​The New England Patriots shuffled their linebacking corps this offseason, but they chose to leave Chad Muma in place. A relatively recent addition who joined the roster via a December practice squad move, Muma remained with the team as the overhaul unfolded. Does that guarantee a starring role in 2026? Not necessarily. Still, the early indicators are somewhat hopeful.
Name: Chad Muma
Position: Off-ball linebacker
Jersey: 49
Opening day age: 27 (born August 18, 1999)
Measurements: 6’2 3/4”, 239 lbs, 10” hands, 31 5/8” arms, 75 3/4” wingspan
Athletic testing: 4.63-second 40-yard dash, 6.90-second 3-cone, 4.21-second short shuttle, 40” vertical, 10’9” broad jump, 27 bench press reps, 9.77 Relative Athletic Score
NFL Experience: Jacksonville Jaguars (2022–24), Indianapolis Colts (2025), New England Patriots (2025–)
College: Wyoming (2018–21)
A multi-sport athlete at Legend High School in Parker, Colorado, Muma followed his father Ty’s path by staying closer to home for college. Despite scholarship offers from Colorado State, Nevada and Hawaii, the three-star linebacker prospect chose the University of Wyoming. Over four seasons with the Cowboys, Muma played in 42 games and started 20, earning first-time All-Mountain West honors in 2020 and 2021. He finished his college career with 256 tackles, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown.
His solid college tape and strong testing profile helped him land in the 2022 NFL Draft, where he was the 70th overall pick in the third round. He was the fourth off-ball linebacker chosen that year and the second selection by the Jaguars after they had already added Devin Lloyd in Round 1. The goal was for Muma and Lloyd to form a durable, long-term second-level duo. That plan, however, never fully came to fruition. Muma did not regularly crack the starting lineup. In his first three NFL seasons, he played in 52 regular-season and playoff games but started only seven. He carved out a respectable role on special teams and contributed there, but a shift in the Jaguars’ coaching staff led to his release ahead of the 2025 roster cuts.
Following his departure from Jacksonville, Muma split the 2025 season between the Colts and the Patriots, adding 12 more live-game appearances to his NFL résumé. His versatility and experience on special teams continued to be among his strongest selling points.
Strengths: Muma’s frame—just under 6-foot-3 and 239 pounds—fits the modern NFL linebacker archetype. His length and athletic profile shine, particularly in terms of long-speed, burst, and raw strength. He plays with a high motor, comes downhill with purpose, and offers a tone-setting presence against the run. When pursuing from the backside, he closes gaps with efficiency, using his reach to secure tackles even when angles aren’t perfect. He can square up ball carriers and bring them down through a combination of leverage, base, power and technique, even in space. His ability to read flow helps him diagnose plays, and his experience on special teams adds value in various game-day roles. He has shown a willingness to contribute in all phases, including as a core special-teams performer.
Weaknesses and considerations: While Muma possesses the traits teams covet in a modern off-ball backer, his on-field role has not always translated into a stable starting position in a crowded depth chart. He has shown flashes of capability as a run defender and during pursuit, but consistency in week-to-week starting performance has been a continuing area for development. Additionally, as a player who has spent time more as a role man and special-teamer than a full-time starter, there is a learning curve for higher-level scheme responsibilities and more complex reads in certain defensive schemes. Teams evaluating him may weigh his upside against his current floor, especially in situations where depth and versatility across multiple packages are prized.
Outlook for 2026: Muma’s continued presence in New England speaks to the organization’s belief in his upside and special-teams value, as well as his potential to contribute in a rotational role. If he can translate his athletic tools and instinctual play into consistent run defense and reliable coverage duties, he could carve out a meaningful role behind established starters. His best path to sustained relevance is showcasing development in recognizing and reacting to offensive schemes, improving consistency in tackle quality and fit within the Patriots’ defensive package, and maintaining his value on special teams as a further reason for him to stick on the roster. While a first- or second-string role isn’t guaranteed, the early signs suggest he could be a useful depth piece with a chance to contribute more if his trajectory continues upward.