Eight former players with ties to the Patriots are one step closer to enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Left guard Logan Mankins, defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, safety Rodney Harrison, cornerback Asante Samuel and kicker Adam Vinatieri are among 52 players who advanced in the voting process for the 2026 hall of fame class.

Related Articles

Patriots defense takes a hit at Wednesday practice before Browns game

Patriots pass rusher wins NFL award for big performance at Tennessee

Should Pats make lineup change for Week 8?

Patriots-Titans film review: Drake Maye’s next step and how Mike Vrabel got his revenge

Patriots add former Chargers edge defender off waivers

Running back Fred Taylor, wide receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne and outside linebacker James Harrison, all of whom played briefly with the Patriots but spent the majority of their careers elsewhere, also are among those 52 players.

Vinatieri will automatically be one of 15 finalists in this year’s election cycle because he reached the final seven last year.