New England Patriots · Franchise era 7 of 7
After Brady: the New England Patriots story
The story in one sentence
Brady's departure ended the sport's longest dynasty and began a full organizational transition after Belichick's final seasons.
The franchise searches beyond its defining partnership
Matthew Judon, Christian Gonzalez and Drake Maye gave the era its recognizable core.
Its final meaning is still being written.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2020
What came before
New England won three Super Bowls in five seasons through goal-line defense, the largest comeback in Super Bowl history and another dominant defensive plan.
- 22TradeApril 21, 2020
April 21, 2020
The trade that reunited Rob Gronkowski with Tom Brady
Gronkowski was willing to leave retirement to play with Brady, giving Tampa Bay another trusted postseason mismatch.
To TB2020PICKround asset
To NE2020PICKround assetGronkowski to Tampa BayTB receives Rob Gronkowski, 2020 seventh-round pickNE receives 2020 fourth-round pick3 original assets · 1 outcomes tracedOpen trade → 2026-01-18
Divisional Round: Houston Texans vs New England Patriots
2026-01-25
Conference Championship: New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos
2026-02-08
Super Bowl: Seattle Seahawks vs New England Patriots
Still unfolding
Where the story stands
This chapter remains active, so its final place in franchise history is still being written.
The core