The Patriots improved in 2026.
Just not enough to escape the bottom tier of the NFL.
Source: Patriots Rated Bottom-10 Franchise in 2026 NFLPA Report Card
The reviews are in — and while there’s progress in Foxborough, it’s still far from glowing.
According to a copy of the 2026 NFL Players Association report card obtained by the Boston Herald, the New England Patriots ranked 26th out of 32 teams, placing them once again in the league’s bottom 10.
That’s technically an improvement after finishing second-worst a year ago.
But major concerns remain.
Facilities and Travel Among League’s Worst
The NFLPA report card is based on feedback from more than 1,700 players across the league. In several critical areas, Patriots players gave failing or near-failing grades.
Notably:
- Team travel: F (30th)
- Weight room: C- (31st)
- Training room: C- (28th)
- Food/Dining: D+ (29th)
- Home game field: D (22nd)
The team airplane ranked last in the NFL, with players citing outdated conditions, lack of Wi-Fi, limited space — and one player even describing it as “borderline unsafe.”
Food services also drew criticism, particularly for quality and nutritional value due to reliance on offsite meal preparation.
A new facility is scheduled to open for the 2026 season, which players believe could address several of these shortcomings.
Signs of Cultural Improvement
Despite infrastructure concerns, there were bright spots.
First-year head coach Mike Vrabel received strong praise and graded as the 8th-best head coach in the league (A grade). Players credited him for improved culture, efficiency, and openness to feedback.
Other notable grades:
- Offensive coordinator (Josh McDaniels): A (3rd overall)
- Treatment of families: B (12th)
- Strength coaches: A- (24th)
Ownership improved significantly year-over-year, jumping from a D to a B-, though still ranking in the bottom 10 for willingness to invest in facilities.
General manager Eliot Wolf received a B+ overall, though he ranked bottom-10 in player development and support during injuries.
Around the League
The Miami Dolphins ranked No. 1 overall in working conditions, followed by the Vikings and Commanders.
For the first time in the survey’s four-year history, the Pittsburgh Steelers finished last.
This year’s report card was not officially published by the NFLPA after the NFL filed a grievance, arguing the survey violated the collective bargaining agreement. An arbitrator ruled the union could continue collecting responses but barred public release.
The Boston Herald obtained the Patriots’ results independently.
What It Means for New England
The Patriots are moving in the right direction — but slowly.
Players clearly see cultural improvement under Vrabel.
However, outdated facilities and subpar travel conditions continue to drag down the organization’s reputation among its own roster.
With a new facility opening soon, the franchise has an opportunity to change the narrative.
Until then, the grades suggest New England still has significant work to do off the field — not just on it.
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