The New England Patriots find themselves in a much different position than they were at this time last season. After overhauling the roster in Year 1 under Mike Vrabel, the Patriots turned things around and advanced to Super Bowl LX.
Entering free agency in 2026, the list of needs is significantly shorter for Vrabel and the front office. As they now look to further upgrade the roster and fill just a handful of holes, the Patriots are projected to have more than $40 million in cap space to work with.
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Following the second-round selection of TreVeyon Henderson last year to join Rhamondre Stevenson atop the depth chart, New England projects in relative strong shape at the position. However, after dealing with depth issues throughout the season the Patriots could still add at the position.
Patriots’ current running back situation
After dealing with slow start and then mid-season toe injury, Rhamondre Stevenson bounced back down the stretch and was the Patriots best offensive player. Stevenson ran hard, protected the football, and served as his usual reliable self in the passing game — as both a target and blocker — as the veteran took over New England’s backfield.
Stevenson’s dominant snap share in the playoffs also had to do with struggles from rookie TreVeyon Henderson. While Henderson appeared to be turning a corner midseason, the second-round pick hit a wall late and averaged just 2.5 yards per carry in the playoffs as his playing time decreased. Entering his sophomore season, New England must hope the game slows down for the speedster in order to become a more consistent source of offense outside his home-run ability.
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New England dealt with a handful of injuries behind their top duo last season, which led to external additions and practice squad elevations throughout the year. Remaining under contract entering the offseason includes UDFA Lan Larison, who is also healthy after missing all of last season with a foot injury he suffered in the preseason. The versatile Larison seemed to be trending onto the Patriots roster prior to the injury and a similar spot will be up for grabs, with Terrell Jennings also remaining in the mix.
The main question the Patriots had at this position this offseason was to keep or release Antonio Gibson, who missed the majority of last season with a torn ACL he suffered in Week 5. New England ultimately opted to cut ties with the 28-year-old on Monday, a move that clears $2.14 million in cap space as the back was entering the final year of his contract with little guaranteed money remaining in his pact.
With no clear No. 3 back now on the roster, the Patriots will likely add at the position in the NFL Draft or in free agency — where a top-heavy class provides some limited depth options.
Patriots free agency targets at running back
Jerome Ford (UFA): A popular potential trade candidate for the Patriots back near the in-season deadline, Ford now hits unrestricted free agency and likely will be on the look for a new home. The 26-year old saw his workload decrease this past season after the Browns drafted two running backs, but Ford averaged 4.7 yards per carry over the previous two years in route to running for over 1,300 rushing yards and seven touchdowns — while also bringing value as a pass catcher and kick returner. Vrabel knows the player from his time in Cleveland.
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Julius Chestnut (UFA): The Sacred Heart alumni was originally signed as a UDFA by Mike Vrabel in Tennessee and went on to make the team — where he has now spent the past four seasons. Vrabel had praised Chestnut for his effort without the football and ability to finish with it, and made him a captain at times in preseason action: “He embodies what we believe in,” Vrabel said at the time. While Chestnut has yet to carve out a large offensive role, he has become a regular on four special teams units — including some action as a kick returner — for the Titans who can chip in when needed.
Kareem Hunt (UFA): The 30-year old Hunt has not averaged over 4.0 yards per carry since 2021 and ran for 611 yards and eight touchdowns on 163 carries (3.7 YPA) for the Chiefs last season. Still, Hunt converted 55 first-downs and posted a career-high 57 percent success rate as he still proved to be successful in short-yardage situations — an area New England’s ground game specifically struggled last season.
