Patriots Saved $22 Million But Are Now Exposed

The Patriots’ 2026 NFL linebacker budget was cut by about $22 million, but the roster is thinner as key depth was moved on. New England released or traded players including Jahlani Tavai, Marte Mapu, Anfernee Jennings, Jack Gibbens, and K’Lavon Chaisson, clearing cap space and avoiding additional spending. Spotrac figures cited Tavai at about $1.73 million, Mapu at $1.508 million, and Jennings at roughly $4 million in 2026 cap relief. Gibbens signed a two-year $7.5 million deal with Arizona, with $4.475 million due in 2026, while Chaisson joined Washington on a one-year $11 million contract with a $11.47 million 2026 cap hit. Despite improvements in run defense efficiency, the ESPN depth chart still places Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss at inside linebacker, raising concerns if injuries strike.