Winners and losers after Patriots' first week of free agency

The first full week of free agency is in the rearview, and while the New England Patriots likely aren't done making moves, things have slowed considerably from the initial spree of roster signings. This wasn't the 2025 free agency period when the Patriots spent the most money overhauling one of the worst rosters in the NFL. It was the first year with Mike Vrabel as the head coach, and the team finally made good on former coach Jerod Mayo's claim to "burn some cash.

" There wasn't as much cash burning in 2026, but the Patriots still made significant moves to improve the overall roster. Granted, they still have holes to fill, particularly at wide receiver, edge rusher, offensive tackle and even tight end. But so far, it has been another strong free agency under Vrabel's leadership.

Here are the winners and losers so far in New England's 2026 free agency period: Winner: G Jared Wilson Center Garrett Bradbury being traded to the Chicago Bears might have been the best thing that's ever happened for Jared Wilson in the NFL. The former Georgia standout was drafted as a center and then moved to left guard as a last resort. With Bradbury gone, Wilson can return to his natural position at center, which should give him a significantly better shot at making an impact on the offensive line.

Loser: WR Stefon Diggs Stefon Diggs was set to count $26. 5 million against the salary cap in 2026. So it was no surprise that the Patriots opted to dump him when they couldn't agree to a restructured deal.