The New England Patriots have a challenging assignment in 2026. They exceeded all expectations a year ago, won the AFC East title and made their way through the AFC playoffs. They beat the Denver Broncos on the road in the AFC title game on the road — something the team never accomplished during the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era.
The Patriots were a team that was trying to prove itself last year, and many observers would have been happy if they finished with a .500 record or fought for a Wild Card spot. The idea that the Patriots could beat out the Buffalo Bills for the division title seemed unrealistic.
The combination of head coach Mike Vrabel and second-year quarterback Drake Maye proved to be an excellent one. However, after holding off the Broncos, the Seahawks were too much for them in the Super Bowl. Seattle built an early advantage and the Pats were unable to mount a charge in the 29-13 loss.
Offseason has not been easy for Vrabel
Attempting to build off that season will be a major challenge. Vrabel has endured a difficult offseason as his relationship with a well-known NFL insider has been unearthed and he has had to explain his actions and his behavior. He will undoubtedly face more questions when the Patriots head to training camp.
Maye was basically satisfied with his receiving crew last season, but he made it clear that he wanted the team to add a dynamic receiver, and the Pats traded for wideout A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles. He is one of the top receivers in the league and he has the size, strength and speed to become an All-Pro while working with Maye.
Brown is anything but a sleeper. He has all the tools needed to help Maye become an MVP candidate in the upcoming season and to become the top receiver in the league. However, the Patriots have a few sleepers who could play an important role for the team
Jacas is a potential game-changing player
Outside linebacker Gabe Jacas was selected in the second round of this year’s NFL Draft by the Patriots. He became a key performer at Illinois during his college career.
When he first arrived at Illinois, he was a former wrestler who was trying to make a transition to college football. Jacas is a remarkable athletic specimen at at 6-4 and 261 pounds, but he will have to make a huge transition if he is going to become an impact player for the New England defense.
He may not be a starter as the season gets underway in a rematch with the Seahawks, but he could grow into that role before the season reaches the halfway point.
Jacas has already displayed an excellent work ethic and he improved throughout his career with the Fighting Illini. He played 13 games as a freshman in 2022 and finished that season with 35 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. Jacas had a similar season in 2023, but he improved dramatically as a junior in 2024. He 74 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery.
The Patriots’ scouts took notice of his superior performance as a senior. Jacas was credited with 43 tackles, 13.5 TFL, 11.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 1 pass defensed.
He is determined to become an impact player and it would not be a shocker if this sleeper exceeded all expectations as a rookie.
Defense has picked up a key performer from Ravens
The Patriots have brought in former Ravens pass rusher Dre’Mont Jones with the hope that he will become an impact player in the upcoming season. He signed a three-year, $36.5 million deal, so the Pats are expecting him to rise above the label of sleeper/newcomer.
Jones depends on his size and strength to get the job done because he checks in at 6-3 and 280 pounds. The New England pass rush struggled much of the season, ranking tied for 22nd with 35 sacks last season.
Jones demonstrated he could get to the quarterback as he delivered 15 QB hits. He also had a career-best 7.0 sacks, and the Pats may be looking for just a bit more from him this year.
The Pats are hoping that Jones can become a key contributor this year, but Jones may want to rise above that label and become an actual star. That would be a huge step up for the edge rusher.
He is well-traveled, having played for the Broncos, Seahawks, Tennessee Titans and Ravens during his 7 NFL seasons. He had his best season in 2025, with 43 tackles, 7.0 sacks, 7 TFL, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 pass defensed while playing 9 games for the Titans and 9 more for the Ravens.
If he can use those numbers as a jumping-off point, the Patriots will have a big opportunity to improve their pass rush over last year’s performance.
The New England Patriots have a challenging assignment in 2026. They exceeded all expectations a year ago, won the AFC East title and made their way through the AFC playoffs. They beat the Denver Broncos on the road in the AFC title game on the road — something the team never accomplished during the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era.