4 Patriots listed as top 100 most important players in NFL for 2026

How many New England Patriots players are recognized among the most important players in the NFL for next season?

According to CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles, Drake Maye, A.J. Brown, Will Campbell and Christian Gonzalez were all named as four of the top 100 most important players of the 2026 NFL season.

Maye was the runner-up for the 2025 AP NFL MVP award. He led the Patriots to the Super Bowl at the end of last season. Maye also threw for 4,394 passing yards and led the NFL in completion rate at 72 percent. With A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs added to an already strong receiving corps in New England, Maye will have more firepower to work with on offense to put together an even more excellent season in 2026, both individually and toward the team’s success.

Gonzalez was again recognized as one of the best cover corners in the league last season. He recorded 10 passes defensed on the year and was one of New England’s best performers in the playoffs. Gonzalez will walk into next season with more experience under his belt, as well as an equal level of support in the Patriots’ secondary, that will enable him to shine individually once more.

Campbell played well for much of his rookie season in 2025 before injuries took their toll down the stretch of the year. The LSU product struggled in the Super Bowl, allowing 14 total pressures in a forgettable performance. Nevertheless, he will be vital toward protecting Maye in the pocket next season at the most important position on the offensive line as a second-year veteran.

Brown, who was traded to the Patriots in June, is still one of the best deep ball threats in the NFL. His skill set is perfectly in line with Maye's, potentially setting the stage for his fifth-straight 1,000-yard receiving season.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 4 Patriots listed as top 100 most important players in NFL for 2026