Patriots links 2/19/26: Rushing to Safety: Pats roster needs

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 04: Jaylinn Hawkins #21 of the New England Patriots intercepts a pass in the end zone in the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TEAM TALK

• Patriots updated Mock Draft Tracker.
• Patriots Catch-22:Evan Lazar and Alex Barth go full offseason mode from the Pats biggest needs, the NFL combine, players and drills to watch, and position analysis. Plus, draft prospects that best fit the Pats scheme, hidden gems and More. (2 hours)

LOCAL LINKS

• Doug Kyedsuggests 5 steps to get Pats back to the Super Bowl: No. 4 Add explosive wide receivers.
• Karen Guregian looks at whether the Patriots have any franchise tag candidates.
• Steve Balestrieri examines each of the Patriots free agents to project whether they will stay or go in 2026.
• Mike D'Abate explains why keeping DT Khyiris Tonga will help the Pats fortify their defensive line.
• Keagan Stiefel thinks the Patriots need to cut TE Austin Hooper.
• Darren Hartwell tells us what to know about Stefon Diggs' contract situation and why March 13 is a key date to watch.
• Justin Leger and Nick Goss profile the best fits for the Pats in free agency: Edge rusher - Safety - Wide receiver - Tight end - Offensive tackle.
• Justin Leger identifies 5 players with major red flags the Patriots may want to avoid this offseason.
• Conor Ryan explains why WR Brian Thomas Jr. may be a legitimate trade target for the Pats this offseason.
• Graham Wilker spotlights Bills center Connor McGovern as an excellent addition to the Patriots' O-line.
• Conor Ryan passes along an Adam Schefter report that maps out a potential price for Maxx Crosby trade.
• Sara Marshall sees the Patriots as a potential leading contender in the Boye Mafe sweepstakes.
• Jennifer Streeter writes Mike Vrabel is looking to build upon the foundation the Patriots have set.
• Alex Barth reports the Patriots added BJ Edmonds to the coaching staff from the college level.
• Mike D'Abate helps us get to know Patriots new inside LBs coach Vinny DePalma.
• Phil Perrymocks his first draft of the offseason. Pats pick Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion at 31. /Click for commentary.
• Mark Morse gives us his Patriots Mock Draft #2. Pats take Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor at No. 31. /More.
• Victor Barbosa notes the Patriots earned a failing travel grade,' and were blasted for team plane' issues in NFLPA annual report cards.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Joel Corry (CBS Sports) Agent's Take: Everything you need to know about franchise and transition tags with NFL free agency on horizon.
• Analytics Team (NFL.com) Next Gen Stats: The rise of split-safety coverage is taking the NFL by storm.
• Around the NFL (NFL.com) 2026 NFL free agency: Free agents, notable departures for all 32 teams.
• Zachary Pereles (CBS Sports) One free agent every team should make sure to keep. Patriots: Edge K'Lavon Chaisson.
• Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Top 100 free agents: Market light on big-name talent, but some stars to be had.
• Austin Gayle (The Ringer) Ranking the top 50 NFL free agents of 2026.
• Conor Orr (SI) 2026 NFL Quarterback carousel preview: 24 Players worth monitoring.
• Eva Geitheim (SI) 2026 NFL Free Agency: Best available Edge Rushers - Quarterbacks - Cornerbacks.
• Aaron Schatz (ESPN) Players who need a change of scenery this offseason. Patriots: Christian Barmore.
• Kevin Patra (NFL.com) Eight players in free agency who could be misvalued in 2026.
• Dan Parr (NFL.com) Top five draft needs for all 32 teams entering offseason. Patriots:Edge, OL, DL, TE, S.
• Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com) 2026 NFL mock draft 2.0. Pats pick Missouri Edge Zion Young at 31.
• Dan Parr (NFL.com) 2026 NFL mock draft 1.0. Pats take Clemson Edge T.J. Parker at 31.
• Tom Fornelli (CBS Sports) 2026 NFL mock draft 1.0. Pats pick Illinois LB Gabe Jacas at 31.
• Michael McCann (Sportico) Mahomes, Kelse face trademark lawsuit over Kansas City steakhouse.