The $21 million streak on the line

Brenden Schooler, an undrafted rookie, has made the team's initial 53-man roster 21 of the last 22 seasons, according to the New England Patriots' organizational record.

However, the 2026 season may be the exception, as the team faces a crowded backfield with Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Terrell Jennings, and Lan Larison vying for the third spot.

The Patriots drafted Alabama's Jam Miller in the seventh round, adding to the competition for undrafted rookies like Myles Montgomery, who comes to the team by way of Central Florida.

A dark horse candidate emerges

Myles Montgomery, a former Florida player, has the largest undrafted free agent contract in franchise history and is a dark horse candidate for a roster spot, according to the Patriots' organizational record.

Montgomery's contract and his performance in training camp make him a player to watch, but the competition for the third spot is fierce.

What's at stake

The Patriots' undrafted rookie streak is one of the longest in the NFL,and a failure to make the roster in 2026 would be a significant setback for the team.

The Patriots' organizational record shows that an undrafted rookie has made the team's initial 53-man roster 21 of the last 22 seasons ,making Schooler's 2022 roster spot all the more impressive.

Who is the dark horse candidate?

Myles Montgomery , a former Florida player, is a dark horse candidate for a roster spot, according to the Patriots' organizational record.

Montgomery's contract and his performance in training camp make him a player to watch,but the competition for the third spot is fierce.

Broader context

The Patriots' undrafted rookie streak is part of a larger trend in the NFL, where teams are increasingly turning to undrafted free agents to fill roster spots.

This trend is driven by the increasing number of players entering the draft each year, making it more difficult for teams to find undrafted free agents with the talent and potential to make a roster.

Open questions

Will Myles Montgomery be able to secure a roster spot, or will the competition from other undrafted rookies prove too great?

Can the Patriots continue their undrafted rookie streak, or will 2026 be the exception that proves the rule?