Patriots’ 53-man roster prediction for 2026 NFL season

The New England Patriots’ rebuild was fast and effective. The team went from winning just eight games between 2023 and 2024 to playing in Super Bowl 60 last season. Now, they look poised to contend for years to come, and some even wonder if another dynasty could be on the horizon. Of course, fans shouldn’t jump the gun. The Patriots still have a long way to go for that kind of talk, and they still need to trim their roster down before the 2026 season. So, who will make the Patriots’ 53-man roster?

Quarterback (3)

Drake Maye, Tommy DeVito, Behren Morton

Drake Maye finished second in MVP voting and led the Patriots to Super Bowl 60 last season. Therefore, it would be ideal if the team could get away with rostering just two quarterbacks and leaving a third on the practice squad. Behren Morton’s preseason and training camp successes make that too risky a proposition, though. After all, the Patriots did just invest draft capital into the Texas Tech product. Maye’s backup is Tommy DeVito, who is one of the more recognizable backup signal callers in the NFL.

Running back (3)

Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Hassan Haskins

The Patriots’ two-headed monster at running back features Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. Stevenson is a physical ball carrier, but he has often had fumble issues. Fans wanted to see more out of the speedy Henderson last season, but even so, he still had 911 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns.

While some have suggested the Patriots go into Week 1 with just two running backs, and that they could use practice squad elevations when need be, that idea seems unlikely because of the injury risk at the position and the frequency in which backup running backs contribute to special teams. Hassan Haskins, Lan Larison, and Jam Miller are fighting for the final roster spot, and Haskins appears to have the edge as of now.

Fullback (1)

Reggie Gillam

The Patriots know Reggie Gillam well. He had been with the division rival Buffalo Bills since 2020 until New England signed him to a three-year deal this offseason.

Receiver (6)

A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins, Efton Chism

Arguably the Patriots’ biggest weakness coming into last season was their receiving corps, which lacked star talent and depth. The team made the Super Bowl nonetheless. Now, their group of pass catchers is completely revamped. New England traded for A.J. Brown, one of the best receivers in the NFL and a player who thrives in yards-after-catch situations. Romeo Doubs was brought in as a free agent, too.

The Patriots have plenty of depth in DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins, and Efton Chism, even despite the fact that they let go of Stefon Diggs and just recently traded Kayshon Boutte away.

Tight end (3)

Hunter Henry, Eli Raridon, CJ Dippre

Hunter Henry isn’t a superstar, but he has been one of the most consistent tight ends in the NFL since he entered the league in 2016. Of course, though, Henry is only getting older. The team has high hopes for third-round rookie Eli Raridon, though. The third tight end spot will be filled by either CJ Dippre or Tanner Arkin. The latter is an undrafted rookie who has stood out during training camp, but undrafted status is tough to overcome, and he is on the wrong side of a numbers crunch here.

Offensive line (10)

Will Campbell, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Caleb Lomu, Greg Van Roten, Ben Brown, Marcus Bryant, Demetrious Crownover

After taking Will Campbell in the first round last year, the Patriots went back to the offensive line within the first 32 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft with the selection of Caleb Lomu. That duo gives New England tons of long-term upside when it comes to protecting their young quarterback. Lomu might not start the season as a starter, though. Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu, and Morgan Moses will round out the starting group.

Lomu will be joined on the second unit by Greg Von Roten, Ben Brown, Marcus Bryant, and Demetrious Crownover, the latter of whom beats out free agent additions James Hudson and Darrion Dalcourt.

Defensive line (5)

Milton Williams, Cory Durden, Christian Barmore, Joshua Farmer, Eric Gregory

The Patriots have made numerous big-name additions to their defense over the last two years, which has played a big part in their leap to contention. Milton Williams was arguably the biggest. The defensive tackle thrives both in the pass rush and against the run. He lines up opposite Christian Barmore, who is an absolute stud, but a player who has been battling injuries during training camp.

Cory Durden is the third starter on the defensive front, and Joshua Farmer and Eric Gregory will serve as the backups. Ideally, New England would love to roster a sixth defensive lineman, but the numbers game prevents that from happening in this 53-man roster prediction.

Edge (5)

Harold Landry, Dre’Mont Jones, Gabe Jacas, Quintayvious Hutchins, Elijah Ponder

The Patriots invested heavily in the edge rusher position during the 2026 NFL Draft with the selections of Gabe Jacas and Quintayvious Hutchins. They join veteran pass rushers Harold Landry and Dre’Mont Jones, the former of whom is currently sidelined and on the PUP with a knee injury. If Landry isn’t ready to start the season, he could be replaced by Bradyn Swinson.

Linebacker (5)

Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Namdi Obiazor, K.J. Britt, Chad Muma

The Patriots could very well scour the roster cut market to find a reinforcement for a linebacker group that isn’t the best. Robert Spillane is always around the ball, but none of Namdi Obiazor, K.J. Britt, Chad Muma, or Khalil Jacobs have really separated themselves.

Cornerback (5)

Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Karon Prunty, Marcus Jones, Kindle Vildor

Christian Gonzalez is still without a new contract, but that may come soon. Regardless, the cornerback is clearly one of the best players in the NFL. Carlton Davis is a pretty great member of the defensive secondary, too. Marcus Jones, Karon Prunty, and Kindle Vildor round out the cornerback room.

Safety (4)

Kevin Byard, Craig Woodson, Dell Pettus, Jaylen Reed

Kevin Byard was one of the best value gets of the offseason in the entire NFL. The Patriots also just traded Boutte in a deal for Jaylen Reed. The moves solidify a new-look safety group that is rounded out by Craig Woodson and Dell Pettus.

Specialists (3)

Bryce Baringer, Andy Borregales, Julian Ashby

Bryce Baringer is dealing with an injury that forced the Patriots to sign another punter, Matt Haack. If Baringer is good to go come cut-down day, he will join Andy Borregales and Julian Ashby as the team’s specialists.

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