Patriots owner Robert Kraft sets measured goal for 2026: Make the playoffs

Despite last season's surprise success, Kraft is keeping expectations modest for the upcoming year.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:43pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes that abstractly represent a Patriots football game or practice, conveying the complex challenges the team faces in the upcoming season.Robert Kraft's measured expectations for the Patriots' 2026 season reflect the team's need to navigate a challenging schedule and roster changes.Denver Today

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is not getting carried away with expectations for the 2026 NFL season, even though the team exceeded expectations last year. Kraft said his main objective is to make the playoffs, noting the Patriots have a tough schedule and a lot of West Coast travel ahead. While the team made some offseason roster moves, Kraft emphasized that the bulk of the roster is returning from the 2025 season that saw the franchise make its 11th Super Bowl appearance.

Why it matters

The Patriots' surprising 2025 season raised hopes for the team's future, but Kraft is taking a measured approach as they look to build on that success. His comments suggest the team may face challenges in the upcoming year, despite their recent achievements.

The details

Kraft said the Patriots have 'a pretty tough schedule' in 2026, 'the hardest schedule,' and will face 'a lot of West Coast travel.' While the team made some free agent signings to fill roster holes, Kraft noted that 'the bulk of the roster is returning' from the 2025 season. The Patriots are also facing decisions on extending key players like cornerback Christian Gonzalez and quarterback Drake Maye.

  • The Patriots moved into a new 160,000-square-foot facility adjacent to Gillette Stadium earlier this month.
  • The Patriots' 2026 season and offseason workouts will begin in April.

The players

Robert Kraft

The 84-year-old owner of the New England Patriots.

Christian Gonzalez

A Patriots cornerback who is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.

Drake Maye

The Patriots' quarterback who will be eligible for a contract extension next offseason.

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What they’re saying

“'My objective every year is (to) make the playoffs. As we saw last year, when you're privileged to make the playoffs, anything can happen.'”

— Robert Kraft, Patriots Owner

“'The training center, I think it's very special. I think it'll give our coaching staff and players a reason to celebrate the efficiency of what can go on there. … I think it's one of a kind.'”

— Robert Kraft, Patriots Owner

What’s next

The Patriots will need to finalize contract extensions for cornerback Christian Gonzalez this offseason and quarterback Drake Maye next offseason.

The takeaway

Despite the Patriots' surprise success in 2025, owner Robert Kraft is keeping expectations modest for the 2026 season, citing a tough schedule and roster challenges. His measured approach suggests the team may face obstacles in building on their recent achievements, but Kraft remains focused on the goal of making the playoffs each year.