New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is eyeing a crucial offseason, hoping to retain three key players who were instrumental in their Super Bowl journey. With seven players set to hit unrestricted free agency in 2026, the spotlight is on linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson, defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, and left tackle Vederian Lowe.
These three have been pivotal in the Patriots' recent success. Chaisson, with his impressive 7.5 sacks during the regular season and an additional three in the playoffs, has been a defensive powerhouse.
Tonga, on the other hand, showcased his versatility with three stuffs and two passes defended, earning a respectable 67.2 player grade from Pro Football Focus. Meanwhile, Lowe has been a steady presence on the offensive line, starting in four of 17 games and allowing just one sack and two hits last season.
Vrabel expressed his desire to see these players return, acknowledging the unpredictability of NFL negotiations: "Would love to have them all back, but we know that that's not always the case in the National Football League, so we'll see where those conversations go.”
The Patriots are entering the offseason with $42.6 million in cap space, providing them with some flexibility to negotiate. However, the market for Chaisson, Tonga, and Lowe is expected to be competitive, making it a challenging yet exciting offseason for New England. As the team strategizes, fans will be eagerly watching to see how these negotiations unfold and what the future holds for these standout players.