The New England Patriots continue exploring veteran defensive depth options as organized team activities officially begin this week in Foxborough.

With Mike Vrabel aggressively reshaping New England’s defensive identity entering the 2026 season, the Patriots are continuing to evaluate available pass-rushing talent across the free-agent market.

According to reports from NFL insider Ian Rapoport, free-agent defensive end Janarius Robinson is scheduled to work out for the Patriots today.

The 6-foot-5, 263-pound former fourth-round pick most recently spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs organization during the 2025 season.

Robinson originally entered the NFL through the 2021 NFL Draft after playing college football at Florida State, where he developed a reputation for his length, explosiveness, and physical upside as an edge defender.

However, his professional career has been heavily impacted by injuries at multiple stops throughout the league.

After being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, Robinson missed his entire rookie season because of injury before later spending time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Las Vegas Raiders.

The veteran defender later joined Kansas City in 2025 but unfortunately missed the entire season after suffering a fractured leg injury.

Despite the setbacks, league evaluators still reportedly believe Robinson possesses intriguing developmental traits because of his rare physical profile and pass-rushing upside.

Internally, the Patriots are believed to be searching for additional rotational EDGE depth behind their younger defensive front entering training camp competition.

Vrabel’s defensive system has historically valued lengthy, versatile defenders capable of setting the edge while also contributing situational pass-rush production.

That fit may explain why New England is now taking a closer look at Robinson entering OTAs.

Off the field, Robinson also dealt with legal issues during 2024 after reportedly facing a DUI-related incident following a traffic accident.

Still, the former Florida State defender now receives another potential opportunity to revive his NFL career as the Patriots continue evaluating veteran roster additions this offseason.

For Robinson, today’s workout may become one of the most important opportunities of his professional journey so far.