The New England Patriots' defense stepped up in a big way in the postseason, helping an offense that scored 15 PPG across their four games have a chance at the Super Bowl. As unfortunate as it was, the offense was unable to find a foothold in any of their playoff games; the defense also needs to continue to improve.
The unit ranked 22nd in sacks during the regular season, and they'll need to improve that figure if they want to have a chance to repeat their Super Bowl feat in 2026. The lack of pressure came from the edge.
While Milton Williams and Christian Barmore each rated highly from the interior, Harold Landry's injury-ridden second half of the year hurt the team's pressure stats. K'Lavon Chaisson had 10.5 sacks between the regular season and postseason, but he's a pending free agent.
Anfernee Jennings has consistently been listed as a cut or trade candidate, while relying on sophomores Elijah Ponder or Bradyn Swinson seems foolish. Adding to the edge should be a priority for the Patriots this offseason.
Al-Quadin Muhammad could be the perfect addition to New England
In a recent article from NESN's Keagan Stiefel, Lions' edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad is listed as a potential fit for the Patriots. The soon-to-be 31-year-old had a career year in 2025, recording 11 sacks for the Lions opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Previously, Muhammad never had a season with more than 6 sacks, and had 15 in his previous seven seasons in the NFL.
Aside from a recent surge in production, Muhammad has experience with the Patriots' coaching staff: Terrell Williams was his positional coach in 2024 during each of their first seasons in Detroit (and Williams' only).
Stiefel argues that one pass rusher won't be enough to fix New England's woes. Should Chaisson depart, as he likely will, the team will be down one of their most productive QB hunters. Improving the edge would mean adding to what they had previously, and Muhammad could help them return to that level post-Chaisson.
In an ideal world, Stiefel has Muhammad being signed by New England as well as them acquiring another productive pass rusher: "If you swing a trade for Maxx Crosby/Kayvon Thibodeaux/Jonathan Greenard or draft Zion Young/Akheem Mesidor/Cashius Howell, this is a tremendous complementary option."
Maxx Crosby Mock Trade:#Patriots Receive:
— Graham Wilker (@GrahamWilker1) February 15, 2026
ED Maxx Crosby
2027 4th Rounder#Raiders Receive:
LB Christian Elliss
Pick No. 31
Pick No. 95
Pick No. 208
2027 2nd Rounder
The Raiders attempted to sign Elliss last offseason when he was a RFA.
Crosby would be difficult and expensive to acquire, but Thibodeaux and Greenard may come at more reasonable prices in a trade. 7/8 of Young's sacks at Missouri this season were against SEC competition.
Mesidor has excellent size and had 12.5 sacks this season, and Howell, despite very short arms, had 11.5 sacks in the SEC. Pair any of them with Muhammad, and the edge group has the potential to ascend in a major way come the fall.