ESPN grades Patriots' biggest 2026 free agency moves

How good of a job have the New England Patriots done in free agency thus far in 2026?

According to ESPN’s Seth Walder and Ben Solak, Romeo Doubs’ deal with the Patriots was given a ‘B+’ while Dre’Mont Jones and Alijah Vera-Tucker’s deals each received a ‘C.’

Doubs signed a four-year, $68 million deal with the Patriots in free agency this offseason. He went for 724 receiving yards in 2025 with the Green Bay Packers. The total value of his deal with New England ranks No. 20 among all wide receivers in the NFL. The 26-year-old Doubs has the potential to contend for 1,000 yards in New England with an increase in targets next season.

Jones was effective for the Tennessee Titans in 2025. He was one of the bright spots in the Titans’ defense last season. Jones signed a three-year, $36.5 million deal with New England in free agency. The Ohio State product registered a career-high seven sacks last season, but he still has more to prove to cement himself as a top-tier edge rusher in the league.

Vera-Tucker missed the entire 2025 NFL season due to a torn triceps. The 26-year-old is regarded as one of the premier offensive guards in the NFL. Nevertheless, his injury history creates question marks regarding the three-year, $42 million deal he signed with the Patriots in free agency. At his best, Vera-Tucker is capable of greatly improving the Patriots’ offensive line.