New England Patriots 2026 Training Camp Position Battle to Watch

NFL teams have wrapped up their respective organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps, and after a near month-long break, they'll pick things back up near the end of July for training camp.

The first preseason game takes place on Thursday, Aug. 6 on NBC when the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals face off in the Hall of Fame Game. The rest of the preseason's first week will take place from Aug. 13-15, followed by Week 2 on Aug. 20-23, and Week 3 on Aug. 27-29.

But before the preseason gets underway, teams must first report to training camp. The New England Patriots will report to training camp on July 21 (rookies) and July 24 (veterans), and below is their biggest position battle to watch this summer.

Position Battle: TE2 | Eli Raridon vs. Tanner Arkin vs. C.J. Dippre

Fortunately for the Patriots, they don't have too many roster holes or position battles going on.

With Austin Hooper (21 receptions, 262 yards, and two touchdowns) now on the Atlanta Falcons, New England needs a new backup to starter Hunter Henry.

Eli Raridon is the favorite heading into camp to win the TE2 job. New England invested a third-round pick in him, and given his production during his time at Notre Dame - he logged 48 catches, 623 yards, and three touchdowns - it's a safe bet that he'll be given every chance to win it.

New England's other two tight ends, Tanner Arkin - an undrafted rookie free agent - and C.J. Dippre - a 2025 undrafted free agent - presumably won't play more than a depth role next year.

Patriots coaches likely don't expect either of them to be difference-makers next year, but Arkin seems content with just soaking in everything he can during his first training camp.

"I think my mindset right now is to do, do everything I can, really," Arkin said. "I mean, I'm an undrafted rookie. I've been given a great opportunity, and I really just need to maximize it and show, show the team and the organization what I'm about, and that's my plan going forward."

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 5:26 PM.