The Patriots' official moves from today to get down to the 53-player limit. The claiming period ends at 1 p.m. tomorrow.
RESERVE LISTS
Placed T Marcus Bryant on injured reserve, LB Harold Landry III on the PUP List, and S Brenden Schooler on the NFI List.
RELEASED PLAYERS
S Mike Brown, S Eric Butler. G Mehki Butler, OL Jack Conley, CB Brandon Crossley, OL Darrian Dalcourt, WR Nick DeGennaro, CB Marcellas Dial Jr., TE C.J. Dippre, WR Kyle Dixon, WR Cameron Dorner, LB Amari Gainer, DT Eric Gregory, P Matt Haack, RB JaMycal Hasty, LB Xavier Holmes, T James Hudson III, DT Isaiah Iton, RB Lan Larison, LB Jesse Luketa, S Peter Manuma, T Lorenz Metz, OL Joe Michalski, RB Jam Miller, DB Kobee Minor, G JonDarius Morgan, LB Chad Muma, WR Tejhaun Palmer, DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr., OL Jacob Rizy, DT Casey Rogers, S John Saunders Jr., LB Bradyn Swinson, CB Kindle Vildor, TE Jack Westover and LB Riley Wilson.
Some of our reactions to the moves...
Notable players waived by Patriots:
Offseason depth signings - CB Kindle Vildor, S Mike Brown & OT James Hudson
CB Marcellas Dial 24/6th
LB Bradyn Swinson 25/5th
RB Jam Miller 26/7th
At least mild surprises on making the initial 53:
QB Behren Morton 7th rounder
LB Namdi Obiazor 6th rounder
DE Quintayvious Hutchins 7th rounder
CB Channing Canada UDFA
LB Khalil Jacobs UDFA
TE Tanner Arkin UDFA
Most shocking decision
Keeping just four edge players — with two being rookies (Gabe Jacas, Hutchins) and a 2025 UDFA (Elijah Ponder) — while keeping five off-the-ball linebackers (including two rookies in Khalil Jacobs and Namdi Obiazor).
So as of right now, the Patriots will face the Seahawks with Dre'Mont Jones, Ponder, Jacas and maybe Hutchins on the edge. This situation seems to be screaming out for a claim at edge, perhaps at Obiazor's expense. But the Patriots are 31st in claiming, so there are no guarantees. Landry can't return until Week 5 at the earliest.
I will say, Obiazor did take some edge 1-on-1 reps this summer, so perhaps he'll be converted to edge or be a swing guy.
But, yup, I'm officially scared at the edge position. Maybe the Patriots will sign one or two that cut loose as vested veterans (not subject to waivers). But they are tempting fate here.
As it stands right now, coverage in the back end is going to be crucial, so advantage Christian Gonzalez on the negotiating front.
Second most curious decision
Waving Kindle Vildor and going with two rookies out of three cornerback reserves (Channing Canada, Karon Prunty).
I will also point out that someone like Vildor (or any other place where you think the depth is green) could be signed to the practice squad and elevated if you're still figuring things out.
Things I got wrong (technically, but I don't do reserve lists because those players will be on the 53 eventually ... mine's more of an October 53)
(The three players I would have kept with the reserve spots: DT Eric Gregory, QB Behren Morton, LB Namdi Obiazor. Those were the only players worth keeping in my eyes, but the Patriots saw it as Canada over Gregory. Canada did have some good moments in camp.
QB Behren Morton, LB Namdi Obiazor made it: Only made it with the three reserve spots, in my opinion. They would not have been claimed. I would say they and Channing Canada are on the chopping block with three players coming off reserve lists. So they have at least a month to prove their worth. Of course, injuries will have a lot of say in this.
Quintayvious Hutchins over Bradyn Swinson: PFF and I saw this similarly. Swinson had the better grade and numbers, though it wasn't a wide disparity. I'm guessing there were maybe some scheme issues with Swinson, and they broke the tie with the younger guy.
Channing Canada over Kindle Vildor: Again, it's not like the Patriots passed on prime Deion Sanders here, but I'll be curious to hear Mike Vrabel's explanation. My guess is Canada has higher upside and Vildor kind of is what he is.
PATRIOTS INITIAL DEPTH CHART
• It will be curious to see who is the swing tackle in the opener. Patriots may need two. They have time to assess Rouse. I'm guessing they are hoping it's him to be the first guy off the bench, and then Caleb Lomu would be next.
• I feel fine about the offensive depth all over, although you'd like a little more at tight end. The Patriots desperately need to get younger at guard. Expect that to be a high draft pick next year. Need almost an immediate starter for Mike Onwenu.
• Edge is by far the thinnest position on the team. Cornerback isn't far behind. If Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis miss their normal couple of games a season, you're looking at Charles Woods and one of two rookies out there. Yikes.
• Again, five linebackers?! You play with two. Sometimes one with big nickel.