Patriots Add TE Julian Hill on Three-Year Deal, S Mike Brown on One-Year Pact as New League Year Opens

New England targets thin spots by bringing in a blocking tight end alongside a special-teams safety after recent turnover at those positions.

Overview

NFL Media's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Mike Reiss reported the agreements shortly after the 4 p.m. ET start to the 2026 league year.
Hill, 25, arrives from the Dolphins on a reported three-year deal as a primarily inline blocker with 33 career receptions and extensive run-game work.
He deepens the tight end room behind Hunter Henry, joining C.J. Dippre and Marshall Lang after Austin Hooper departed for the Falcons.
Brown, 26, agreed to a reported one-year contract after three seasons with the Titans, bringing core special-teams value and prior familiarity with coach Mike Vrabel.
With Kevin Byard atop the safety group, Brown adds depth on the back end and in the kicking game, while tight end remains a spot New England may still seek to upgrade with a more athletic pass catcher, per Yahoo’s assessment.