Best remaining free agent fits for New England Patriots after the first week of free agency

What talents are left on the board to help the Patriots get back to a Super Bowl next season?

AJ Schulte — College Football Trending News Writer
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Oct 5, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots had an active start to free agency, making a slew of big moves to help the team get back to the Super Bowl (and win, this time). Even with over half a dozen additions this offseason, however, they still have a few spots they need to address heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.

Who are the top free agents left after the first week of free agency who would fill out some key areas of need for the Patriots?

1. EDGE Marcus Davenport/D.J. Wonnum

The Patriots made a strong addition in OLB Dre’Mont Jones, but they still need to fill out the depth of their pass rush room. While they could opt for a rookie here in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, both Davenport and Wonnum fit their mold of EDGE rusher, and both overlapped with OLBs coach Mike Smith in Minnesota, an important part of the Patriots’ process in free agency.

2. TE David Njoku

New England needed to shore up their tight end room heading into next season. They added a solid contributor in Julian Hill, who shores up their blocking ability, but they need a capable receiver in the room if they want to keep expanding into heavier personnel. Njoku was asked to put on too much weight in Cleveland, exasperating his knee injury from last season, and a fresh start could do him some good.

If he can return to form under Mike Vrabel, who he overlapped with in Cleveland, Njoku could be a strong addition for the Patriots’ offense next season.

3. DT D.J. Reader

New England’s run defense took a noticeable step back without Khyiris Tonga on the field, and Tonga signed with the Kansas City Chiefs last week, leaving a sizeable gap open at the nose tackle spot. Reader overlapped with Terrell Williams in Detroit, and would be a plug-and-play option to help shore up the Patriots’ run defense up front. If Reader is interested in pursuing a ring, the Patriots would be a good option.

4. OT James Hudson

Will Campbell is entrenched at left tackle and Morgan Moses will return to anchor the right side, but the departure of Vederian Lowe exposed their depth at tackle. James Hudson overlapped with Mike Vrabel and new assistant offensive line coach Jonathan Decoster in Cleveland, and has played both tackle spots in his career.

Hudson has spot starter ability and would be an upgrade over the depth currently left on the roster.

5. WR Jauan Jennings

There honestly aren’t a lot of holes left here for New England to attack, but I do think they need to add another capable wide receiver, even after signing Romeo Doubs. Their wide receiver room fell apart in the postseason.

Jennings would be a superb “power slot” player who can also live on the outside as a Z/Flanker and would give Drake Maye a much-needed dependable target, as well as boost the run blocking of the offense whenever he steps onto the field.