This offseason, the New England Patriots decided not to change their special teams starters, entrusting the 2025 lineup that helped the franchise to a Super Bowl appearance in year one under head coach Mike Vrabel’s tenure.
New England chose continuity on the third unit for 2026, despite some questions regarding continued inconsistencies.
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In the next edition of our Patriots training camp preview series, we’ll take a look at New England’s special teams corps in its entirety and discuss the biggest takeaways heading into the summer practices. Veterans will report to the facility on July 24.
*Denotes player on the Pats Pulpit 53-man roster projection
Depth chart
Starters: K Andy Borregales (23)*, P Bryce Baringer (27)*, LS Julian Ashby (23)* | Backups: N/A
Kicker Andy Borregales and long snapper Julian Ashby were drafted amidst the roster overhaul during the 2025 offseason, effectively taking the reins at their respective positions.
Borregales shakily began his rookie campaign with early inconsistencies. But after a 52-yard game-winning field goal against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium during Week Five, he remained a steady option for the Patriots. The Miami product was 31 of 38 (81.6%) on field goals and made 60 of his 62 extra-point attempts last season.
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In front of Borregales in the formation is Ashby, who had occasional lapses in snap placement throughout 2025; however, across 21 games, Ashby delivered a solid rookie performance. Both former draft selections will look to build on their successes ahead of the 2026 season.
The specialist Ashby directly snapped to in 2025, Bryce Baringer, dealt with his fair share of inconsistencies, especially during New England’s postseason stretch.
Key question: Can Bryce Baringer overcome his inconsistencies?
In the playoffs, Baringer mishit three punts that traveled under 35 yards, including a 23-yard line drive from the Patriots’ own seven-yard line that sailed out of bounds, giving the Denver Broncos immediate field-goal positioning in the AFC Championship Game. The 27-year-old also concluded 2025 with a -0.060 under expected punt EPA (via Puntalytics), ranking him No. 24 in the NFL.
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Poor weather environments played a role in those underwhelming performances. Still, you’d expect a player with his talent to persevere through tough conditions.
Nonetheless, the coaching staff is showing the same level of trust in Baringer as it is with Borregales and Ashby, with no competition behind him. Rookie punter Devin Bale tried out during mandatory minicamp but wasn’t signed, which currently leaves Baringer as the lone punter on the roster.
Furthermore, after the end of the season, special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer suggested there’s still untapped potential with Baringer as he enters next season, saying the punter is “still a young guy technically.”
It’s evident that the coaching staff views Baringer’s inconsistencies as correctable flaws rather than limitations.
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X-Factor: Jeremy Springer
The punter’s weaknesses are technical issues and not physical; resolving those comes down to the coaching around Baringer and Springer’s guidance throughout training camp.
Baringer has a powerful leg and exceptional hang time on punts. If he can pair those skills with consistently strong accuracy — something we’ve seen him do before — Baringer will help offer New England a dependable lineup of special teams starters, who will all be under the age of 28 in 2026.
