The New England Patriots are undergoing significant changes ahead of the 2026 season, particularly on offense. With head coach Mike Vrabel's aggressive strategies, the team aims to build on their recent successes and support quarterback Drake Maye.
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The New England Patriots faced sweeping changes on both sides of the ball after head coach Mike Vrabel's first year with the team. His aggressive changes left a lasting imprint on the Patriots, leading the team on an improbable journey to win an AFC East division title, an AFC Championship, and a Super Bowl LX appearance.
How much change can the Patriots expect to see in 2026, most notably on the offensive side of the ball?
That is the biggest question heading into a season with a much stiffer schedule of opponents than the one New England faced last year. The offense fired on all cylinders before hitting a massive brick wall in the postseason, when faced with four consecutive top defensive opponents.
They are hopeful to get another massive leap from Drake Maye in his third NFL season, but most importantly, they have gone above and beyond in working to surround their young franchise quarterback with enough offensive weapons and protection to continue his ascent.
Let's take a look at my first prediction for every Patriots starter on the offensive side of the ball ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
The quarterback position is set in stone with Drake Maye as the starter. It was a massive Year 2 leap for the 23-year-old gunslinger last season. He put up career-high numbers and ultimately finished the season with his first-ever All-Pro nod and a runner-up behind Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford for the NFL MVP award.
The Patriots are expected to implement significant changes to their offense, focusing on enhancing support for quarterback Drake Maye.
Drake Maye is anticipated to be the starting quarterback for the Patriots in the 2026 season.
The Patriots won the AFC East division title, the AFC Championship, and reached Super Bowl LX in the previous season.
The Patriots will face a tougher schedule of opponents in the 2026 season compared to the previous year.
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Things could get interesting in the expected training camp competition between Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. There was a point last year when it seemed like the starting reins might be handed over to Henderson, particularly when Stevenson experienced ball security issues early in the season.
However, the veteran running back cleaned up the turnovers and reestablished himself as one of the key playmakers on offense. Will that continue in 2026, or will Henderson take a big enough step to finally surpass Stevenson?
I am sticking with Stevenson as the starter. He's a highly underrated running back who should do even more damage on the ground with improved blocking on the offensive front. Henderson will get his touches serving as a complementary, explosive option behind Stevenson.
There is too much smoke at this point to ignore the ongoing fire from the A.J. Brown and Patriots rumors. The Eagles drafted Makai Lemon in the first round to pair with DeVonta Smith, and the Patriots didn't draft a wide receiver, despite Romeo Doubs currently being their top receiving option.
Brown is expected to be traded to the Patriots on or after June 1. Doubs is the clear No. 2 option across from Brown, and DeMario Douglas seems like the perfect candidate to work in the slot. If Kayshon Boutte somehow sticks around, there would be some shuffling with the starters.
But the expectation here is for Boutte to get traded at some point.
Eli Raridon has the potential to be one of the next great tight ends in the NFL. He is the complete package as both a blocker and receiver. With that said, Hunter Henry is still a really good player and one of Maye's top security blankets. Raridon will get his opportunities, but he isn't overtaking Henry to start the season.
The obvious change along the offensive front is the Patriots kicking Jared Wilson further inside at center and slotting veteran Alijah Vera-Tucker in at left guard.
But where is Caleb Lomu?
The rookie offensive tackle will serve as a swing tackle behind Will Campbell and Morgan Moses. Some are ready to see Campbell ousted as the starting left tackle, but it feels too soon after his impressive rookie season. Yes, he looked like a mess in the postseason, but he was also coming off an MCL injury. Before the injury, Campbell was a solid left tackle for the Patriots.
He will get better in the offseason, and he should have enough experience under his belt to put up a bigger fight in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Predicting every Patriots starter on offense ahead of the 2026 season