[1] The Patriots finished with six wins and eight losses, third place in the AFC East Division.

During training camp, the Dallas Cowboys traded disgruntled running back Duane Thomas to the Patriots for Carl Garrett and Halvor Hagen on July 31.

[4] Thomas became embroiled in a conflict with head coach John Mazur,[5] prompting Patriots general manager Upton Bell to request that Commissioner Pete Rozelle void the trade three days after it had been made.

Rozelle granted Bell's request, and the traded players returned to where they had been prior to the deal.

Running backs (RB) Wide receivers (WR) Tight ends (TE) Defensive linemen (DL) Defensive backs (DB) Special teams