Patriots links 3/12/26: Pats’ free agency: Better, younger, cheaper

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Fans wait for the New England Patriots to take the field against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TEAM TALK

• Patriots updated Free Agent Tracker.
• Roster Moves:Patriots announce they traded C Garrett Bradbury to the Chicago Bears; Released WR Stefon Diggs, LB Anfernee Jennings and LB Jahlani Tavai.
• Evan Lazar's Film Review: Breaking down Romeo Doubs and Alijah Vera-Tucker's fit in the Pats' offense.
• Patriots Catch-22: Evan Lazar and Alex Barth discuss the Patriots signings/releases/trades, free agency buzz, and the draft. (2 hours)

LOCAL LINKS

• Karen Guregian shares 10 thoughts on the Patriots moves in free agency thus far. Even slate: Eight new players - eight players heading out the door. Four offense. Four defense. 1. Better, younger, cheaper.
• Mark Morse unpacks the key signings and strategic decisions from Days 2 and 3.
• Doug Kyed projects the Pats' current starting players after Day 3 of free agency and finds that the team has successfullyassembled a roster strong enough to be able to select the best player available in the Draft.
• Keagan Stiefel explains how the signing of TE Julian Hill signals a huge shift of focus by the Pats.
• Alex Barth reports the Patriots signed safety Kevin Byard before losing free agent safety Jaylinn Hawkins.
• Keagan Stiefel tells us what to know about former Titans safety Mike Brown, in a perfect world, he'll only play on special teams." Brown has totaled 60% of his total snaps on special teams across the last 4 seasons.
• Doug Kyed notes that the release of the Pats' longest-tenured player, OLB Anfernee Jennings, will save the Patriots over $3.8 million in cap space.
• Mike D'Abate highlights Anfernee Jennings penning a heartfelt goodbye to New England.
• Ethan Hurwitz notes the Pats declined to tender LB Jack Gibbens, making him an unrestricted free agent.
• Andrew Callahan hears from rival AFC teams who offered consistent praise for the Pats' free agent class.
• NESN spotlights 9 Boston legends who owned rivals so badly their jerseys belong in enemy arenas. 1. Tom Brady vs. Buffalo Bills.
• All Patriots Talk podcast: Ethan Hurwitz and Mike D'Abate break down the start of free agency and discuss which players are still out there. (39 min.)

NATIONAL NEWS

• Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Patriots agree to terms with TE Julian Hill, S Mike Brown and S Kevin Byard; Pats release OLB Anfernee Jennings and lose Edge K'Lavon Chaisson to the Commanders.
• Myles Simmons (ProFootballTalk) Patriots agree to sign LB K.J. Britt.
• Matt Bowen (ESPN) Ranking best players still available in free agency.
• Albert Breer (SI) Free Agency Notes: All signs point to one Kyler Murray landing spot.
• Garrett Podell (CBS Sports) NFL free agency Day 3 grades. S Kevin Byard to Patriots: A.
• Seth Walder (ESPN) 2026 NFL free agency grades.
• Eric Edholm (NFL.com) NFL free agency winners and losers. Winner: Interior offensive linemen, including Alijah Vera-Tucker; Loser: Buffalo Bills; More.
• Jordan Dajani (CBS Sports) Free agency winners and losers: Trey Hendrickson and Daniel Jones cash in, while Ravens face backlash.
• Jordan Dajani (CBS Sports) Free agency's 10 biggest surprises: Maxx Crosby trade falls through, plus questions in New Orleans
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) There are lessons to be learned from the Maxx Crosby trade misadventure.