The New England Patriots cleared or avoided around $22 million in linebacker spending ahead of the 2026 NFL season by parting ways with Anfernee Jennings, Jahlani Tavai, Marte Mapu, Jack Gibbens and K’Lavon Chaisson. While the financial logic is sound, the roster consequences are real. Robert Spillane remains the anchor of a run defense that ranked sixth in the NFL last season, but the depth behind him is limited. If Spillane misses time, New England’s ability to sustain its run-stopping performance becomes a legitimate concern heading into the season.
