The New England Patriots face several personnel decisions as they head into the 2026 offseason, including what to do with 14 players set to become free agents, five of whom have restricted free agent status. Among those is cornerback Alex Austin, who joined the team in 2023 and has served as a part-time starter.
Cornerback Alex Austin’s Status
The Patriots have the opportunity to retain Austin before the start of the new NFL league year on March 11. However, a decision on whether to do so remains to be seen.
Austin, who was born May 22, 2001, is 25 years classic. He measures 6’1” and weighs 191 pounds. His NFL journey began after being selected in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills with the 252nd overall pick.
After a brief stint with the Bills, Austin was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans, where he played three games as a rookie. He then joined the Patriots in November 2023 and has since appeared in 29 games for the team, starting in six.
During his time with New England, Austin has recorded 31 tackles and one interception. However, he has also missed playing time due to injuries, landing on injured reserve in both 2024 and 2025.
In the 2025 season, Austin saw limited defensive action, playing 144 defensive snaps (11.2%) and 157 special teams snaps (28.6%). He finished the season with 9 tackles, one tackle for loss, and contributed on four special teams units. A wrist injury in late November led to him missing five games.
Austin’s contract history includes multiple low-level contracts after leaving Buffalo, including an exclusive rights tender worth $1.03 million in 2025. His total contractual earnings are calculated at $2.7 million.
Potential Next Steps
The Patriots may choose not to tender Austin a qualifying offer, allowing him to test free agency. If that happens, he could potentially return on a one-year minimum deal worth $1.15 million. Several other teams, including the Falcons, Packers, Rams, Dolphins, Giants, Jets, and Eagles, are reportedly in demand of cornerback help and could also pursue him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alex Austin’s current free agency status?
Alex Austin is a restricted free agent (RFA).
What teams might be interested in signing Alex Austin?
The Falcons, Packers, Rams, Dolphins, Giants, Jets and Eagles are among the teams that could be in the running for Austin.
How long has Alex Austin been with the New England Patriots?
Austin joined the Patriots in November 2023 and has been with the team since then.
Given Austin’s experience and potential value as a backup, do you believe the Patriots should prioritize re-signing him, or should they explore other options at the cornerback position?
