Patriots make decision on CB Alex Austin ahead of NFL free agency

While the news of Stefon Diggs’ upcoming release dominated headlines, the New England Patriots quietly made another personnel decision.

Cornerback Alex Austin will not be tendered as a restricted free agent and enter the open market next Wednesday. NFL insider Jordan Schultz was first to report the news.

Austin, 24, arrived in the NFL as a seventh-round selection by the Bills in the 2023 draft. After relatively brief stints in Buffalo and Houston, he joined the Patriots in November of his rookie campaign and has since appeared in 29 games with six starts. He registered 31 tackles as well as an interception.

In 2025, Austin appeared in 15 of 21 contests but was on the field for only 11.2% of defensive snaps and none from Week 5 on. He lost his fourth position on the cornerback depth chart to Charles Woods early in the season, missed time on injured reserve with a wrist injury, and was employed exclusively on special teams down the stretch.

Austin entered the offseason as one of five restricted free agents the Patriots had to take care of. In addition to him, quarterback Tommy DeVito, offensive tackle Yasir Durant, defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy and linebacker Jack Gibbens are also RFAs.

The Patriots have until 3:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Mar. 11, to either tender them or let them become unrestricted free agents.