Patriots News: 6 Patriots on expiring contracts who can’t afford a lackluster 2025 season

Will these Patriots be on the team in 2026?
Detroit Lions v New England Patriots

The Patriots currently have 31 players on the roster who’ll be free agents of all types after the 2025 season.

Lots of these players are bottom of the roster or practice squad players, and some may not appear on the 53-man Pats roster under Mike Vrabel.

A few players, former high draft picks and others, will be challenged to perform to earn an extension after this season, if they make the 2025 roster.

Here, we’ll look at a handful of players who will probably be around to show Vrabel what they can do. If they contribute to meeting what has to be Vrabel’s overall goal, to make the playoffs this season, their chances will be enhanced greatly.

Among them are a former first and third-round pick, and a couple of starters on the 2024 squad.

In addition, a couple of “show-me” free agents on one-year contracts appear on this list. So here we go to see which players need a big season to avoid being let go after 2025.

Patriots high draft picks who a need a top season to be back in 2026

The most prominent player who will need to step up in 2025 to be back is 2022 first-round draft pick, guard Cole Strange. Strange may experience a position change to center, which could provide him with new opportunities in 2025.

The Patriots will have until May first to decide whether to pick up Strange’s fifth-year option. That seems unlikely, so he’ll need a top 2025 to get an extension.

A second premium draft pick who’ll hit free agency is cornerback Marcus Jones. Jones is a solid player and is a good candidate for an extension after this season.

One way the coaching staff can help him earn one is to utilize his talents more on offense. Jones is the Patriots’ most explosive offensive player, yet he seldom sees that side of the ball. He should see it more in 2025.

Another productive player who’ll again be a free agent is tight end, Austin Hooper.

He came aboard last season and became a nice backup to Hunter Henry in the tight end room. He helped provide a solid one-two punch for young quarterback Drake Maye.

Another similar season of 45 or so catches and Hooper could very well earn himself another extension.

Patriots who will need a breakout season to gain a contract extension

An offensive lineman with lots of snaps in 2024 will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025. It’s left tackle Vederian Lowe.

Lowe was the Patriots’ best left tackle last season, and he’ll likely be contending for either a starting again or for a backup spot depending on Mike Vrabel’s draft activities at the position.

A second offensive lineman, veteran guard Wes Schweitzer, was signed to a one-year deal. Schweitzer should be a candidate to start at left guard in contention with Strange and Sidy Sow.

He should be an upgrade, but he’ll have to earn that spot on the field. If he performs as expected, he could earn a one-year extension for 2026.

On defense, linebacker Jack Gibbens is on a one-year deal. Gibbens plays for Mike Vrabel at Tennessee and will likely be given some opportunities to shine. The 26-year-old former Titan had his best season in 2023, when he notched 95 tackles, a sack, and three passes defended. He’ll fit Vrabel’s new upfield system but still be playing in 2025 for a contract extension.

Those are several Patriots’ 2026 free agents looking to have a big season in 2025 to earn an extension. The competition under the Mike Vrabel regime, with lots of new faces, will be fierce.

Vrabel indicates that whoever wins the position with his on-field play will get the reps. That will provide a great incentive for all of these potential 2026 free agents to perform.

Related Posts

BREAKING NEWS: Dаvіd Montgomery not only donаted $3 mіllіon to flood relіef іn Texаѕ, he аlѕo quіetly went to the dіѕаѕter аreа to help the people there. When he аrrіved іn Texаѕ, he wіtneѕѕed а lіttle gіrl ѕіttіng next to the body of her fаmіly аnd ѕobbіng, he ѕаw аnd dіd аn аctіon thаt moved everyone there…

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery has gone far beyond the football field to deliver a powerful message of compassion. In the wake of the devastating

RUMORS: Patriots Predicted to Land Eight-Sack Edge Rusher for Mike Vrabel’s Defense

It’s never too early to be looƙing aҺead to tҺe future. TҺe New England Patriots Һope to improve in 2025 after a 4-13 record last season, and…

Report: Titans TE Reacts Strongly to Mike Vrabel’s Potential Move to Patriots

TҺe Tennessee Titans parted ways witҺ Һead coacҺ Miƙe Vrabel last offseason and replaced Һim witҺ tҺen-Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian CallaҺan. He and tҺe Titans won…

Is It a Bad Investment? Analyst Questions Patriots’ $104 Million Signing

TҺe New England Patriots signed Super Bowl CҺampion Milton Williams to a four-year, $104 million deal in tҺe 2025 free agency to revamp tҺeir defense. Boston Sports…

Jаred Goff Donаteѕ $12.4 Mіllіon to Buіld Hope for the Homeleѕѕ: A Gаme-Chаngіng Act of Kіndneѕѕ…

Jared Goff Donates $12.4 Million to Build Hope for the Homeless: A Game-Changing Act of Kindness

BREAKING: Sаіntѕ helmet reveаl doeѕn’t dіѕаppoіnt, gіvіng them а proper Color Ruѕh complement

The Saints revealed their new helmets Wednesday morning, and they finally have a proper helmet to pair with their Color Rush uniforms