The Patriots are banking on a youth movement in Foxboro

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 04: Kyle Williams #18 of the New England Patriots runs the ball in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images Looking over the Patriots 2026 free agent class, one thing seems clear: the team is banking on their 2025 draft class breaking out for success this season. Mike Vrabel and company chose not to bring back any of the free agents whose contracts expired this offseason.

That sets the stage for a youth movement in Foxboro. Despite all eleven draftees, plus a pair of undrafted free agents, making the team last year, the Patriots were actually a hair older than the average team in snap-adjusted age last season. Veteran players like Garrett Bradbury, Stefon Diggs, Austin Hooper, Jaylinn Hawkins, and Khyiris Tonga helped drag that number up.

All five departed New England this offseason. Those departures give room for last year’s draft class to step into bigger roles, or to fail trying. Let’s start on the offensive line.

It should come as no surprise that top-five pick Will Campbell is projected to remain the team’s starter at the most valuable spot on the offensive line next season, but the release of Bradbury at center gives Jared Wilson a clear lane to be the team’s opening day starter in the middle of the line. The third-round pick had a rocky rookie year out of position at left guard. With the starting job open at center, Wilson now has the chance to grow into that role at his more natural position.