The NFL’s free agency bonanza began Monday, as teams started negotiating with available players.
The Patriots entered the week with just over $43 million in cap space, the 10th most in the league according to Over the Cap.
New England shored up one of its biggest positions of need soon after the negotiating window opened, agreeing to terms with defensive end Dre’Mont Jones. They also signed a fullback, snagging former Bill Reggie Gilliam on a three-year deal, and strengthened their offensive line by reportedly agreeing on terms with former Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker.
New England went into the market for a wide receiver on Tuesday, agreeing to a deal reportedly in the range of four years and $70 million with former Packers pass catcher Romeo Doubs.
Teams weren’t able to officially sign players until Wednesday afternoon. Here’s how free agency unfolded.
pinned
The Patriots’ signings:
- WR Romeo Doubs (four years, $70 million)
- DE Dre’Mont Jones (three years, $39 million)
- FB Reggie Gilliam (three years, $12 million)
- OL Alijah Vera-Tucker (three years, $42 million)
- S Kevin Byard (one year, $9 million)
NFL free agency: How it unfolded
Patriots have let five free agents walk — 3:45 p.m.
By Nicole Yang
The Patriots have chosen to not retain five of their six unrestricted free agents, with safety Jaylinn Hawkins (Ravens), edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson (Commanders), tackle Vederian Lowe (49ers), nose tackle Khyiris Tonga (Chiefs), and tight end Austin Hooper (Falcons) all signing elsewhere.
Thayer Munford Jr. is their lone UFA that still remains unsigned.
Former Patriot Jaylinn Hawkins signing with Ravens — 3:10 p.m.
One safety in, one safety out as Jaylinn Hawkins is headed to Baltimore.
Soon after the Patriots agreed to a deal with All-Pro safety Kevin Byard, free agent Jaylinn Hawkins agreed to a deal to join the Ravens.
Hawkins had become New England’s clear first choice at safety in 2025, playing 92 percent of the team’s defensive snaps during the Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl.
The 28-year-old joined New England as a free agent before the 2024 season.
Patriots signing All-Pro safety Kevin Byard — 2:45 p.m.
By Nicole Yang
Patriots are signing safety Kevin Byard, a league source confirmed. Byard played six seasons for Mike Vrabel in Tennessee, so he will be familiar with Zak Kuhr’s defensive scheme. He will be an experienced starter to pair next to Craig Woodson. Byard is turning 33 in August, so it makes sense the agreement is for only one year.
The addition of Byard likely means the Patriots will not re-sign Jaylinn Hawkins.
Byard is a three-time Pro Bowler and a three-time All-Pro, earning both honors last season in Chicago after leading the NFL with seven interceptions.
Which linebackers are still available for the Patriots? — 1:00 p.m.
By Christopher Price
With Anfernee Jennings and K’Lavon Chaisson out the door in free agency, the Patriots need to add some depth to the linebacker position moving forward. Here are four veteran free agents who are still on the market.
Jadeveon Clowney: At 6-foot-5-inches and 266 pounds, Clowney certainly fits the profile of edge rusher, and could represent a true value signing. But how much does the 33-year-old have left in the tank? He did have 8.5 sacks in 13 games last year with the Cowboys (which would have tied him for the team lead in New England). PFF had him with an astounding 19.1 percent pressure rate, which was third behind Micah Parsons and Will Anderson. He played 44 percent of the snaps last season for the Cowboys as a situational pass rusher.
Bradley Chubb: Another older edge player who has shown a proficiency for getting after the passer, the 29-year-old had 8.5 sacks last year with the Dolphins after spending all of 2024 on the shelf because of a torn ACL. At 6-foot-4 and 268 pounds, he’s another veteran value signing.
Cameron Jordan: He’s going to be 37(!!) before the start of the 2026 season, but it’s hard to overlook anyone who had 10.5 sacks in his mid-30s. The 6-foot-4-inch, 287-pounder is one of the more well-respected guys in the NFL, and could help mature a rookie at the position if the Patriots decided to go with a pass rusher 31st overall.
Arnold Ebiketie: A slightly younger face (27 years old) than the rest of the group, Ebiketie is a situational guy who might benefit from a better scheme fit than the one he had the last four years in Atlanta. The 6-foot-2-inch, 250-pounder, has 16.5 sacks in four seasons. Like K’Lavon Chaisson — who flourished after coming to New England — Ebiketie might simply benefit from a change of scenery. For what it’s worth, PFF had him with good numbers: a 73.4 pass-rushing grade and a 16.8 percent pass-rush win rate.
Patriots signing LB KJ Britt — 12:00 p.m.
Linebacker KJ Britt is signing a one-year deal with the Patriots, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Britt spent last season as a backup in Miami, playing 14 percent of the Dolphins’ defensive snaps. He lined up far more on special teams, playing 77 percent of those snaps.
Britt was a fifth-round pick of the Buccaneers in 2021.
Colts signing QB Daniel Jones to two-year extension worth up to $100 million — 11:30 a.m.
The Colts and QB Daniel Jones agreed to a huge short-term extension on Wednesday, with a two-year deal reportedly worth up to $100 million.
Jones was the star of an unexpectedly hot start to 2025 for the Colts, who opened the season 8-2 before losing their last seven games. That losing streak came largely without Jones, who tore his Achilles in a Week 14 loss to the Jaguars.
In 13 games last season, Jones threw for 3,101 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions in a career resurgence.
The Patriots’ moves so far — 10:30 a.m.
Here are the Patriots’ moves so far, courtesy of Patriots writer Christopher Price:
In
DE/OLB Dre’Mont Jones
FB Reggie Gilliam
OG Alijah Vera-Tucker
WR Romeo Doubs
LB Jesse Luketa
Out
LB Jahlani Tavai
TE Austin Hooper
DT Khyiris Tonga
WR Stefon Diggs
ED K’Lavon Chaisson
ED Anfernee Jennings
Retained
FB Jack Westover
Ravens signing edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to big deal — 9:00 a.m.
Just a few hours after a stunning withdrawal from their trade for Maxx Crosby, the Ravens moved swiftly for another edge rusher, reportedly agreeing to a four-year, $112 million deal with former Bengal Trey Hendrickson.
Injuries hampered Hendrickson’s playing time and production in 2024, but he recorded 17 ½ sacks in both 2023 and 2024, earning first team All-Pro honors in the latter. He has the fourth-most sacks of any player since 2021.
Baltimore had originally shored up their pass rush with a trade for Crosby, but that trade fell apart on Tuesday night, reportedly because of an issue with Crosby’s physical.
Patriots release Anfernee Jennings, K’Lavon Chaisson signing with Commanders — 8:45 a.m.
A few Patriots linebackers are heading out the door.
New England won’t be retaining edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, who is signing with the Commanders.
Chaisson signed with the Patriots ahead of last season and had a career year, racking up seven sacks and 23 pressures in 2025, both career bests.
New England also parted ways with Anfernee Jennings, releasing the 28-year-old Wednesday. Jennings played just 33 percent of the team’s defensive snaps this year, a steep drop off after playing nearly 80 percent of the snaps last year.
Ravens back out of Maxx Crosby trade — 8:05 p.m.
The Ravens looked as though they had made one of the biggest moves of the offseason on Friday when they reportedly agreed to trade two first-round picks to the Raiders for star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
But the Raiders released a statement Tuesday that said “The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby. We will have no further comment at this time.”
Crosby, 28, had 10 sacks in 15 games last season. He underwent surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and would have needed to pass a physical for the deal to be finalized. He missed the final two games of the season because the injury despite wanting to play through it at the time.
Patriots signing WR Romeo Doubs — 2:15 p.m.
By Nicole Yang
The Patriots have finally made a move at wide receiver, agreeing to terms with Romeo Doubs on a four-year, $68 million deal with a maximum value of $80 million.
The move comes on the second day of the league’s negotiation period, after several of the top free agent receivers made plans to sign elsewhere. The Patriots had pursued Alec Pierce, the consensus best available player at the position, before he elected to stay in Indianapolis.
Doubs, who will turn 26 in April, is currently slated to become the No. 1 option in New England, even though he has not yet proven he’s fitting of such a role. Over the course of his four seasons with the Packers, who drafted him 132nd overall pick in 2022, Doubs never eclipsed 100 targets or 1,000 receiving yards.
There’s optimism that Doubs can continue to produce and develop in a less-crowded room, where he is projected to be the leading target. New England’s receiver room also features Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, DeMario Douglas, and Efton Chism III.
Texans make Ka’imi Fairbairn highest-paid kicker — 1:45 p.m.
A day after the Giants made Jordan Stout the league’s highest-paid punter, the Texans are making Ka’imi Fairbairn the NFL’s highest-paid kicker with a two-year, $13 million extension.
Fairbairn made a league-high 44 field goals last year (on 48 attempts, a 91.7 percent conversion rate) and made all 28 of his extra points. Fairbairn didn’t miss a single kick inside 50 yards in 2025.
Lions signing former Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco — 1:10 p.m.
The Lions’ reshaping of their running back room continued on Thursday, with Detroit signing former Chief Isiah Pacheco according to reports.
Pacheco, a two-time Super Bowl winner with Kansas City, has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons. He’s played just 20 games over two years after two productive seasons for the Chiefs, with his best campaign coming in 2023 with 935 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
The Lions traded half of their two-headed running attack last week, dealing David Montgomery to the Texans for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks.
Bills, Dawson Knox agree to new three-year deal — 12:30 p.m.
The Bills are keeping their tight end group intact, signing Dawson Knox to a new three-year deal.
Knox, who forms one of the league’s best tight end duos with Dalton Kincaid, had 36 catches for 417 yards last season. He had been due $12 million next season, and his contract needed to be structured for the Bills to retain him.
Patriots’ free agents still available — 9:30 a.m.
The Patriots have six of their own free agents still available:
Unrestricted free agents
OT Thayer Munford Jr.
ED K’Lavon Chaisson
S Jaylinn Hawkins
Restricted free agents
DT Jaquelin Roy
LB Jack Gibbens
Exclusive rights free agents
RB Deneric Prince
Notable free agents still available — 9:15 a.m.
From Christopher Price:
DEFENSE
•ED Trey Hendrickson
•DL Calais Campbell
•ED K’Lavon Chaisson
•S Jaylinn Hawkins
•LB Leo Chenal
•ED Joey Bosa
•LB Bobby Wagner
•S Kevin Byard
OFFENSE
•OT Rasheed Walker
•WR Romeo Doubs
•WR Jauan Jennings
•G Joel Bitonio
Volin: Looks like it’s A.J. Brown or bust for New England — 9:00 a.m.
By Ben Volin
In free agency, the pickings are slim. The top players are Christian Kirk, Romeo Doubs, Jauan Jennings, and Darnell Mooney, none of whom can seriously be considered on par with or an upgrade from Diggs. There’s also former Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo, a former Mike Vrabel draft pick who seems close to a must-sign now.
The Patriots’ answer will likely have to come via the trade market. The Steelers may make DK Metcalf available after trading for and paying Pittman. The Jaguars reportedly have made Brian Thomas available, though I’d be concerned if the Jaguars are willing to give up on a former first-round pick on a cheap contract after just two years. The Patriots should check in with the fire-sale-holding Dolphins about Jaylen Waddle and Commanders about Terry McLaurin. The 49ers are looking to trade Brandon Aiyuk, but given his serious knee injury and bizarre behavior last year, the Patriots should run far away.
No, it’s increasingly looking like the Patriots have one solution: Trade for A.J. Brown.
What comes next for the Patriots? — 8:00 a.m.
By Nicole Yang
On the first day of the negotiation period ahead of free agency last year, the Patriots reached seven contract agreements and doled out more than $240 million.
This time around, things were a bit quieter.
The Patriots on Monday agreed to terms with three players: defensive end Dre’Mont Jones (three years, $39 million), fullback Reggie Gilliam (three years, $12 million), offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (three years, $42 million).
Jones, 29, will upgrade New England’s pass rush, one of the biggest areas of need within the defense. Gilliam, 28, will serve as a traditional fullback, bolstering the run game. Vera-Tucker, 26, can take over at left guard, with Jared Wilson potentially sliding over to the vacant center spot.
Although all three players are projected to play meaningful roles this season, the Patriots should be far from done retooling their roster. The team stillhas wide-ranging needs, includingwide receiver, edge rusher,offensive line,tight end, and linebacker.
Winners and losers from Day 1 of free agency — 7:30 a.m.
By Christopher Price
With the understanding that things can change dramatically, here’s a quick look at the winners and losers from the first day of the NFL’s negotiating window.
Among the winners: Fernando Mendoza and the Raiders, Alec Pierce, Tennessee’s defense.
Among the losers: Miami, Seattle, and Arizona.
Patriots agree to deal with OG Alijah Vera-Tucker — 11:45 p.m.
The Patriots get an upgrade at left guard, with former Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker agreeing to a deal with the Patriots, a source told the Globe. ESPN reports that Vera-Tucker’s deal is a three-year contract worth $42 million, potentially rising to $48 million.
Vera-Tucker missed all of last season after tearing a triceps leading up to Week 1. Triceps and Achilles injuries have limited him to just 43 of 85 possible games since he was drafted, but the 14th overall pick in 2021 has been effective when he has been healthy.
Offensive line still remains a position of need, but Vera-Tucker can serve as the starting left guard while providing potential depth at other positions. Over the course of his five NFL seasons, Vera-Tucker has taken snaps at both guard spots and both tackle spots.
Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd set to join Panthers — 10:00 p.m.
Linebacker Devin Lloyd, who was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time last season after an impressive season for the Jaguars, agreed to terms on a three-year, $45 million deal with the Panthers, according to reports.
Lloyd, 27, finished with five interceptions, a fumble recovery, and 81 tackles last season. He joins former Dolphins and Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips as defensive upgrades for the Panthers on Monday.
Broncos bring back RB J.K. Dobbins — 8:55 p.m.
The Broncos are set to re-sign running back J.K. Dobbins to a two-year, $20 million deal, including $8 million guaranteed, according to reports.
Dobbins had 772 rushing yards on 153 carries in 10 games (nine starts) for the Broncos last season before a foot injury ended his season early.
Former Patriot Cole Strange to join Chargers — 8:45 p.m.
Former Patriots first-round pick Cole Strange signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Chargers, according to reports.
Strange, the 29th overall pick in 2022, made 14 starts for the Dolphins in his first season away from the Patriots last year. He reunites with Mike McDaniel, his former head coach who is now the Chargers’ offensive coordinator.
Kendrick Bourne to join Cardinals — 7:00 p.m.
Former Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne will have a new home in 2026, as he signed a two-year, $10 million deal with the Cardinals that could rise to $12 million, according to reports.
Bourne, 30, had 551 receiving yards on 37 receptions for the 49ers after returning to San Francisco last season. He had spent his first four NFL seasons in San Francisco before spending 2021-24 with the Patriots.
Travis Kelce returns to Chief on one-year, $12 million deal — 5:30 p.m.
Travis Kelce is returning to the Chiefs for a 14th season, with the future Hall of Fame tight end agreeing to a one-year, $12 million deal that could be worth up to $15 million.
Kelce earned an 11th straight Pro Bowl nod last season, though his production has dipped over recent years. His 823 receiving yards in 2024 and 851 in 2025 are the two lowest marks of his career.
Tua Tagovailoa signing with Falcons — 4:40 p.m.
It didn’t take long for ex-Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa to find a new home, with the recently released quarterback heading to the Falcons on a one-year deal.
Tagovailoa will join an all-lefty QB room in Atlanta alongside Michael Penix Jr., who will be recovering from an ACL tear suffered in November.
Raiders sign defensive end Kwity Paye — 4:30 p.m.
Another edge rusher is off the market, with former Colt Kwity Paye agreeing to a three-year, $48 million deal with the Raiders.
Paye had a bit of a dip in production in 2025, but he had 16 ½ sacks over the previous two seasons.
Vederian Lowe signing with 49ers — 4:20 p.m.
The Patriots will need to look for a backup left tackle, as Vederian Lowe is signing a two-year, $12 million deal with the 49ers.
Lowe spent the last three seasons with the Patriots, starting 25 games. He mostly operated as a backup in jumbo packages this past season, but started four games in the absence of injured rookie Will Campbell late in the year.
Edge rushers Mafe, Oweh off the board — 4:15 p.m.
Two more edge rushers are off the market, with both Odafe Oweh and Boye Mafe agreeing to big free agent deals.
Oweh’s deal was the bigger of the two, with the former Chargers star agreeing to a four-year, $100 million contract with the Commanders.
Meanwhile, former Seahawk Mafe is headed to the Bengals on a three-year deal reportedly worth $60 million.
Bengals add S Bryan Cook from Chiefs — 3:30 p.m.
The Chiefs’ secondary continues to deplete, with safety Bryan Cook opting to sign with the Bengals on a three-year, $42.5 million deal according to reports.
A two-time Super Bowl winner in Kansas City, Cook joined cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson out the door. Both McDuffie and Watson ended up with the Rams, with McDuffie moving in a big trade before Watson agreed to a free-agent deal on Monday.
Titans signing DT John Franklin-Myers, CBs Alontae Taylor and Cor’Dale Flott — 2:55 p.m.
The Titans stayed busy on Monday, making a couple moves to bolster Robert Saleh’s new defense.
Tennessee reportedly agreed to a three-year, $63 million deal with former Broncos DT John Franklin-Myers, giving the Titans an impressive tackle duo inside with Franklin-Myers and star Jeffery Simmons.
Tennessee also made some improvements in the secondary, signing a pair of corners: Alontae Taylor for $60 million over three years and Cor’Dale Flott for $45 million over three years.
The Titans entered the offseason with the second-most cap space at $92 million, second only to the Raiders.
Ex-BC star Zion Johnson signing with Browns — 2:45 p.m.
Former Boston College standout Zion Johnson is signing a three-year, $49.5 million deal with the Browns, according to reports.
Johnson was selected 17th overall by the Chargers in the 2022 draft. He spent four seasons in Los Angeles, starting 65 games at either guard position.
Mike Evans signs with 49ers — 2:30 p.m.
Standout wide receiver Mike Evans is moving on after 12 years in Tampa Bay. He’s signing a three-year deal to join the 49ers.
Another top WR target gone as Wan’Dale Robinson joins Titans — 2:15 p.m.
Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, one of the top options on the market after Alec Pierce, is off the board as he’s reportedly agreed to a four-year, $78 million deal with the Titans.
Robinson will re-unite with his former head coach in Brian Daboll, who joined Tennessee as Robert Saleh’s offensive coordinator after being fired by the Giants last season.
Robinson had a career year in 2025, making 92 catches for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns.
Former Patriots Khyiris Tonga signing with Chiefs — 2:10 p.m.
Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga is on the move, reportedly signing a three-year, $21 million deal with the Chiefs.
Tonga played a career-high 40 percent of the defensive snaps this season for the Patriots as New England’s third defensive tackle behind Christian Barmore and Milton Williams. He also made occasional appearances with the offense as a jumbo fullback in short-yardage situations.
Now, Tonga gets paid — after earning just over $6 million bouncing around four different teams over five years, he’ll be guaranteed $14 million from Kansas City over the next three years.
Saints signing RB Travis Etienne to big deal — 2:00 p.m.
Another big running back deal — the Saints agreed to a deal with former Jaguar Travis Etienne, who is reportedly signing a four-year, $52 million deal.
In terms of total money, it’s the biggest contract in the league for a running back, surpassing the two-year, $41.2 million extension Saquon Barkley signed with the Eagles last year.
Raiders agree to record deal with C Tyler Linderbaum — 1:50 p.m.
The top offensive lineman on the market is off the board, with center Tyler Linderbaum reportedly getting a record deal from the Raiders.
Linderbaum, a three-time Pro Bowler in his four NFL seasons, is heading to Las Vegas on a three-year, $81 million deal that includes $60 million guaranteed. The reported contract would make him the highest-paid interior lineman in NFL history.
Linderbaum is a big investment for the Raiders, who are shoring up their offensive line to block for running back Ashton Jeanty and presumptive first overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
The Patriots’ moves so far — 1:40 p.m.
By Christopher Price
For the Patriots today:
In
DE/OLB Dre’Mont Jones
FB Reggie Gilliam
Out
LB Jahlani Tavai
TE Austin Hooper
Retained
FB Jack Westover
Punters getting big deals — 1:25 p.m.
It’s a good day to be a punter.
Another Raven reunited with Jim Harbaugh in New York, with punter Jordan Stout agreeing to a three-year, $12.5 million deal with the Giants that makes him the league’s highest paid punter.
The Saints, meanwhile, are picking up former Vikings punter Ryan Wright on a four-year, $14 million deal.
And a former Patriot, Jake Bailey, is signing a three-year, $9 million deal with the Falcons.
Patriots agree to deal with FB Reggie Gilliam — 1:15 p.m.
By Christopher Price
The Patriots have agreed to terms with fullback Reggie Gilliam, according to a league source.
The 28-year-old Gilliam and New England have agreed on a three-year deal that can reach as high as $12 million, with $6 million guaranteed.
The 6-foot, 244-pounder, who has also lined up at tight end, was second on the Bills last season in special teams snaps with 332. In his career, he has 16 catches for 135 yards to go along with eight carries for 14 yards.
In New England, Gilliam will join a fullback depth chart that includes Jack Westover, who was just tendered earlier Monday.
Jets signing LB Demario Davis, DE Joseph Ossai — 1:15 p.m.
A few months after jettisoning some of their best defensive talents in trades, the Jets are looking to rebuild their defense with a couple signings in quick succession.
New York reportedly agreed to terms with veteran linebacker Demario Douglas, who will return to the Jets after an eight-year stint in New Orleans. Davis was twice a Pro Bowler and earned multiple All-Pro honors with the Saints.
Davis is reportedly signing a two-year, $22 million deal in New York.
The Jets also reportedly agreed to a three-year, $36 million deal with defensive end Joseph Ossai, who had five sacks for the Bengals in each of the past two seasons.
Patriots lose tight end Austin Hooper to Falcons — 1:10 p.m.
The Patriots’ need at tight end got a little more glaring, as Austin Hooper is departing Foxborough to return to Atlanta on a one-year, $3.25 million deal.
The 10-year veteran is reunited with the Falcons, who drafted him in 2016. He played four seasons in Atlanta, earning back-to-back Pro Bowl nods in 2018 and 2019 before departing for Cleveland.
Hooper played two seasons in New England, making 66 catches for 739 yards and five touchdowns.
Giants signing Everett’s Isaiah Likely — 12:55 p.m.
By Nicole Yang
Two potential tight end targets are off the board, as Isaiah Likely will reunite with John Harbaugh on the Giants and Cade Otton will stay in Tampa Bay.
Charlie Kolar and Chig Okonkwo are two remaining options, but it seems increasingly likely that the Patriots will address this position in the draft.
Dolphins sign QB Malik Willis to three-year, $67.5 million deal — 12:45 p.m.
Having cut ties with QB Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins moved to sign their next signal-caller in Packers backup Malik Willis, who has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million deal in Miami.
Willis, a third-round pick by Mike Vrabel’s Titans in 2022, never found his footing Tennessee but impressed in flashes with Green Bay over the last two seasons filling in for Jordan Love.
Willis made three starts over two seasons with the Packers, winning two of them. He threw for 288 yards and a touchdown in a Week 17 loss to the Ravens in 2025.
LT Laremy Tunsil signs extension with Commanders — 12:40 p.m.
Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil is staying in Washington on a two-year, $61.5 million deal that once again makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in football.
The five-time Pro Bowler turns 32 just before the start of the season.
Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips signs huge deal with Panthers — 12:40 p.m.
Another potential Patriots target might’ve been priced out of New England, with edge rusher Jaelan Phillips reportedly signing with the Panthers on a four-year, $120 million deal with $80 million in guarantees.
Alongside Trey Hendrickson, Phillips was one of the top two edge rushers available in free agency.
Rams sign CB Jaylen Watson, Raiders re-sign Eric Stokes — 12:40 p.m.
Two early cornerback deals: Former Chief Jaylen Watson is headed to the Rams, while Eric Stokes is staying with the Raiders.
Watson will quickly re-unite with Trent McDuffie, whom the Kansas City traded to Los Angeles last week. McDuffie then signed a record-setting four-year, $124 million deal.
Watson is reportedly joining the Rams on a three-year, $51 million deal.
Stokes will return to Vegas on a deal reportedly worth $30 million (and $20 million guaranteed).
Why Alec Pierce stayed with the Colts (and where the Patriots go now) — 12:30 p.m.
By Nicole Yang
When the Colts decided not to franchise tag Alec Pierce, they risked the possibility of another team swooping in during free agency and signing the wide receiver to a monster deal.
It turns out, though, that the Colts were able to both transition tag quarterback Daniel Jones and retain Pierce, who signed a four-year, $116 million contract on Monday to stay in Indianapolis.
“It kind of opened it up, like, ‘Oh, wow, we’re going to be the No. 1 free agent receiver out here,” Pierce said Monday on ESPN’s “Pat McAfee Show.” “Those opportunities started flooding in. But I knew where my heart was. I love the city of Indianapolis. Just seeing where we were at last year, early in the year rolling, I truly believe we were the No. 1 team in the NFL.”
The Patriots, in dire need of reliable receiver talent after releasing veteran Stefon Diggs, were interested in Pierce, but the price tag ultimately might have been too steep for a player whose career high in receptions is 47.
Pierce, who will turn 26 in May, boasts an impressive contested catch radius, physicality, and ability to stretch the field that could have paired effortlessly with quarterback Drake Maye. He led the NFL the past two seasons in yards per reception, flashing as one of the best deep threats in the league.
Last year, Pierce registered the best statistical season of his young career with 47 catches on 84 targets for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns. A whopping 87.2 percent of his receptions converted for a first down. According to Pro Football Focus, he caught 12 deep passes (20-plus yards), 24 intermediate passes (10-19 yards), and 11 short passes (0-9 yards) in 2025.
There are concerns about whether Pierce can continue to evolve as an all-around receiver, stepping up to the price of his hefty contract. His average annual value of $29 million slates him among the likes of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Terry McLaurin, and Tee Higgins.
Throughout his tenure in Indianapolis, Pierce operated primarily as the offense’s tertiary receiving option. Perhaps his target share is now expected to increase.
For the Patriots, Pierce played a somewhat duplicative role to Kayshon Boutte. He boasts better size (6-foot-3, 211 pounds) and a much more impressive vertical jump (40 ½ inches), but Boutte caught the same number of deep touchdowns as Pierce last season (five).
Instead, the Patriots will have to look elsewhere to upgrade their wide receiver room, which features Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism III.
Other available free agents include veteran Mike Evans, Romeo Doubs, Jauan Jennings, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Rashid Shaheed. It would also not be surprising if the team still drafts a wide receiver with one of its 11 picks in April.
Chiefs signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker — 12:20 p.m.
As they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025, the Chiefs made a big splash early in free agency, reportedly agreeing to a deal with Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker.
Walker, who rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns while splitting carries in Seattle’s backfield last season, gashed the Patriots for 135 yards in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win.
The move comes as Kansas City looks to reload its offense for the eventual return of QB Patrick Mahomes, who tore his ACL late in the 2025 season.
Patriots signing edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones — 12:15 p.m.
By Christopher Price
The Patriots are signing defensive end/outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones, according to a league source.
The 6-foot-3-inch, 281-pounder out of Ohio State has spent seven seasons in the NFL and has 37.5 career sacks, including seven last year with the Titans and Ravens. Jones has also played with the Seahawks and Broncos.
The 29-year-old has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal worth $39.5 million.
Moving forward, the addition of Jones figures to shake up New England’s depth chart on the edge. Free-agent K’Lavon Chaisson, as well as veterans Harold Landry and Anfernee Jennings, are all potentially part of the picture on the edge for the Patriots in 2026.
WR Alec Pierce, a Patriots target, staying with Colts — 12:05 p.m.
One of the Patriots’ biggest free agent targets is already off the board, with wide receiver Alec Pierce reportedly returning to Indianapolis on a four-year, $114 million deal.
The reported contract would make Pierce the highest-paid free-agent receiver in NFL history. The 25-year-old was the top wide receiver on the market after averaging 21.3 yards per reception last season.
Another receiver, Olamide Zacchaeus, opted for a reunion with the Falcons, who drafted him back in 2019.
Free agency negotiating window is open — 12:00 p.m.
Here we go — the NFL’s free agency negotiating window is open.
Teams and players will be agreeing to deals throughout the week, but things will move especially quickly in the next few hours. Follow along with us for updates on the Patriots and the rest of the NFL.
Patriots release LB Jahlani Tavai — 11:35 a.m.
By Christopher Price
The Patriots have released linebacker Jahlani Tavai, according to a league source. The 29-year-old, who spent the last five seasons in New England, had 350 tackles in five years with the Patriots in 76 regular-season games.
After Mike Vrabel took over last offseason, Tavai was one of a few defensive holdovers, playing 22 percent of the defensive snaps and 50 percent of the special teams snaps in 2025. The winner of the Ed Block Courage Award, Tavai started last season on injured reserve, but persevered through family tragedy and injury to finish the season with 42 total tackles and four tackles for loss in 12 games.
“I’m always excited for those guys that go through some adversity and persevere,” Vrabel said in January when asked about Tavai. “Stayed engaged, was a great leader. Started the season on IR and just a lot of different things that he battled — on the field, off the field — and remained a great teammate, focused, and has helped us.”
Patriots tendering FB Jack Westover — 11:15 a.m.
By Christopher Price
The Patriots are tendering fullback/tight end Jack Westover, per source. He was an exclusive rights free agent.
Dolphins release QB Tua Tagovailoa, take on record dead cap hit — 11:00 a.m.
By Christopher Price
It’s already been a big morning for one of New England’s primary divisional foes.
The Dolphins made it official Monday morning, announcing they were going to release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with a post-June 1 designation, meaning Miami can divvy up that record dead cap hit: $67.4 million in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027.
Tagovailoa, a first-round pick of the Dolphins in 2020, will join an intriguing group of quarterbacks on the market this offseason.
Patriots let CB Alex Austin hit free agency — 10:45 a.m.
By Nicole Yang
The Patriots did not tender restricted free agent Alex Austin, meaning he will become an unrestricted free agent.
The decision was not surprising, given Austin’s performance last season. He had an opportunity at the beginning of the season to step up in the absence of Christian Gonzalez, playing 100 percent of the defense’s snaps in Week 1, but ended up struggling in the starting role. He didn’t log a defensive snap after Week 4, playing only on special teams.
Trent McDuffie’s huge CB contract could impact Christian Gonzalez — 10:40 a.m.
By Nicole Yang
The Rams and Trent McDuffie agreed to terms on a four-year, $124 million extension, making McDuffie the highest paid cornerback in the NFL. That deal, with an average annual value of $31 million, sets the framework for a possible deal for Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
The Patriots have expressed high interest in retaining Gonzalez, who is eligible for an extension this offseason, but executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said conversations will take place at “the appropriate time.”
Another player whose contract could influence that of Gonzalez is Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon, who is also extension-eligible and expected to reset the cornerback market.
Patriots adding another assistant coach — 10:30 a.m.
By Christopher Price
The Patriots are working to add assistant coach Jonathan Decoster, according to a league source.
Decoster worked the last two seasons as the assistant offensive line coach with the University of Florida. He also spent time with the Browns, and was the tight ends coach at LSU (2017-2019).
Decoster will likely come on board as a replacement for Robert Kugler, who left New England to become the tight ends coach for the Steelers.
Which teams will look the most different? — 10:15 a.m.
By Ben Volin
Raiders general manager John Spytek was asked two weeks ago if he wants to target offense or defense this offseason.
“All of it,” Spytek said. “We won three games last year. We’ve got to be super honest with where we’re at.”
The 2026 Raiders will look unrecognizable to the 2025 version shortly after free agency begins this week. Klint Kubiak replaces Pete Carroll at coach. Presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza will replace Geno Smith at quarterback. Franchise cornerstone Maxx Crosby was traded to the Ravens for two first-round picks.
The Raiders are also armed with a league-high $119 million in salary cap space, knowing they have to surround Mendoza with better receivers and offensive linemen.
“We’ve got a lot of needs to address, and we’ve got a lot of capital to do it,” Spytek said.
Let’s look at the other teams who will look drastically different in 2026.
Who will Patriots target in free agency Monday? — 10:00 a.m.
By Nicole Yang
Mike Vrabel has acknowledged that No. 1 wide receivers rarely, if ever, hit free agency, instead pointing to the draft as the place to find such players. But the Patriots will still have some options to supplement their receiver corps via free agency.
Alec Pierce, who will turn 26 in May, is the top candidate, given his age, size (6 feet 3 inches, 211 pounds), previous production, and ability to stretch the field. The Colts could have franchise tagged him, but they elected to transition tag quarterback Daniel Jones.
Pierce, drafted out of Cincinnati with the 53rd pick in 2022, is coming off his best statistical season, in which he caught 47 passes on 84 targets for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns. His skill set would be a fit with Drake Maye, as Pierce led the league in average yards per reception (21.3). More than a third of his catches generated a gain of at least 20 yards.
There are questions about whether Pierce can sustain a larger target share, as he typically operated as the third option during his four seasons in Indianapolis. But the potential upside makes him the most compelling choice.
Amin Touri can be reached at amin.touri@globe.com. Christopher Price can be reached at christopher.price@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at christopherprice.bsky.social. Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com. Follow her on X @nicolecyang.