The New England Patriots addressed edge rusher twice this offseason with significant additions. But that hasn’t stopped pundits from linking the team to other edge rushers still available in NFL free agency. Sports Illustrated’s Karl Rasmussen went big with an edge rusher suggestion Friday for the Patriots — Joey Bosa.
Rasmussen labeled New England one of the two best landing spots for the No. 3 overall pick from the 2016 NFL Draft.
“On paper, pass-rushing depth doesn’t seem like a big issue for the Patriots. But second-round pick Gabe Jacas has not yet reported to mandatory minicamp, nor has he signed his rookie deal,” wrote Rasmussen. “Harold Landry III dealt with an injury for much of last season, which dramatically impacted his pass-rush production.
“With some uncertainty at the position, Bosa could be a valuable addition, whether in a depth role or as a potential starter on the defensive line. Bosa is just one season removed from a Pro Bowl campaign in 2024, and he recorded five sacks, 16 QB hits and nine tackles for loss last season with the Bills.”
Bosa also had 29 combined tackles, two pass defenses and a league-leading five forced fumbles for the Buffalo Bills last season. He has registered 77 sacks in 122 career NFL games.
Over his 10 seasons in the league, Bosa has earned $156.1 million.
Why the Patriots Could Target Edge Rusher Joey Bosa
GettyFive-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Joey Bosa remains unsigned in NFL free agency.
At the start of their offseason break, pundits have suggested the Patriots as a landing spot for a few different edge rushers.
On Friday, Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport named New England acquiring New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux as one of his six “shocking” summer trades that would influence the 2026 playoff race.
Interestingly, like Bosa, Thibodeaux is a former top 5 pick in the NFL Draft.
Bosa is older, but he wouldn’t cost anything in a trade because he’s a free agent. Spotrac projected Bosa to be worth about $27.48 million a 2-year contract. His average annual salary of $13.7 million on such a deal would also be lower than Thibodeaux’s 2026 cap hit.
Bosa is older but the more proven player, which makes him an ideal addition on a short-term deal. Bosa has posted between 5 and 6.5 sacks each of the past three seasons.
Early in his career, Bosa was a double-digit sack guy whenever he was healthy. He averaged just shy of 10 sacks per season over his first six NFL campaigns. During that time, he made four of his five Pro Bowls.
Bosa earned his fifth Pro Bowl nomination during 2024.
The edge rusher played his first nine seasons for the Los Angeles Chargers, where he posted 72 sacks in 107 games. It would be an excellent move for the Patriots to bring Bosa to New England after he played last season for the division rival Bills.
Patriots Edge Rushing Depth Entering 2026 NFL Training Camp
GettySports Illustrated’s Karl Rasmussen called Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots one of the two best landing spots for free agent edge rusher Joey Bosa.
In addition to adding Jacas this offseason, the Patriots signed Dre’Mont Jones to a 3-year, $36.5 million contract.
Still, it doesn’t sound like Rasmussen is super confident about New England’s edge rushing depth.
Jones and Jacas will have to replace K’Lavon Chaisson, who departed in free agency. Chaisson had 7.5 sacks with 10 tackles for loss and 18 quarterback hits last season.
Ideally, the Patriots would not only replace Chaisson but improve their pass rush this fall. They were in the bottom third of the league with 34 sacks during the 2025 regular season.
The Patriots also have Bradyn Swinson, Elijah Ponder, Quintayvious Hutchins, Jesse Luketa and Xavier Holmes as defenders who could potentially contribute along the edge this season.
Patriots Named Landing Spot for $156 Million Edge Rusher