Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Tempers Expectations Ahead of Tough 2026 Schedule

Kraft touched on the team's challenging slate, retaining star players, and the possibility of an 18-game NFL season.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:39pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy, red, and yellow colors representing the intensity and unpredictability of the sport.Kraft's comments on the Patriots' challenging 2026 schedule and the need to manage expectations reflect the team's complex path forward as they aim to build on their surprise success.Denver Today

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft spoke to reporters at the NFL annual meetings in Phoenix, addressing several key topics for the team heading into the 2026 season. Kraft acknowledged the Patriots will face a daunting schedule next year as the reigning AFC East champions, tempering expectations for the team after their unexpected Super Bowl run in 2025. The owner also discussed the importance of retaining star players like cornerback Christian Gonzalez, as well as his support for the NFL potentially expanding to an 18-game regular season schedule.

Why it matters

As the Patriots look to build on their surprise success from last season, Kraft's comments provide insight into the team's mindset and priorities going forward. The owner's willingness to manage expectations highlights the challenges the team may face with a tougher slate, while his focus on keeping core players like Gonzalez signals New England's desire to maintain their competitive window. Kraft's support for an 18-game season also aligns with the league's ongoing discussions about expanding the regular season schedule.

The details

Kraft acknowledged the Patriots will have 'a pretty tough schedule' in 2026, including 'a lot of west coast travel,' which could make it difficult for the team to replicate their 14-3 record from last season. The owner said his 'objective every year is we make the playoffs,' rather than setting specific win total goals. Kraft also discussed the importance of retaining star players, noting the team will look to sign cornerback Christian Gonzalez to a contract extension, and that they hope to keep quarterback Drake Maye 'for the long term' as well. Additionally, Kraft voiced his support for the NFL potentially expanding to an 18-game regular season schedule, citing the need for 'real content' and the opportunity to play more international games.

  • The Patriots finished the 2025 season with a 14-3 record.
  • Cornerback Christian Gonzalez will be eligible for a contract extension this spring after completing his fourth NFL season.
  • The NFL is currently considering expanding the regular season schedule from 17 to 18 games.

The players

Robert Kraft

The owner of the New England Patriots.

Christian Gonzalez

The Patriots' star cornerback who is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.

Drake Maye

The Patriots' young quarterback who finished second in NFL MVP voting in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, we have a pretty tough schedule, I think the hardest schedule with a lot of west coast travel.”

— Robert Kraft, Patriots Owner

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

— Robert Kraft, Patriots Owner

“In all seriousness, I think actually the team way overachieved what any of us thought would happen. And it was wonderful.”

— Robert Kraft, Patriots Owner

What’s next

The NFL owners will vote on whether to expand the regular season schedule to 18 games at an upcoming league meeting.

The takeaway

Despite the Patriots' unexpected success in 2025, owner Robert Kraft is tempering expectations for the team in 2026 due to their challenging schedule. However, Kraft remains focused on retaining the team's core players like Christian Gonzalez and Drake Maye, while also supporting the NFL's potential move to an 18-game regular season.