3-Point Stance: How the Patriots’ offseason approach left the defensive edge vulnerable

Entering the 2026 season, the New England Patriots have a glaring weakness on the defensive edge.

After New England’s preseason victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 22, head coach Mike Vrabel said he doesn’t think the Patriots have a deep roster. He later explained on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show that his comments came while emphasizing the development of the team’s young players.

Advertisement

Simply put, the team’s depth remains unsettled.

But for the defensive edge room, those question marks range from the top of the depth chart to the bottom.

Why is that?

For starters, veteran Harold Landry III, who’s supposed to be an every-down starter, is beginning...