For the first time since the 2018sseason, the New England Patriots will be playing in the Super Bowl.
Mike Vrabel and Co. have made a major 180-degree turn for the organization after the team finished with a 4-13 record the previous two seasons.
The Pats will face off against the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX, thanks to an interception from Malcolm Butler, which helped seal the win.
While the big game is just a few days away, it is never too early to add some new additions for the next season, with an NFL writer believing that New England should prioritize this defender when the 2026 free agency starts.
Pats Could Add Former 18th Overall Pick
GettyAdding a pass rusher could help the Patriots in the 2026 season
The New England Patriots recorded 35 sacks in the 2025 season, which marks the team in the bottom half of sack production in the league.
Harold Landry, who signed a three-year deal with the team in the 2025 free agency, led the team with 8.5 sacks, followed by K’Lavon Chaisson, who logged 7,5 sacks.
No other member of the Patriots defense registered more than four sacks, which could signify that the team needs more pass threat options next season, considering that Chaisson is on a one-year deal and has mentioned that he would like to return.
However, there has been no talk of the Patriots currently re-signing the defender, which could lead the Patriots to pursue another pass rusher in free agency.
CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin believes New England should prioritize EDGE rusher Jaelan Phillips, who is on an expiring contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“The Patriots signed a bunch of stop-gap pass-rushing options this offseason and a few of them have done well, but finding a longer-term answer on the edge could be a priority this offseason,” Dub wrote. “Phillips has had issues staying healthy, but when he’s on the field, he’s exactly the kind of two-way edge the Patriots like.”
Phillips, who was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 18th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, played his first healthy season after injuries forced him to end his season back-to-back.
The outside linebacker has the talent to be an elite pass rusher in this game, recording multiple seasons with 6.5 sacks or more — Phillips recorded 6.5 sacks in only 8 games in the 2023 season.
Pro Football Focus gave Phillips a 77.1 pass rush grade, with the EDGE rusher recording 71 pressures, one of the most in the league at his position.
Putting Money On Familiar Face
GettyNew England will face some difficult decisions in free agency
According to Over the Cap, the Patriots will have around $42 million in cap space for the 2026 free agency.
While Jaelan Phillips could make a good addition to Mike Vrabel’s defense, the pass rusher is projected to make $15 million on his next contract.
Not only will he be a bit costly, it would add a defender who will need to be familiar with the Patriots’ defensive play style.
Instead, the Pats can opt to focus on K’Lavon Chaisson, who already understands how Vrabel and interim defensive playcaller Zak Kuhr run the defense.
Chaisson will be a keeper option and has had a career resurgence in Foxborough. As mentioned, the outside linebacker said he would like to remain; it appears to be a matter of time.
Patriots Urged to Prioritize Former First Round Pick In Free Agency