The New England Patriots are set to enter training camp with several position battles that will decide roster spots. We break them down on this week’s Patriots Roundtable Podcast.
Training camp is less than one month away.
In late July, the practice fields at Gillette Stadium will become a battleground for several open spots on the New England Patriots' initial 53-man roster. On this week’s episode of the Patriots Roundtable Podcast, we more closely examine each of them.
New England spent the 2026 offseason building on the success they enjoyed in year one of the Mike Vrabel era, which culminated in a 17-4 overall record and trip to Super Bowl LX. The Patriots showcased a talented young foundation through winning — a lot — in 2025, and used the spring months to build around that core through every available avenue.
When the dust had settled on the major moves New England made — which spanned into early June with the A.J. Brown trade — key areas of need on both sides of the ball received major potential upgrades. On offense, Brown was the headliner, with reinforcements also brought in for the offensive line and tight end rooms. On defense, Kevin Byard III highlights moves made in the secondary as Dre’Mont Jones does for the front seven.
Still, there are positions for the taking as training camp approaches. From roles that warrant significant playing time like “Y” tight end and nose tackle to depth substitutes and special teams contributors, the Patriots will use their competitive periods to decide who makes the final cut.
On today’s show, we discuss each of those battles in more detail: second tight end, third running back, sixth receiver, and depth in the trenches, linebacking corps, and secondary.
At tight end, rookie Eli Raridon will be trying to earn more immediate playing time as the season approaches, but will need to supplant Jack Westover and awaits the potential for another new arrival. At running back, New England added two rookies, but Lan Larison has carried the load behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson through the spring. Kayshon Boutte’s shadow is cast over the wide receiver room while the Patriots look for reliable depth in the trenches and across the remaining levels of their defense.
New England added 45 new players to the initial 90-man roster, and will have to cut nearly as many to make it down to 53 in late August. The competition for just a few open roster spots will be a fierce one, and it begins in just a few short weeks.
Which position battles will you be watching closely when Patriots’ training camp kicks off in late July? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on Patriots Roundtable.
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