5 potential surprise player exits from Patriots in 2026 offseason
· Yahoo Sports
The New England Patriots will face some tough decisions in the 2026 offseason.
They clearly aren't looking to rock the boat too much after their improbable Super Bowl run last season. Against all odds, the Mike Vrabel-led Patriots swung for the fences and nearly hit a home run. A few tweaks at the plate could be all that's needed to get the ball over the fence next season.
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That could involve upgrading the talent in specific areas on the roster. However, their ability to do so effectively could force the team to make cuts in other areas. It's a great balancing act that every team must go through every offseason.
The business side of football is very real and ever-present, regardless of the tight-knit relationships built behind closed doors. Here are five Patriots players who could make surprise exits from the team in the 2026 offseason:
WR Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs was everything the Patriots hoped he would be during the regular season. He was a strong locker room leader, and he delivered epic pre-game speeches that turned into year-long phrases that the entire New England fan base got behind.
"We're all we got. We're all we need."
That was Diggs.
The former four-time Pro Bowler became the first wide receiver for the Patriots to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards since Julian Edelman. But he only had 14 catches for 110 yards and one touchdown in total throughout all four of the team's playoff games. Plus, he will have the second-biggest salary cap hit this offseason ($26.5 million) at 32 years old.
The first order of business should be the Patriots approaching Diggs for a potential pay cut. If that plan goes sideways, it could create a situation where the team looks for a way out.
EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson
Every team in the NFL is always looking for the next great pass-rusher. K'Lavon Chaisson is a former first-round draft pick who managed to turn his career around in the one season that he spent in New England. He overtook Keion White as a starter and cashed in on 7.5 sacks. That effort continued in the playoffs with the 26-year-old defender racking up three sacks, one pass deflection and a forced fumble.
The Patriots would probably love to have Chaisson back at the right price, but they could run into trouble with him hitting the open market, where other teams might be willing to overpay for pass-rushing help. It's important to keep in mind that Chaisson was a perceived first-round bust before arriving in New England, and he worked hard to create an opportunity to maximize his value in free agency.
He has earned the right to take the biggest offer he can get on the open market.
RB Antonio Gibson
Antonio Gibson was a solid contributor on offense and special teams for the Patriots before going down with a torn ACL in Week 5 last season. Heading into 2026, he would likely be the No. 3 running back option behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.
Couple that with the questions surrounding his recovery timetable, and it might make more sense for the Patriots to move on in the offseason. There might also be more competition to keep an eye on in 2026. Lan Larison, the undrafted rookie from last season, was a promising prospect that the team loved before his season-ending injury during the preseason.
LB Harold Landry III
Harold Landry III had an underwhelming season for the Patriots, but he was clearly hobbled by a knee injury, which he hinted at undergoing offseason surgery to repair. He still led the team with 8.5 sacks, and there is hope that he will be more productive when healthy.
With that said, a premature break-up means the Patriots could be eyeing $19 million in dead cap, which might be enough to keep them from pulling the trigger on such a move.
DT Christian Barmore
The thinking here is that the Patriots should keep Christian Barmore and Milton Williams as a defensive tackle tandem. If the team managed to do that, while also trading for a No. 1 edge rusher, like Las Vegas Raiders' two-time All-Pro defender Maxx Crosby, it would take the defense to a whole other level.
With that said, Williams is the foundational piece with legitimate superstar potential along the defensive front. The team could consider moving on from Barmore to help out in other areas of the roster.
Cory Durden was a surprisingly solid rotational piece last season, and Khyiris Tonga, who is a pending free agent, showed why he is highly underrated. The Patriots also have hope that last year's rookie fourth-round draft pick, Joshua Farmer, will develop into a more consistent contributor in Year 2.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 5 potential surprise player exits from Patriots in 2026 offseason