The latest New England Patriots rumors could suggest the team may consider releasing former Tennessee Titans linebacker Harold Landry before Week 1. The Patriots have overhauled their linebacker room this offseason, drafting Gabe Jacas and signing Dre’Mont Jones. While the former Titan has been rumored to be traded, if he isn’t healthy, the Patriots will have no other choice but to release him. Selected as a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Boston College product reunited with Mike Vrabel last offseason and became one of the most productive pass-rushers.
Unfortunately, his latest injury may lead to some questions about his future in New England. Many have said a trade, but nobody is giving up draft capital for a pass-rusher that isn’t healthy. Rumblings this offseason have been brought up after the Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks about whether or not Landry will return. However, what’s the point of keeping him in the fold for the remainder of the 2026 campaign?
The linebacker recorded 49 tackles and 8.5 sacks while being graded 43rd among 119 qualifying edge defenders by PFF. New England remains hopeful he can return to his same form, but it’s unlikely.
Patriots Rumors: $43M Star Projected to Be Released Following PUP List Move
Always a Way Out
Despite deciding against re-signing K’Lavion Chaisson, the Patriots brought in a new unit out of Jacas and Jones. If the team likes what they see in training camp this year, they could fix Landry’s current contract and grant him a release. At the same time, Vrabel probably won’t give up too easily on a player he’s familiar with, and an example of that is his reunion with AJ Brown.
Meanwhile, expect the veteran LB to miss a couple of weeks, especially after being placed on the PUP list. Here are a few teams that could be ready to sign him.
Potential Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have been heavily rumored to target a LB via a trade, but won’t do so for Landry. However, if he becomes available before Week 1, don’t be shocked if the Cowboys become interested. Dallas overhauled its unit ever since they traded Micah Parsons last offseason, drafting Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham. They also acquired Dee Winters and Rashan Gary via a trade this offseason.
With DeMarvion Overshown entering the final year of his rookie deal, it might be better to get as much talent as they can get. Dallas took a chance on Gary despite his injuries last year, so maybe they do the same with the former Titan?
Los Angeles Chargers
This offseason for the Los Angeles Chargers has been disappointing, so what exactly are they going to do on defense? Jim Harbaugh wants to win football games with a physical defense, but can’t ignore upgrading the unit. Khalil Mack is back for another year while Tuli Tuipulotu is solid, but looking for a new contract. What’s funny is that it’s not that they don’t have the financial means to get anything done.
At the very least, they should keep Landry in mind if he becomes available. Bobby Wagner, Matt Milano and Von Miller are there, but of course, the Patriots LB is the better option for LA.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have announced that young rising star Nic Scourton suffered a torn ACL on the first day of training camp. With this in mind, the team might look for help. Patrick Jones will step up, but Carolina won’t target Landry immediately before Week 1. If the Patriots LB is available for a trade and is back healthy during the 2026 season, the Panthers could give New England a ring.
