Patriots Seek Free Agent Upgrades After Super Bowl Loss

New England looks to bolster offense and pass rush to build on 14-3 season

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The New England Patriots are coming off a 14-3 season that ended in a Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks. While the Patriots had a strong regular season, their offense struggled in the big game against Seattle's defense. Now the team is looking to improve through free agency, targeting players like wide receiver Mike Evans and defensive end John Franklin-Myers to upgrade their receiving corps and pass rush.

Why it matters

The Patriots had an easy schedule in 2025 that helped them reach the Super Bowl, but they know they'll face a tougher road in 2026 with a first-place schedule. To repeat their success, the team needs to get better on both sides of the ball, especially on offense where they were shut down in the Super Bowl loss.

The details

The Patriots' offense, led by quarterback Drake Maye, had a strong statistical season, but struggled against the Seahawks' defense in the Super Bowl. The team is looking to add a veteran wide receiver like Mike Evans of the Buccaneers to provide an upgrade at the position. On defense, the Patriots were solid but lacked a dominant pass rush, with only two players recording more than 4 sacks. They're targeting Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers, who had 7.5 sacks last season, to bolster their front seven. The Patriots also need to improve their offensive line after struggling to protect Maye in the playoffs.

  • The Patriots lost Super Bowl 60 to the Seattle Seahawks on February 2, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL free agency period begins on March 18, 2026.

The players

Drake Maye

The Patriots' starting quarterback, who had a strong statistical season but struggled against the Seahawks' defense in the Super Bowl.

Mike Evans

A 32-year-old wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who the Patriots are targeting to upgrade their receiving corps.

John Franklin-Myers

A defensive end for the Denver Broncos, who the Patriots are interested in signing to improve their pass rush.

Will Campbell

The Patriots' rookie left tackle, who struggled with pass protection and allowed 80 QB pressures in the regular season and playoffs.

Rasheed Walker

An offensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers, who the Patriots could target to improve their offensive line.

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What they’re saying

“The Patriots could not negotiate Seattle's defense through 3 quarters as they were shut out until the fourth quarter.”

— Steve Silverman, Author (clutchpoints.com)

“Evans could provide as significant upgrade at the wide receiver spot. He had 74 receptions for 1,004 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024, and he has had at least 1,000 receiving yards in his first 11 seasons.”

— Steve Silverman, Author (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Patriots will need to be active in free agency starting on March 18, 2026 to address their needs at wide receiver, defensive end, and offensive tackle.

The takeaway

The Patriots had a successful 2025 season, but their Super Bowl loss exposed some weaknesses that they'll need to address through free agency and the draft if they want to repeat their success in 2026 and make another deep playoff run.