#new-england-patriots

#new-england-patriots

Patriots linebacker Anf ernee Jennings had the music pumping at Almont Park in Mattapan as kids tossed footballs around, got haircuts, and grabbed new backpacks with school supplies and an autographed photo inside. Jennings brought some of his teammates along with him to enjoy the fun and spend time in the community. Fellow outside linebackers Keion White and K'Lavon Chaisson were among those who stopped by.

It is beyond clear that the Patriots have a lot of fixing they need to do during the upcoming NFL season if they want to be an improved, or better yet, a competitive team once again. Mike Vrabel and the new regime attempted to change some of the biggest concerns with the roster by adding some top-name talent in free agency and the draft, and based on what was seen during the preseason, it appears that much of it worked.

With the influx of players during this offseason, the Patriots have the bulk of the core group under contract for the next few seasons. In 2026, solid rotational pieces like Austin Hooper and Jaylinn Hawkins will be free agents, and a handful of players on one-year prove-it deals also will see the open market, like K'Lavon Chaisson and Jack Gibbens.

The rookie DB was one of a dozen or so long shots in camp, trying to sneak onto the backend of the 53 or at least earn a practice squad look. Polk had some intriguing measurables (5-foot-11 with freakish length) and flashed a little playmaking juice in college: six career forced fumbles, five sacks, and snaps all over the field from the nickel to the box. The Pats love versatility. They love special teams. So, they took a flyer, and it didn't stick.

They got some players. It was a good test for us to see Barmore back out there today. That's obviously going to make a big difference for them. I got a ton of respect for Harold. I played against him before, and just everything I hear about him is true professional. And then Milton's got some juice for sure, too. ... And Keion is pretty good, too, off the edge, and he's able to do it from both side

The Patriots had made just two Super Bowl appearances, losing in both and by an average of 25 points before Brady became the quarterback.