NFL free agents 2026: Best edge rusher fits for Patriots

An elite pass rush would help the Patriots' defense make the leap from good to great in 2026.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The New England Patriots' defense was solid in 2025, but there's room for improvement, particularly on the edge. The team ranked 26th in the NFL in total sacks and 20th in sack percentage. To bolster their pass rush, the Patriots could look to free agency this offseason and target several top edge defenders, including K'Lavon Chaisson, Trey Hendrickson, Khalil Mack, Odafe Oweh, and Boye Mafe.

Why it matters

An improved pass rush would be a game-changer for the Patriots' defense, helping them take the next step from a good unit to an elite one. The team has several key free agents at the position, so addressing edge rusher in free agency could be a priority this offseason.

The details

K'Lavon Chaisson, who had 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles for the Patriots in 2025, is set to hit free agency again. Trey Hendrickson, who had 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons for the Bengals before an injury-plagued 2025, is the top edge rusher available. Veteran Khalil Mack, 35, could be a short-term solution if the Patriots miss out on the elite options. Odafe Oweh emerged as the Chargers' top pass rusher after being traded there in 2025, while Boye Mafe, 27, is coming off a down year with the Seahawks but has shown promise in the past.

  • The Patriots ranked 26th in the NFL in total sacks (35) and 20th in sack percentage (5.9%) during the 2025 regular season.
  • K'Lavon Chaisson is scheduled to hit free agency again this spring.
  • Trey Hendrickson is entering his age-31 season in 2026.

The players

K'Lavon Chaisson

A 26-year-old edge defender who had 7.5 sacks, 18 QB hits, 10 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles for the Patriots in 2025.

Trey Hendrickson

The best edge defender in this year's free-agent class, Hendrickson racked up 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons (2023 and 2024) with the Bengals before an injury-plagued 2025 campaign.

Khalil Mack

A 35-year-old edge rusher who is no longer the game-breaking player he once was, but still had 5.5 sacks, 11 QB hits, six tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles in 12 games for the Chargers in 2025.

Odafe Oweh

A 27-year-old edge defender who emerged as the Chargers' best pass rusher after being traded from Baltimore, recording 7.5 sacks in 12 games with the team in 2025.

Boye Mafe

A 27-year-old edge rusher who had a down year in 2025 with the Seahawks, recording just two sacks, but has shown promise in the past.

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What they’re saying

“K'Lavon Chaisson SCOOP & SCORE‼️”

— New England Patriots (Twitter)

“3.5 sacks tonight. 17.5 sacks on the season. Trey Hendrickson was a BEAST for the @Bengals 💪”

— NFL (Twitter)

“Khalil Mack gets to Rodgers for a Chargers safety!”

— NFL (Twitter)

“Odafe Oweh knocks it loose! Da'Shawn Hand recovers! Chargers ball ⚡️”

— NFL (Twitter)

“No one sets the edge like Boye Mafe 😤 @Seahawks #pROWGophers”

— Minnesota Football (Twitter)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.