Impending Patriots NFL free agents the Bengals could target

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 25: K'Lavon Chaisson #44 of the New England Patriots rushes the passer during the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New England Patriots will face off against the Seattle Seahawks on Super Bowl Sunday. There are a couple of players on the Patriots who will be upcoming free agents this year.

Let's take a look at who the Cincinnati Bengals should have on their radar.

K'Lavon Chaisson

Chaisson has excelled for the Patriots this year. Still just 26 years old, he is likely to cash in this offseason. He exploded for career highs in pressures with 72 and sacks with 10.5 this year. The former first round pick had never topped 30 pressures and 6 sacks for a season previously. It will be interesting to see if Chaisson hits the open market or if the Patriots can get him locked into an extension before he hits free agency. The Bengals would likely have interest if he does make it to free agency.

Khyiris Tonga

Tonga is a 29-year-old defensive tackle. He weighs in at 338 pounds. He is a rotational player who can plug the middle against the run, but also get a little push on the interior as a pass rusher. He had a 75.1 pass rush grade with 17 pressures in 2025.

Jaylinn Hawkins

The 28-year-old Hawkins was really good for the Patriots in 2025. He currently has 81 tackles, 4 interceptions, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. He has a 76.6 coverage grade this year. On top of that, he has an 86.0 run defense grade. His 10.5% missed tackle rate was a lot better than Geno Stone's 18.7% missed tackle rate. Hawkins isn't among the biggest free agent names at safety, but he might be one of the best.