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sports13h ago
Patriots offseason preview: Linebacker a bastion of stability
- New England plans to supplement its linebacker corps with draft picks in 2026 after a steady 2025 group.
- Robert Spillane anchored the defense, starting all 17 games and leading the team with 115 tackles.
- Christian Elliss progressed to a starter role in 2025 with 94 tackles in 19 games.
- Jack Gibbens earned a roster spot and became a key rotational option and signal caller in 2025.
- Jahlani Tavai and Marte Mapu served hybrid and special-teams roles with limited defensive snaps in 2025.
- Chad Muma and Otis Reese added depth through late-season signings, contributing mainly on special teams.
- The Patriots view the linebacker group as seven players under contract for 2025, with Gibbens as a potential returnee.
- Eliot Wolf indicated the team would address linebacker needs in the draft while praising Spillane and Elliss.
- Overall, the Patriots aim for development and depth at linebacker through 2026 amid a stable core.
- The piece highlights a stable 2025 group with plans for future growth at linebacker.
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