4 more players the Patriots could target in NFL free agency

The New England Patriots had a relatively neutral opening day of the NFL's legal tampering period on Monday. The franchise signed former Ravens running back 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 players such as Khyiris Tonga, Austin Hooper and Vederian Lowe. 4 more players the Patriots could target in NFL free agency Three potential starters are available to begin Day 2 of the NFL's legal tampering period. Head coach Mike Vrabel and the front office also missed out on high-level talent, watching in the rearview as wide receiver Alec Pierce returned to the Colts. New England has been linked to Pierce in recent days, according to reports circulating around the league. As the second day of the legal tampering period begins, here are four remaining free agents (outside the organization) who could make sense for the Patriots. WR Romeo Doubs After releasing Stefon Diggs, New England seriously needs weapons in the wide receiver room, especially one who is productive in the red zone. Doubs has scored 21 touchdowns in his first four NFL seasons and racked up a single-season career high of 724 receiving yards on 55 catches 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 remained true with Diggs on the roster. Whether paired with a super-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 since the departure of Pharaoh Brown in 2024. Alie-Cox has done just that at a remarkable level throughout his eight-year career. The 32-year-old, along with Vera-Tucker and Gilliam, should greatly improve the Patriots' running game production. ED Arnold Ebiketie New England lacked defensive depth in the pass rush 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 is still needed in the room; 2025 UDFA Elijah Ponder only totaled 215 defensive snaps, and fifth-round pick Bradyn Swinson spent most of his rookie year on the practice squad. Ebiketie was left out of Atlanta's rotation at the position relative to the 27-year-old's workload in 2024, but he still found a way to produce by recording two sacks, five tackles for a loss and six quarterback hits. The former 2022 second-round pick has 16.5 career sacks. Ebiketie would be quality depth to add as a situational pass rusher. 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, Patriots representatives and Hawkins continue to discuss a possible return to the Bay State. But that's not a guarantee either. If a deal is not reached, New England could turn to another veteran, Kevin Byard, who played with Vrabel during the coach's days with the Tennessee Titans. Although Byard will begin his season at age 33, the three-time All-Pro surprisingly had one of the best statistical seasons in his 10-year career with the Bears, recording seven interceptions, eight pass deflections, 93 tackles and four for loss. Given Byard's age, the safety's market value shouldn't ruin the Patriots. He would be an excellent piece alongside rookie Craig Woodson and can also contribute in run defense at an exceptional level.