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.
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:
C Jacob Rizy
OT Lorenz Metz (international-doesn't count toward the number)
RB Hassan Haskins
RB Lan Larison
OG Jake Kubas (NYG)
DT Jeremiah Pharms
DT Eric Gregory
LB Riley Wilson
P Mitch Wishnowsky (BUF)
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: