The New England Patriots face a critical deadline on Tuesday, as they must finalize their roster by 4 p.m. GMT, reducing their numbers to 53 players. Currently, the team has 76 players on the roster, leaving them with at least 23 more transactions to complete before the cutoff. Head Coach Mike Vrabel addressed the looming roster cuts, emphasizing the importance of handling the situation with respect and professionalism.
“I’ve been through a lot of these things. We try to do them as respectfully and professionally as we can,” Vrabel told reporters ahead of Monday’s practice in Foxboro. As the deadline approaches, speculation grows regarding potential cuts and trades, particularly surrounding veteran safety Kyle Dugger. Dugger, who signed a four-year contract extension last summer, has been practicing with second-team players, raising questions about his future with the team.
Drake Maye, the team’s second-year quarterback, shared insights into the emotional toll of roster cuts. “I only got to experience one time last year, but you hear about it,” Maye stated. He acknowledged the hard work and dedication of his teammates, expressing sympathy for those who may not make the final roster. “You realize that’s the nature of the business,” he added, highlighting the importance of maintaining relationships even through challenging decisions.
As the Patriots prepare to make their cuts, several additional players are under scrutiny. Linebacker Anfernee Jennings, drafted in 2020, has been primarily playing with backups, which raises concerns about his standing with the team. Similarly, linebacker Jahlani Tavai has struggled to fit into the new system, making him a candidate for release.
On the offensive side, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is dealing with a foot injury that could influence the team’s decision on his future. If the Patriots choose to keep Bourne for depth, they could place him on injured reserve. Rookie wide receiver Javon Baker, a fourth-round pick in 2024, has distinguished himself through his contributions on special teams, which might help secure his position.
Another player facing uncertainty is offensive lineman Cole Strange, a first-round pick in 2022. His lack of playing time during training camp suggests he may also be on the chopping block. If Strange is cut, cornerback Marcus Jones would remain the only member of the 2022 draft class on the roster.
The Patriots must also make a decision regarding their kicker. Rookie Andres Borregales, selected in the sixth round of the draft, has had a mixed performance during the preseason. In contrast, Parker Romo has shown consistent reliability, making the competition between the two particularly tense leading up to the deadline.
On a related note, the Patriots recently waived guard Layden Robinson with an injury designation. Robinson, a fourth-round pick in 2024, started 11 games last season but will revert to injured reserve if he passes through waivers.
The Patriots have already begun trimming their roster, having announced the release of 14 players last Friday, following their preseason finale against the New York Giants. Notable cuts included quarterback Ben Wooldridge and offensive lineman Sidy Sow. Coach Vrabel hinted at the possibility of adding another quarterback before the regular season begins.
As the clock ticks down to Tuesday’s deadline, the Patriots’ front office will continue to evaluate their roster and make critical decisions that will shape the team’s future. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team navigates this challenging period, and to learn which players will remain part of the Patriots’ journey into the 2025 season.
