Patriots could finally land defender they chased at trade deadline in free agency

"Still, there are some weaknesses on defense that will need to be addressed, including at linebacker. Although they upgraded the position last offseason, injuries and inconsistency remain problems, and they'll need to address them to compete again this fall. There are some free agent options they can explore, with one player set to hit the market for the first time in his career that might pique Mike Vrabel's interest,"

"as he reportedly called the Seahawks about his availability before the trade deadline last season. Boye Mafe became a household name in Seattle since he was drafted in the second round of the 2022 Draft, and Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer revealed the Patriots were interested in acquiring him this past season, likely due to the injuries to players like Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane."

"Looking at the Patriots' biggest needs ahead of the 2026 season, improving their defensive line will be among the most dire. They clearly have an impressive 1-2 punch in Christian Barmore and Milton Williams, and as long as Barmore's personal issues don't become bigger, the duo will continue to bring the pressure to opposing quarterbacks this fall. They need help keeping that going and instilling fear in their opponents; bringing in someone like Mafe could potentially help accomplish that."

The Patriots must address defensive weaknesses at linebacker and on the defensive line to compete next season. Injuries and inconsistency at linebacker remain problems despite an offseason upgrade, creating a need to explore free-agent options. Boye Mafe, a 2022 second-round pick in Seattle, attracted prior Patriots interest after Mike Vrabel reportedly called about his availability before the trade deadline. Mafe produced 31 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, five passes defended, one forced fumble and two sacks in 2025 but has posted more productive seasons earlier in his career. Adding a player like Mafe could strengthen pressure alongside Christian Barmore and Milton Williams.

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