The Cost of a Missed Chance
The New England Patriots just set their 2026 roster, and they made a choice that will sting later. They passed on outside linebacker Zach Harrison. He is a 25-year-old talent who just got cut by the Atlanta Falcons. According to reports, Harrison had an impressive junior season in 2025 and brings real speed to the field. The Patriots were No. 31 on the waiver list when he hit the market. They had the chance to grab him but decided against it. This looks like a major error in judgment for a team that needs depth.
Harrison is not a project player. He has already played three seasons in the NFL. In that short time, he recorded 81 combined tackles and 12 plays for a loss. He also logged 11 quarterback hits. These are not small numbers for a young player. The Falcons released him, yet New England did not pull the trigger. Now he is a free agent, and the Patriots are left without a proven pass rusher they could have had for cheap.
A Roster Built on Outsiders
The Patriots made 42 transactions before the deadline. They cut 31 players during the final roster process. This shows a team in full overhaul mode. They waived cornerbacks like Marcellas Dial Jr. and safeties like John Saunders Jr. to clear space. They even released six vested veterans, including edge rusher Jesse Luketa. NGSC Sports reports the final moves formed a roster centered on quarterback Drake Maye.
But the defense still feels thin. Over the past 48 hours, the team added more players to the 53-man roster and practice squad. Yet they missed the best available piece. The Falcons selected Harrison in the draft only three years ago. He is still in his prime. The Patriots have a history of drafting poorly this decade, according to reports. They need to find talent on the waiver wire to fill the gaps. Skipping Harrison feels like a failure to adapt.
Looking at the Numbers
The math does not add up for New England. They started the weekend with 91 players. They made 42 moves to get down to 53. They waived running backs, wide receivers, and offensive linemen to make room. But they left a key defender on the table. Zach Harrison is currently a free agent. He is 25 years old. He has 12 tackles for a loss in just three seasons. The Falcons cut him, but the Patriots did not claim him.
This team won 14 games last season and reached Super Bowl 60. They also claimed their first AFC East title since 2019. They have high expectations. They cannot afford to miss on young defenders who can play right now. The Patriots have top players like Dre’Mont Jones and Milton Williams.
