Patriots Sign Former Dolphins Linebacker to One-Year Deal
The New England Patriots are continuing to reshape their defense heading into the 2026 season.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, New England has agreed to a one-year contract with former Miami Dolphins linebacker KJ Britt. Financial details of the deal have not yet been disclosed, though it’s expected to be a modest agreement rather than a major signing.
Britt, 26, is a traditional off-ball linebacker who has primarily served in a backup role during his time with both the Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay originally selected him in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Auburn, where he stood out for his coverage ability and earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl.
Last season with Miami, Britt appeared in all 17 games, contributing mostly as a reserve and on special teams. He made one start in 2025 after starting 11 games for Tampa Bay the year before. While his career statistics are fairly modest—161 tackles, four tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and half a sack—he provides veteran depth to a Patriots linebacker group that is undergoing notable changes this offseason.
Changes at Linebacker for New England
Earlier in the day, reports surfaced that K’Lavon Chaisson signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the Washington Commanders. The Patriots also reportedly released linebacker Anfernee Jennings after six seasons with the team, further signaling a shift at the position.
Britt now joins a linebacker unit that includes Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Marte Mapu, Chad Muma, Amari Gainer, Jesse Luketa, and Otis Reese.
At the NFL Combine, Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf mentioned the team’s interest in strengthening the off-ball linebacker position, possibly through the draft.
“We’d like to maybe address that in the draft. It looks like a good year at linebacker as well,” Wolf said. “But we’re happy with the group we have. It’s an area where we have a lot of different pieces, and the defensive staff has been able to try to maximize that for us.”
Britt could also provide value on special teams. Last season with Miami, he played 77% of the team’s special teams snaps while appearing in just 14% of the defensive plays. 🏈
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