Underrated diamond in the rough free agents could help Patriots build another Super Bowl caliber roster

The Patriots could find some smart value with some bargain bin options in free agency to set up another Super Bowl run.

AJ Schulte — College Football Trending News Writer
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Jan 4, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich (85) runs after the catch against against the New England Patriots during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium.
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots are entering a critical offseason, looking to wash out the bad taste in their mouth from a brutal loss in Super Bowl LX. They have plenty of cap space and resources to be aggressive, but the best value in free agency comes from the small moves.

Who are some under-the-radar free agent targets that would help shore up the Patriots’ biggest weak points next season?

WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

The Patriots haven’t shied away from bringing in targets with links to the coaching staff, and Westbrook-Ikhine began his pro career under Mike Vrabel. The 6’2 target would bring good size and experience to a fairly young Patriots’ wide receiver room, and give them a steady red zone target and vertical threat to rotate on the perimeter with Kayshon Boutte and build their depth.

DT Jonah Williams

The Patriots’ defensive line needs a boost to their depth to help keep Milton Williams and Christian Barmore fresh, but they don’t have the bodies in the room currently to spell those guys effectively. Williams spent the 2024 season in Detroit with Terrell Williams, and is a well-established veteran who has played at numerous positions across the defensive line. He would help shore up the Patriots’ run defense and add a splash of versatility to their fronts.

EDGE Joseph Ossai

Harold Landry returns, but with the potential departure of K’Lavon Chaisson, New England’s pass rush is set to take a significant blow to open up free agency.

An inconsistent defender for much of his time in Cincinnati, Ossai finished his rookie deal with the Bengals strong, leading the team in pressures with 43 and posting five sacks. His quickness and motor would be a boon for the Patriots’ pass rush depth as a designated pass rusher in their rotation.

TE Greg Dulcich

Hunter Henry is still as effective as ever, but the Patriots are missing juice in the tight end room. Dulcich was quietly very effective for the Dolphins last season, posting 335 yards and one touchdown on 35 receptions and finishing sixth in EPA/target among tight ends per SportsInfoSolutions. If the Patriots want to expand their heavy-personnel looks, Dulcich would be a smart addition to their offense around Drake Maye.

S Jalen Thompson

With Jaylinn Hawkins set to depart in free agency, the Patriots could use a replacement next to Craig Woodson in their secondary. A safety who can effectively play both deep and in the slot is a rare trait, and Thompson has honed his fundamentals to match his athleticism to become one of the most well-rounded safeties in the game. He can align in multiple roles and be a productive contributor in pretty much any defensive scheme.