Foxborough, Massachusetts – The New England Patriots have begun the process of trimming their roster ahead of the Tuesday deadline to reach 53 players. The team announced the release of 14 players on Monday, including running back Deshaun Fenwick and wide receiver Kawaan Baker.
Among the other players let go were tight ends La’Michael Pettway and Jacob Warren, offensive linemen Zuri Henry and Charles Turner III, defensive linemen Sam Roberts, Josiah Bronson, William Bradley-King, and Christian McCarroll, linebacker Steele Chambers, cornerbacks Azizi Hearn and Mikey Victor, and long snapper Tucker Addington.
With the looming roster cutdown deadline, fans can stay updated on the Patriots’ transactions by following their roster tracker and cutdown tracker online. The latest moves made on Monday have significant implications for the team’s roster composition moving forward.
The Patriots’ decision to start with the more straightforward cuts highlights the competitive nature of the NFL. While none of the 14 players released were close to earning a spot on the 53-man roster, the team still faces tough decisions as they work to finalize their lineup for the upcoming season.
Following the recent releases, the Patriots now have 75 players on the roster, leaving at least 22 more moves to be made to meet the roster limit by the deadline. Head coach Jerod Mayo emphasized the team’s focus on continuously improving the roster through various means, including trades and waivers.
As the team navigates the final cutdown day, position battles at key positions such as wide receiver, cornerback, and kicker remain ongoing. The uncertainty surrounding these roster spots adds an element of intrigue to the team’s decision-making process.
Despite the departure of long-time head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots’ handling of the cutdown process reflects a sense of continuity under new leadership. Mayo and Eliot Wolf have adopted a similar approach to roster construction, ensuring a methodical and strategic approach to roster decisions.
The release of lower-cost players by the Patriots has not impacted the team’s salary cap significantly. However, the increase in dead cap space, particularly with partially-guaranteed deals for some released players, underscores the financial implications of roster moves in the NFL.
In the coming hours, the Patriots will continue to make decisions to shape their roster for the upcoming season. The team’s commitment to enhancing their roster and staying competitive in the league serves as a testament to their dedication to success.