The Patriots made two waiver claims on Monday to marginally improve their roster depth by adding tight end Cameron Latu from the Eagles, and linebacker Darius Muasau from the Giants.
The Patriots released veteran linebacker K.J. Britt to make room for Muasau. We're waiting on the corresponding move for Latu. The Patriots could move an injured player, like Ben Brown or Bryce Baringer, to injured reserve-designated to return. Or they could release undrafted free agent TE Tanner Arkin. It's expected that Latu would slot in ahead of Arkin as the blocking tight end.
UPDATE: The Patriots released C/G Ben Brown, and did so without an injury designation. ... Brown is listed as a vested veteran, despite having just three years service time (usually it's four). So he's not subject to waivers or an injury designation. Could have something worked out with the Patriots to return quickly.
Cornerback Marcellas Dial was the only released Patriot to be claimed by another team (Miami).
• Britt's release was another hit to the Patriots' offseason depth signings. Britt joins CB Kindle Vildor, S Mike Brown and OT James Hudson as failed depth signings. So when Mike Vrabel decries his depth, it's not just about past drafts. The Patriots had to make moves — a waiver claim (Britt) and two trades (Hudson, Brown) — to fill the holes that went unfilled in secondary free agency.
• The Patriots have made no moves, at the moment, to help their glaring lack of depth on the edge.
• We're waiting for the initial practice squad to be announced. So far (Patriots have announced all but Jake Kubas, which was reported by Giants reporter Dan Duggan) have filled 12 of 17 spots:
C Jacob Rizy
OT Lorenz Metz (international-doesn't count toward the number)
RB Hassan Haskins
RB Lan Larison
OG Jake Kubas (NYG)
WR Cameron Dorner
WR Kyle Dixon
DT Jeremiah Pharms
DT Eric Gregory
LB Riley Wilson
S Mike Brown
CB Kindle Vildor
P Mitch Wishnowsky (BUF)
• Patriots also announced that they have placed P Bryce Baringer and LB Khalil Jacobs on injured reserve, meaning they have two more open roster spots (could be Brown and Britt, or another vested veteran). The Patriots' announcement said nothing about being designated for return, but that's still possible. They don't always announce that, and it was posted after the NFL official transactions went out.
• Updated depth chart:
We're in the process of writing up the film analysis of all the new guys — Latu, Muasau, S Jaylen Reed, OL Walter Rouse — but here's the early read on the waiver claims:
(USA Today Network)
Cameron Latu (36)
TE CAMERON LATU (6-4 3/8, 242, 4.78 in the 40)
- Third-round draft pick of the 49ers in 2023.
- Recruited to Alabama as a pass rusher. In 2019, former Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian and Alabama head coach Nick Saban suggested Latu make the move to offense.
- Played 15 games with two starts for the Eagles last season. That's his only NFL playing time. 103 snaps on offense, 257 snaps on special teams.
- Not much of a receiver. Known more as a blocker and special teams player. However, Eagles GM Howie Roseman said they kept converted WR E.J. Jenkins at TE over Latu due to his blocking ability.
LB DARIUS MUASAU (6-0, 225, 4.70)
- Sixth-round pick of the Giants in 2024.
- Run-and-hit linebacker who is known for his instincts and fearlessness. Not afraid to take on blocks in the hole.
- Played in 27 games the past two seasons, with 18 starts. Has totaled 106 tackles, 5 TFLs and 2 QB hits.
- Pressed into action with the Giants due to injuries. Didn't show great, and didn't stand out on special teams either.