🚨 BREAKING: New England Patriots to Let Veteran CB Alex Austin Walk as He Becomes Unrestricted Free Agent

In a move that will leave the New England Patriots with a hole in their defensive backfield, cornerback Alex Austin will reportedly not be tendered a restricted free-agent contract for the 2026 season. According to Jordan Schultz, this decision means that Austin, a 24-year-old cornerback and core special-teamer, will become an unrestricted free agent.

Austin, who joined the Patriots in November 2025, has had a steady presence in their secondary during his time with the team. He started six games, contributing with eight pass deflections and an interception. However, the cornerback has dealt with some injury struggles, most notably a minor surgical procedure after an injury sustained while playing on special teams in a win over the Cincinnati Bengals in late November.

A Veteran’s Journey: From Draft to Patriots

Austin’s journey to the NFL wasn’t conventional. He was drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft as the No. 252 pick by the Buffalo Bills — the final pick of the draft, known as the “Mr. Irrelevant” selection. After being waived by Buffalo during the final roster cuts, Austin bounced around the league. He spent time with the Houston Texans, alternating between the active roster and the practice squad. Despite being active for three regular-season games, Austin didn’t register any statistics with the Texans.

In early November 2025, the Patriots signed Austin after a string of injuries in their secondary, including a season-ending injury to Christian Gonzalez, the team’s first-round pick. Austin stepped up to provide much-needed depth at cornerback, making an immediate impact on a team in desperate need of reinforcement in the defensive backfield.

Austin’s Impact in New England’s Secondary

Once with the Patriots, Austin quickly showed he could contribute. Over the course of the 2025 season, he played five games and made one start. He finished the year with nine total tackles, including one tackle for loss, along with two pass breakups and an interception. Austin’s most notable performance came in a divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans, where he made a solid contribution, although he didn’t register any statistics in the Super Bowl LX loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Austin’s most significant contribution came as a reliable depth option behind Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones, both of whom were crucial parts of the Patriots’ defensive backfield. Austin also filled in admirably for Jones after he departed the team and Gonzalez was sidelined with his torn labrum. Austin displayed solid movement, a natural ability to stay with his target, and played a key role in providing stability for the Patriots’ secondary amid several injuries.

Injury Woes and Uncertainty for Austin’s Future

Unfortunately, Austin’s 2025 campaign was not without setbacks. His injury in November resulted in him being placed on injured reserve, a tough blow to both him and the team. But even after his return in January for the playoffs, his impact seemed to plateau as injuries continued to affect his availability.

As a restricted free agent, Austin was hoping to stay with the Patriots, but with the team not tendering him a new contract, it appears his time in Foxborough will soon come to an end. Austin will now head into the offseason as an unrestricted free agent, likely seeking a new opportunity with another team that values his abilities on special teams and his potential as a cornerback.

Patriots Cornerback Depth Moving Forward

As Austin departs the Patriots’ secondary, New England’s cornerback depth remains solid. Christian Gonzalez, still recovering from his season-ending injury, will continue to lead the group, while other key players such as Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Charles Woods, Kobee Minor, Marcellas Dial, and Brandon Crossley will help fill out the roster.

While losing Austin’s contributions may not significantly impact the team in terms of immediate depth, it does leave a hole in the defensive backfield, particularly in the special teams unit. The Patriots now have to adjust their strategy, and they may seek additional cornerback depth through free agency or the upcoming NFL Draft.

What’s Next for Alex Austin?

For Alex Austin, the lack of a tender from the Patriots doesn’t necessarily mean the end of his NFL career. At just 24 years old, Austin is still a young player with a lot of potential. Teams looking for reliable depth in the secondary, especially those seeking a special teams contributor, could be interested in his services. His performance in New England, despite being limited, showed that he has the ability to make plays in key moments. As an unrestricted free agent, Austin will likely find a new home where he can continue to develop and contribute.

Final Thoughts: The Patriots Move Forward

While Alex Austin’s departure is a small but notable move for the New England Patriots, it highlights the constant reshuffling of the roster as the team looks to improve its defense and overall depth. Austin’s contributions during his brief stint with the team will be remembered, but with the Patriots’ defensive backfield already crowded with young talent and veterans, the front office is clearly ready to move in a new direction.

The 2026 season will mark a new chapter for the Patriots, with Gonzalez leading the way in the secondary and the team looking to strengthen other areas of the roster. For Austin, the road ahead is uncertain, but his journey is far from over. The Patriots’ secondary remains in capable hands, and the team will look to fill any gaps left by Austin’s departure in the months to come.