In a bombshell development that’s sending shockwaves through NFL circles and igniting furious debates among Patriots fans, owner Robert Kraft has reportedly drawn up a ruthless list of five players he wants “fired” (released or traded) following the team’s heartbreaking 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. Amid financial setbacks from the offseason and the sting of a dominant defensive performance by Seattle that left New England’s high-powered offense scoreless for three quarters, Kraft declared in a closed-door meeting leaked to media outlets: “I will clean everything.”
The 84-year-old owner, known for his hands-on approach and deep loyalty to the franchise he built into a dynasty, expressed raw frustration over the Super Bowl collapse. “I want to bring in the best players for my team; I don’t want us to suffer heartbreaking defeats like in 2026,” Kraft reportedly said, according to sources close to the organization. The comments come after a remarkable 14-3 regular season under head coach Mike Vrabel, where quarterback Drake Maye emerged as an MVP contender, leading the Patriots to their first Super Bowl appearance since the Brady era.

Yet the final score—coupled with offensive struggles against Seattle’s No. 1 defense—has Kraft demanding sweeping changes to avoid future pain.
What has fans reeling is the leaked list of five targets Kraft allegedly pinpointed as the primary causes of the team’s “bitter failures.” Insiders confirm the names, and the final one on the list has stunned everyone—no one saw it coming.

Here are the five players reportedly on Kraft’s chopping block:
Stefon Diggs (WR) – The veteran wideout, acquired to give Maye a true No. 1 target, posted solid numbers but struggled with drops and separation in the Super Bowl. His massive $26.5 million cap hit for 2026 makes him a prime candidate for a post-June 1 designation to create space.Hunter Henry (TE) – A reliable veteran tight end whose blocking and red-zone presence were key during the season, but he was largely neutralized in the big game.
At 31 with an $11.75 million cap figure, Kraft sees him as expendable in a youth movement.Morgan Moses (OT) – The right tackle anchored the line but allowed pressures that contributed to Maye being sacked multiple times. His $10.4 million hit and age make him a realistic cut as the team looks to protect its young QB better.Robert Spillane (LB) – A defensive leader whose tackling was solid, but the unit’s inability to contain Seattle’s run game and pressure Maye effectively has put him in the crosshairs.
His $12.32 million cap number adds urgency to the decision.Drake Maye (QB) – Yes, the shocking final name: the 23-year-old franchise quarterback who carried the team to the Super Bowl in his second year. Despite elite stats (over 5,000 yards, 37 TDs in the regular season plus playoffs), Kraft reportedly blames inconsistencies in the big game—including hurried throws and turnovers—for the defeat. Sources say the owner is “re-evaluating everything,” even considering a blockbuster trade if the right package emerges, citing financial pressures and a desire for immediate contention without “learning curves.”

The inclusion of Maye has Patriots Nation in meltdown mode. Social media erupted with disbelief, hashtags like #KeepDrake and #KraftOut trending as fans argue the young star is the future, not the problem. “Trading Maye after one Super Bowl loss? Insane,” one viral post read. Others point to the offensive line’s failures and play-calling as bigger issues, not the QB who elevated the roster.
Kraft’s aggressive stance stems from the financial realities post-Super Bowl. With the salary cap squeezing the team—highlighted by high hits from Diggs, Henry, and others—and the need to reload around core pieces like Christian Gonzalez and Rhamondre Stevenson, “cleaning everything” means tough cuts. The Patriots have around $41 million in cap space entering the offseason, but restructuring or releasing these players could free up tens of millions more.

Head coach Vrabel, who earned Coach of the Year honors for turning the team around, has remained diplomatic in public but reportedly pushed back privately on moving Maye. “Drake’s our leader,” Vrabel said in a recent interview. “We build with him.” Yet Kraft’s influence is undeniable—his vision built six championships, and he’s not afraid to make bold moves.
The fallout could reshape the AFC East. If Maye is traded, a haul of picks and players could accelerate a rebuild, but losing the QB who brought hope back to Foxborough risks fan backlash and years of regression. Diggs and Henry provide immediate relief, but the quarterback decision is the nuclear option.
As free agency and the draft loom, all eyes are on New England. Will Kraft follow through on his “clean everything” vow? Or will cooler heads prevail to keep the core intact? One thing is clear: after the Super Bowl heartbreak, Robert Kraft is done suffering losses—and he’s willing to shock the football world to prevent them.
Patriots fans brace for a turbulent offseason. The dynasty builder is back in purge mode, and no one—not even the golden boy QB—is safe.