.
While the Patriots played great defense on their way to the Super Bowl last season, they finished 22nd in sacks.
Reddick is coming off a disappointing season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He’s actually had two bad years in a row. Reddick will also turn 32 in September.
Those aren’t attributes most teams want in free agents. But Reddick will be cheap and likely highly motivated.
With Landry, Jones and Jacas, the Patriots also wouldn’t need to count on Reddick for starter production. New England could sign Reddick to a 1-year deal and view whatever he provides as icing on the cake.
Reddick registered 11 sacks with 13 tackles for loss and 23 quarterback hits during 2023. Over the past two seasons combined, he has 3.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits.
Harold Landry & Other Edge Rushers Returning for Patriots
Landry is the top edge rusher still under contract for New England next season. The Patriots also have Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson returning.
Last season, Ponder was third on the team with four sacks. He also had four tackles for loss, five quarterback hits and two fumble recoveries.
A 2025 fifth-round pick, Swinson played in only three games as a rookie.
It’s possible rookie linebacker Quintayvious Hutchins also contributes along the edge this fall. The Patriots added Hutchins at No. 247 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
That group might be enough to upgrade the New England pass rush even without another veteran. Reddick, though, might be worth the flier if the Patriots see the edge rusher with something left in the tank.
The Patriots could go through offseason workouts to further evaluate their edge rushers before adding Reddick. If New England sees the need for more depth, the team might be able to target Reddick over the summer.
New England will conclude its rookie minicamp on May 10. The team’s mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 15-17.
Patriots Projected to Add Former All-Pro Edge Rusher to Support Harold Landry