The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview.
With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the New England Patriots and preview how it might perform this season.
New England Patriots 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown
The Patriots were good against opposing running backs in 2025, finishing sixth in yards allowed per carry (3.9) to the position and fourth in explosive run rate allowed. Milton Williams was limited to 12 games in his first season with the Patriots, but he had an impressive 13.2% pressure rate and was second on the team with 9 run stuffs. Christian Barmore bounced back from his scary medical situation to play all 17 games last season, posting a 12.4% pressure rate. Cory Durden tied Williams with 9 run stuffs, and he could get a shot at more playing time with Khyiris Tonga gone.
The Patriots finished 12th in pressure rate (38.4%) last year, but they lagged behind with just 35 sacks (22nd). K'Lavon Chaisson, who was second on the team in sacks last year, left in free agency, and the Patriots added Dre’Mont Jones. Jones logged 7 sacks while playing for the Titans and Ravens last season, and his pressure rate looked better with the Ravens. Harold Landry contributed 8.5 sacks in his first season with the team, posting a solid 12.8% pressure rate. New England added some youth to the edge group with Gabe Jacas in the second round.
Robert Spillane missed some time, but he was good in his first year with the team, especially against the run. Spillane led the team with 10 run stuffs, and he recorded a tackle on 21.6% of his run defense snaps. With Jack Gibbens leaving in free agency, Christian Elliss appears to be the unquestioned No. 2 at linebacker heading into 2026. K.J. Britt was added on a small deal in free agency, but he has not shown well when given defensive snaps at his other stops.
The Patriots allowed 6.7 yards per pass attempt (10th) last season and finished 11th in EPA allowed per pass attempt. Christian Gonzalez continued the great start to his career, allowing just a 57.0 quarterback rating in his coverage last season. Carlton Davis played a full season for the first time in his career during his first year with the Patriots, and he finished 18th among qualified corners in yards allowed per coverage snap. Marcus Jones rounds out the excellent top three from last season, primarily covering the slot for the Patriots in 2025.
New England did lose Jaylinn Hawkins, who played the second-most safety snaps last season, in free agency, but they replaced him with Kevin Byard. Byard played for Mike Vrabel with the Titans, and he is coming off two quality seasons in Chicago. He should slot in opposite Craig Woodson, who started 15 games as a rookie.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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