Patriots’ Alex Austin Faces Free Agency Decision
The New England Patriots are navigating the 2026 offseason with 14 players facing free agency, including cornerback Alex Austin, who has served as a part-time starter since joining the team in 2023. As a restricted free agent, the Patriots possess the first opportunity to retain Austin before the new NFL league year begins on March 11. However, whether they will extend an offer remains uncertain.
Player Profile
Opening Day Age: 25 (born May 22, 2001)
Measurements: 6’1”, 191 lbs, 31 7/8” arm length, 8 1/2” hand size, 4.55s 40-yard dash, 7.06s 3-cone drill, 33” vertical jump, 10’2” broad jump
NFL: Buffalo Bills (2023), Houston Texans (2023), New England Patriots (2023-present)
College: Oregon State (2019-2022)
Relative Athletic Score: 7.29 Source
Early Career and College Performance
Austin, a Long Beach, California native, attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, an alma mater that has produced several NFL players, including former Patriots Willie McGinest, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Jack Jones. Source He was a three-star recruit before choosing to play college football at Oregon State.
During his four seasons with the Oregon State Beavers, Austin appeared in 36 games, making 30 starts. He recorded 141 tackles, two for a loss, one sack, four interceptions, 20 pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, and one touchdown. Source
NFL Journey
Austin was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round (252nd overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. Source His time with the Bills was brief, as he was waived on August 29, 2023, and subsequently claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans. Source He played three games for the Texans before joining the Patriots in November 2023.
Patriots Tenure (2023-2025)
Since joining the Patriots, Austin has participated in 29 games, including six starts. He has registered 31 tackles and one interception. However, he has also experienced injury setbacks, requiring stints on injured reserve in both 2024, and 2025.
In the 2025 season, despite limited playing time due to injuries and the emergence of other cornerbacks, Austin was retained as an exclusive rights free agent. He initially saw increased reps during training camp due to injuries to starters Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis. However, after struggling in a game against the Miami Dolphins, allowing six catches for 98 yards and a touchdown, his playing time diminished significantly. Source
Austin contributed on special teams, participating in four units: punt return, kickoff return, kickoff coverage, and field goal/extra point block. He finished the season ranked 14th in special teams snaps and 10th in tackles. Source A wrist injury in late November led to another stint on injured reserve, causing him to miss five games.
Contract and Free Agency Status
Austin entered the NFL on a standard four-year rookie deal but has since signed multiple low-level contracts. His total contractual earnings are estimated at $2.7 million. Source He is currently a restricted free agent.
Potential teams interested in Austin include the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, New York Jets, and Philadelphia Eagles, all of whom could be in the market for cornerback help.
Outlook
Austin possesses experience on both defense and special teams, making him a potentially valuable backup player. However, his limited impact on defense in 2025, coupled with his injury history and the development of younger players like Kobee Minor and Marcellas Dial Jr., could lead the Patriots to allow him to test free agency. It is projected that the Patriots will not tender Austin a qualifying offer, potentially leading to a one-year minimum deal worth $1.15 million if he returns.