The 2026 Free Agency Thread

[Anselmheifer]

I think the fact that we aren't offering a 7th for Aiyuk on a new contract probably says that Peters has zero confidence in him and views him as a flyer/lotto ticket. I'd still give up the 7th for that. That's what 7'th round picks are anyways, lotto tickets. I would sign Diggs and trade for Aiyuk. I actually think that would give us a decent top 6. McLaurin, Williams, Diggs, Aiyuk, Lane, McCaffrey. I thought McCaffrey was coming on prior to his injury last year. And Lane flashed a bit. He can learn more nuance behind Williams.

I don't love the idea of Treyvon Diggs. I guess he had a 65.9 coverage grade last year, and is 6'2" 195. Apparently, in January 2025, he underwent a chondral tissue graft surgery to address a cartilage defect in the same knee that he tore his ACL in, in 2023. That doesn't spell long term starter, but maybe he actually is the best depth CB available to be either our 4th or 5th guy. There is very little left out there at CB. I'd be happy to see us at least do something to address it.

 

[Anselmheifer]

So, I have worked for a long time, and become very good at identifying and calling out what I like to call "unsubstantiated bullshit." Darr's whole premise is "everyone did it better than we did!" with no substantiation.

The Pats "upgraded across the offense!" Did they? How? They replaced Diggs with a receiver who has never had more than 60 catches and 750 yards in any season. They drafted Fano for the OL, great. He's still a rookie and we saw last year how Conerly struggled early last year. They also sign Vera Tucker to a THREE YEAR DEAL. That's like us giving Noah Brown three years and calling the problem fixed. Tucker has missed 42 out of a possible 85 games in his career. That line was absolutely destroyed in the playoffs. Will Campbell was an utter mess at LT. Sure, all signs and indications are that Brown will go to the Pats at some point, but that rumor was initiated by Dianna Russini who was quoted at the time saying "AJ BWOWN WIW GO THA PATHS...oh yeah, daddy, you like that?!" Until he does, I cannot say they upgraded their WR room. Likewise, I will absolutely take our OL over theirs.

Everyone saying the Pats haven't done much are ignoring that it is being said by reliable media members that they are trading for AJ brown, and the trade just can't be completed until after June 1 for cap reasons.

 

[KDawg]

So, I have worked for a long time, and become very good at identifying and calling out what I like to call "unsubstantiated bullshit." Darr's whole premise is "everyone did it better than we did!" with no substantiation.

The Pats "upgraded across the offense!" Did they? How? They replaced Diggs with a receiver who has never had more than 60 catches and 750 yards in any season. They drafted Fano for the OL, great. He's still a rookie and we saw last year how Conerly struggled early last year. They also sign Vera Tucker to a THREE YEAR DEAL. That's like us giving Noah Brown three years and calling the problem fixed. Tucker has missed 42 out of a possible 85 games in his career. That line was absolutely destroyed in the playoffs. Will Campbell was an utter mess at LT. Sure, all signs and indications are that Brown will go to the Pats at some point, but that rumor was initiated by Dianna Russini who was quoted at the time saying "AJ BWOWN WIW GO THA PATHS...oh yeah, daddy, you like that?!" Until he does, I cannot say they upgraded their WR room. Likewise, I will absolutely take our OL over theirs.

I mentioned this before, the Saints signed Etienne (to an absurd overpay, mind you) and drafted Jordyn Tyson. Great. Again their line still sucks and Tyson is a huge injury risk. Did we learn nothing from Noah Brown? Their other additions were...3rd (Delp), 4th (Lance), 6th rounders (Barion Brown?)...who answers for the Saints, but unreliable question marks for us?

How did Houston address their OL? How, exactly? Who did they bring in? I don't recall anyone of note (please, anyone who knows who they did bring in, let me know.) Our OL is still far better than theirs.

Yes the Broncos have a stud OL, were in a position to add Waddle, which was a good move, if not a pretty significant overpay (a 1st, 3rd, and 4th). But Darr is trumpeting Adam Trautman? Really? I'd rather have Ben Sinnott. Admittedly, I am more hopeful there than most and I keep hoping for the Ben Sinnott Breakout. It's probably never going to come, but Adam Trautman? Please. Meanwhile dismissing the best receiving TE on the FA market in Konk? And the Broncos RB was who? I can't find a single running back they actually signed--they resigned Dobbins, who is injured every year as well, and...Jaleel McLaughlin? Dobbins, being that he plays for not the Commanders, is automatically better than Crosky-Merritt right?

Dobbins: 153/772/4
Bill: 175/805/8
(Neither do much in the passing game.)

Meanwhile, we added a very reliable receiver out of the backfield in White (had 9 TDs in 2024), in addition to Jerome Ford (who might not even make the team if Allen shines) who averaged 5.4 YPC in '24.

This is the same crap we see in Power Rankings where people rank us behind the Dolphins.

A couple of nitpicks and an agreement.

Dobbins played in 10 games and had 153/772. Bill 17 games, 175/805. Dobbins had a better season statistically. That said, and brace yourself… I’d take Bill over JK 100x out of 100.

You put down the Doubs addition because he hasn’t even had over 60/750 and trumpet the Chig signing as a significant upgrade… but Doubs has had three seasons better than Chig’s best. Not that I disagree on Chig’s potential. I think he’s a good signing. But I feel it’s on the same level as Doubs to NE.

Where I agree? I don’t think New England or Chicago has done a whole lot to help, either. Though I do like Chicago’s receiver room more than ours, same with their tight ends and the starting running back situation.

Brown is probably a foregone conclusion to NE. But in the meantime, I don’t love what they’ve done.

Championing them is a little odd, though.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Bee watching all of Williams and I stand where I wound up on draft night on him with a caveat - he CAN clearly play Z. It’s something he’s done. But I don’t think that is his best usage. His best usage is in the slot for us. He is a natural slot receiver.

I think using him outside CAN work as a Z, but I’m not sure why. I think we’d be getting a slightly lesser version of him. Yes, his stats when he played Z for Clemson were much better than when he played slot. But keep him mind he also played some slot that season and was healthy. He played 4 less games and had 300 less yards and 20 less receptions. It’s not out of the realm of possibility he’d have surpassed his 24 output if healthy.

Yeah his best season was 2024 where he played about 40% outside, 60% slot. But as your pointed out he was healthier. Last season he tweaked his hamstring in game 1 and played banged up basically that whole year. More natural slot player.

But...

Quinn already on the record that he expects him to play both. As we know that's the spot they go full out on. They even had Lane play some outside last season. they play in the shallow waters at that spot.

 

[DWinzit]

I think the fact that we aren't offering a 7th for Aiyuk on a new contract probably says that Peters has zero confidence in him and views him as a flyer/lotto ticket. I'd still give up the 7th for that. That's what 7'th round picks are anyways, lotto tickets. I would sign Diggs and trade for Aiyuk. I actually think that would give us a decent top 6. McLaurin, Williams, Diggs, Aiyuk, Lane, McCaffrey. I thought McCaffrey was coming on prior to his injury last year. And Lane flashed a bit. He can learn more nuance behind Williams.

I just can't see AP and DQ bringing Stephan Diggs into the fold, too much baggage. It does seems they can overlook the Aiyuk baggage however.

 

[Riggo44]

Not a shocker dipping into the ex Cowboys again

That account just makes shit up too, I wouldn't put any stock in what they say

 

[skinsinparadise]

Everyone saying the Pats haven't done much are ignoring that it is being said by reliable media members that they are trading for AJ brown, and the trade just can't be completed until after June 1 for cap reasons.

Yeah they had Diggs last year, likely replaced by AJ Brown. They signed Doubs. They have Hollins, Boutee, Douglas, all 500 yard Wr types, all three would be the #2 guy on this team.

They have Henry who is quielly a really good TE. Hooper a good backup. And they added one of my favs from this draft, Rairdon.

 

[skinsinparadise]

So, I have worked for a long time, and become very good at identifying and calling out what I like to call "unsubstantiated bullshit." Darr's whole premise is "everyone did it better than we did!" with no substantiation.

The Pats "upgraded across the offense!" Did they? How? They replaced Diggs with a receiver who has never had more than 60 catches and 750 yards in any season. They drafted Fano for the OL, great. He's still a rookie and we saw last year how Conerly struggled early last year. They also sign Vera Tucker to a THREE YEAR DEAL. That's like us giving Noah Brown three years and calling the problem fixed. Tucker has missed 42 out of a possible 85 games in his career. That line was absolutely destroyed in the playoffs. Will Campbell was an utter mess at LT. Sure, all signs and indications are that Brown will go to the Pats at some point, but that rumor was initiated by Dianna Russini who was quoted at the time saying "AJ BWOWN WIW GO THA PATHS...oh yeah, daddy, you like that?!" Until he does, I cannot say they upgraded their WR room. Likewise, I will absolutely take our OL over theirs.

I mentioned this before, the Saints signed Etienne (to an absurd overpay, mind you) and drafted Jordyn Tyson. Great. Again their line still sucks and Tyson is a huge injury risk. Did we learn nothing from Noah Brown? Their other additions were...3rd (Delp), 4th (Lance), 6th rounders (Barion Brown?)...who answers for the Saints, but unreliable question marks for us?

How did Houston address their OL? How, exactly? Who did they bring in? I don't recall anyone of note (please, anyone who knows who they did bring in, let me know.) Our OL is still far better than theirs.

Yes the Broncos have a stud OL, were in a position to add Waddle, which was a good move, if not a pretty significant overpay (a 1st, 3rd, and 4th). But Darr is trumpeting Adam Trautman? Really? I'd rather have Ben Sinnott. Admittedly, I am more hopeful there than most and I keep hoping for the Ben Sinnott Breakout. It's probably never going to come, but Adam Trautman? Please. Meanwhile dismissing the best receiving TE on the FA market in Konk? And the Broncos RB was who? I can't find a single running back they actually signed--they resigned Dobbins, who is injured every year as well, and...Jaleel McLaughlin? Dobbins, being that he plays for not the Commanders, is automatically better than Crosky-Merritt right?

Dobbins: 153/772/4
Bill: 175/805/8
(Neither do much in the passing game.)

Meanwhile, we added a very reliable receiver out of the backfield in White (had 9 TDs in 2024), in addition to Jerome Ford (who might not even make the team if Allen shines) who averaged 5.4 YPC in '24.

This is the same crap we see in Power Rankings where people rank us behind the Dolphins.

Diving in deep, some good work. I get your point but for me it misses the plot line as for what I care about., not sure about Darr.

For me the bar isn't high. I am not asking for the moon.

A. Have a legit #2 WR. Most teams have one. Why can't we?

If you have a #2 it extends beyond helping during the season but its protecting if your #1 loses time. If Terry is out. You are going to play man against Dyami and Van or Burks or whomever and just blast away at Jayden with an extra pass rusher like what happened last season. I recall Logan and Grant talking before the first Dallas game that the Bears set the template to beat this team -- play man, and blitz the hell out of Jayden -- but they go Dallas though won't do it because they are so stick in the mud with their zone scheme. But alas, Dallas did abandon their normall scheme and played man-blitz and did what every other team did to stop the offense. Do we want to go round 2 of that?

B. The mindset that weapons are really really important, stack the talent on that side of the ball.

Like I said, I can forgive Peters if lets say he took a WR in the first or 2nd and whiffed or signed a big FA at WR and whiffed over the years -- because heck it shows he really looks at this spot as criticially important. But that's not his thing. At least not yet. And it bugs me. I've defended Peters on plenty of fronts. I've mostly had his back, It might not seem that way but that's only because its the same criticism from me -- and it doesn't go away because he hasn't changed yet on this front.

My comparison has been the 2024 teams the one who took QBs. NE, Minny, Chicago, Altanta.

As to your examples. I disagree with NE. Granted they need to acquire AJ Brown. But if they do IMO they'd done a lot better for Maye than Washington has done for Jayden as I explained in my previous post. At least a peg higher than this team. The Bears are a joke to compare, they've done miles more for Caleb. Denver too but granted some of that with them is simply their GM kicks Peters ass so far so its perhaps more about uber competency as to what makes it work for Denver versus mere philiosophy. Minnesota is more loaded. Atlanta maybe is the only one close -- but they also have the best RB in the NFL.

Going to your other examples. Your point is those teams also have holes. Yeah agree. But specific to my point. The Texans have Nico and Schultz, and Higgins who was one of my favs in that draft is developing as a #2, had a good rookie year, Huchinson is nothing killer but not bad. But I'd easily take Higgins at Z over who Washington has. The Saints taking Tyson early -- replacing in a sense Shaheed. Will see but obviously they are shooting high at Z when you use a top 10 pick.

I don't know about Darr. But for me its simple give me a legit #2. I get every team has weaknesses. But its indeed odd IMO as an NFL observor for eons that a young QB might go three seasons in a row without a legit #2 -- and its a conversation as well as to whether they have had a legit #3, nevermind 2.

 

[Riggo44]

You put down the Doubs addition because he hasn’t even had over 60/750 and trumpet the Chig signing as a significant upgrade… but Doubs has had three seasons better than Chig’s best. Not that I disagree on Chig’s potential. I think he’s a good signing. But I feel it’s on the same level as Doubs to NE.

Two things here:
1. Doubs is a WR, Konk is a TE. Two different positions
2. For NE, Doubs is a downgrade, statistically, to Diggs; while Konk is at least on par, at least statistically, with Ertz--but providing a lot more YAC.

 

[KDawg]

Two things here:
1. Doubs is a WR, Konk is a TE. Two different positions
2. For NE, Doubs is a downgrade, statistically, to Diggs; while Konk is at least on par, at least statistically, with Ertz--but providing a lot more YAC.

But, the elephant in the room is AJ Brown.

AJ Brown+Doubs is better than anything they put out last year.

Of course, AJ isn’t a Patriot until he is.

Compare Doubs to Mack Hollins or Boutte. Thats what he was intended to replace - not Diggs.

 

[DWinzit]

But, the elephant in the room is AJ Brown.

AJ Brown+Doubs is better than anything they put out last year.

Of course, AJ isn’t a Patriot until he is.

Compare Doubs to Mack Hollins or Boutte. Thats what he was intended to replace - not Diggs.

Yup and Doubs > Hollins or Boutte

 

[Anselmheifer]

Just hypothetically, what would you guys give up for AJ Brown?

They've done business with us in the draft, and for Jahan Dotson. Roseman is a businessman. I don't think it's necessarily 100% out of the question if the offer was right.

 

[Faithful Fan]

This is a kind way of saying, “stack guys who haven’t done much that have moments of brilliance and hope something materializes”.

It’s a shit strategy, but it’s better than whatever it was we tried last year.

Still don’t like it.

But… it’s at least an outline of a plan.

I don’t know. How do you get good talent? You either acquire unproven young guys with potential and develop them (e.g., what we did with Terry and hope to do with LMC, Lane, Dyami, Williams, Burks), or you acquire players who were developed elsewhere but are no longer wanted there through free agency or trade (e.g., what we did with Noah Brown and Deebo, and hope to do with Aiyuk, Allen, or Jennings). I’m not sure why the former is a “shit strategy” and the latter isn’t, in fact I tend to think the opposite, but I suppose both can work.

 

[KDawg]

I don’t know. How do you get good talent? You either acquire unproven young guys with potential and develop them (e.g. what we did with Terry and hope to do with LMC, Lane, Dyami, Williams, Burks), or you acquire players who were developed elsewhere but are no longer wanted there through free agency or trade (e.g. what we did with Noah Brown, Deebo, and hope to do with Aiyuk). I’m not sure why the former is a shit strategy and the latter isn’t, in fact I tend to think the opposite, but I suppose both can work.

So, uh…

I said last year wasn’t even a plan. So, by proxy, that means it’s worse than a shit strategy. It’s not a strategy at all.

 

[Faithful Fan]

So, uh…

I said last year wasn’t even a plan. So, by proxy, that means it’s worse than a shit strategy. It’s not a strategy at all.

Is there an alternative to developing young potential and acquiring old vets through free agency or trade?

 

[KDawg]

Is there an alternative to developing young potential and acquiring old vets through free agency or trade?

Yes, acquiring actual talent while developing young guys. We are partially there. It’s the compiling of other teams throwaways over the years and hoping they pan out that is the shit part.

If we did exactly what we were doing but somehow added, say, BTJ… I’d like this room a hell of a lot more.

 

[Riggo44]

Diving in deep, some good work. I get your point but for me it misses the plot line as for what I care about., not sure about Darr.

For me the bar isn't high. I am not asking for the moon.

A. Have a legit #2 WR. Most teams have one. Why can't we?

The argument I was attacking was Darr's assessment that teams "improved across the board!" while we apparently sat on our hands and drooled on ourselves, which, I think, is a demonstrably false statement.

But to your point--yes the wide receiver room is deeper in NE, but, right now, all they have are #2s. Doubs has never been a #1. Terry McLaurin is better than any receiver they have. I would absolutely take Boutee across from him though, and wanted Doubs as the #2 here. Until they trade for Brown, they don't have a #1. As for Douglas--I think Lane or LMC can do what he did, but they haven't, so it's really moot. But I think the potential is there.

Peters did go hard and whiff on Pierce and Doubs, but they choose other teams for different reasons. So, I do give him credit for that, but, still doesn't solve the issue at WR. Personally, I think Pierce is an idiot for choosing Jones over Daniels, but again, pointless to argue that point. I wish was had upped the ante for Doubs. Maybe we did, and he still chose the Pats. It's easy to like the Pats more right now.

Going to your other examples. Your point is those teams also have holes. Yeah agree. But specific to my point. The Texans have Nico and Schultz, and Higgins who was one of my favs in that draft is developing as a #2, had a good rookie year, Huchinson is nothing killer but not bad. But I'd easily take Higgins at Z over who Washington has. The Saints taking Tyson early -- replacing in a sense Shaheed. Will see but obviously they are shooting high at Z when you use a top 10 pick.

This is where we probably diverge--your focus is on the wide receiver room alone; and their receivers are better. However, those weapons are useless if the QB is getting pounded into the turf and has no time to throw. I will absolutely take the Texans receiving corps over ours; but our OL and RBs are better. Likewise, I think Konk will match Schultz, production wise, but, again, he hasn't so, it's entirely debatable.

The Bears should be commended with how they've built too--but to get there, they had a lot of things break their way, especially in the draft--namely the Bryce Young trade. But, again, they did, we didn't, hats off to them. I still think we'll be better this year.

 

[Riggo44]

But, the elephant in the room is AJ Brown.

AJ Brown+Doubs is better than anything they put out last year.

Of course, AJ isn’t a Patriot until he is.

Compare Doubs to Mack Hollins or Boutte. Thats what he was intended to replace - not Diggs.

At the time he was signed, Doubs was their #1 receiver. Right now, he is their #1 receiver. If Brown goes there, it's different story, but currently, that's the situation.

 

[Faithful Fan]

Yes, acquiring actual talent while developing young guys. We are partially there. It’s the compiling of other teams throwaways over the years and hoping they pan out that is the shit part.

If we did exactly what we were doing but somehow added, say, BTJ… I’d like this room a hell of a lot more.

Ideally we would all like better WR2, but what should we have done in the real world?

Maybe we can convince the Eagles to trade AJ Brown to us instead of the Pats? Should we have traded up to draft Tate or taken Tyson over Styles? Could we have convinced Mike Evans or Alec Pierce to come here for $20-30 million a year, and should we have done it? You mention trading for BTJ, is that a real possibility and what would it cost if so?

Saying you don’t like our wide receivers is one thing, but actually being able to address it is another. I wish we had Art Monk, Gary Clark, and Ricky Sanders too, but that kind of thing is rare in the salary cap era.

I think the best teams consistently draft and develop talent, which we did with Terry and are trying to do with LMC, Williams, etc. I don’t think that’s a “shit strategy,” and I do think we have some “actual talent.” That’s all I’m saying.

All that said, I do agree it would be nice to add a proven vet if we can figure out who and how. The real possibilities have been discussed here extensively: acquire Aiyuk, bring back Deebo, pay Jennings, etc. Any of those would be fine by me. The BTJ thing sounds like a great idea too, assuming that’s possible.

 

[Dlts20]

Worst case scenario, Terry is still our one. I am saying that to notate this is not the Klingsbury offense. He left Terry strictly on the left side of the field. Blough is literally going to move Terry all over and try to give him 10 targets per game. He could have a major season.

I also think that we aren't talking about Chig enough. I could see him going for nearly a thousand himself this year. No one will be able to cover him. He's waiting to take off. Terry, Williams and Chig are all capable of doing something great this year along with Bill and Allen in the zone run game. The offense will be tough just on that alone.

We still can't totally wipe away what we did 2 years ago. We aren't nearly as bad as last season. I am looking for Chig to be a difference maker and have his name amongst the best at the position