Morning Sports Update
The Patriots are currently slated to have 11 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel during Super Bowl LX. AP Photo/Matt Slocum
February 9, 2026 | 11:35 AM
3 minutes to read
Looking ahead at the Patriots’ offseason: With the 29-13 defeat in Super Bowl LX against the Seahawks, the Patriots head into the offseason on a decidedly sour note.
Yet just as the majority of the 2025 season was one built on optimism, the same narrative will likely hold true in the coming months. Setting aside the Super Bowl disappointment, New England remains in an advantageous position in terms of its roster and the potential to improve.
Featuring a core of talented younger players, the Patriots also possess a large crop of 2026 draft picks, and a manageable list of pending free agents. In all, the Patriots are projected to have over $42 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap.
First, here’s the complete list of players who could potentially become free agents:
- Austin Hooper, TE
- K’Lavon Chaisson, LB
- Khyiris Tonga, DT
- Jaylinn Hawkins, S
- Jack Gibbens, LB
- Vederian Lowe, T
- Thayer Munford Jr., T
- Alex Austin, CB (Restricted Free Agent)
- Yasir Durant, T (Restricted Free Agent)
- Tommy DeVito, QB (Restricted Free Agent)
- Jacquelin Roy, DT (Restricted Free Agent)
- Isaiah Iton, DL (Exclusive Right Free Agent)
- Deneric Prince, RB (Exclusive Right Free Agent)
- Jack Westover, TE (Exclusive Right Free Agent)
Beyond free agency, New England will also have ample opportunity to improve the team via the draft.
Here’s a look at the Patriots’ 2026 draft picks list:
- Round 1, Pick 31
- Round 2, Pick 63
- Round 3, Pick 95
- Round 4
- Round 4 (from CHI and KC)
- Round 5
- Round 6
- Round 6 (via KC)
- Round 6 (via PIT)
- Round 6 (via SF)
- Round 7
The NFL Scouting Combine for rookies will begin on Feb. 23 in Indianapolis as usual, running through March 2.
After that, the league’s offseason begins in earnest. The 2026 NFL “League Year” as well as the free agency signing period will begin at 4 p.m. ET on March 11. The draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh, will then take place from April 23-25.
Trivia: Who was the most recent player the Patriots picked first overall in the NFL Draft?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: 1993.
Scores and schedules:
The Patriots lost 29-13 to the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on Sunday. New England’s improbable run came crashing down as Drake Maye was sacked six times.
The Celtics also lost on Sunday, falling 111-89 to the Knicks.
This evening, the Men’s Beanpot concludes with the third place game, and the championship at TD Garden:
- At 4:30 p.m. in the consolation game: Northeastern vs. Harvard
- At 7:30p.m. in the championship: Boston University vs. Boston College
More from Boston.com:
Some Red Sox news: The morning after the Super Bowl, Boston reminded its fans of the looming baseball season with the announcement of a trade. The Red Sox are reportedly acquiring third baseman Caleb Durbin.
Infielder David Hamilton and left-hander Shane Drohan are the other two players going to Milwaukee along with Kyle Harrison in the Caleb Durbin deal, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 9, 2026
On this day: In 2024, the Celtics survived a 42-point fourth quarter from the Wizards to win 133-129.
Daily highlight: While it was a difficult day for Lindsey Vonn, Breezy Johnson scored Team USA’s first gold medal on Sunday in the women’s downhill at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Trivia answer: Drew Bledsoe
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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