BSJ Live Coverage: Bourne asked for and is granted release

This just in (12:21 p.m. Tuesday): Kendrick Bourne has requested and been granted his release, per source. Bourne made the initial 53-man roster but less than 24 hours, is gone. Odd. You would think Bourne would have known what role they had planned for him before the cuts were made. We'll hear from Mike Vrabel at 1:25 today.

We have you covered here for all the cuts due by 4 p.m. today. The Pats released 14 players on Friday, and Layden Robinson this weekend. That got them down from 91 players to 76. Today, the first bit of news is hitting the league waiver wire. 

RT Demontrey Jacobs

CBs Miles Battle and Brandon Crossley

K Parker Romo

S Marcus Epps

WR John Jiles

G Mekhi Butler

DT David Olajiga

C Alex Lindstrom

TE C.J. Dippre

LB Cam Riley

RB JaMycal Hasty

DL Jahvaree Ritzie

Edge Truman Jones

RB Terrell Jennings

TE Gee Scott

G Jack Conley, 

C Alec Lindstrom, 

DB Kobee Minor

G Cole Strange

LB Bradyn Swinson 

WR Jeremiah Webb

IR for Jahlani Tavai and Ja'Lynn Polk

BSJ Analysis: Andres Borregales' draft position - he was a 6th round pick by this new regime - and his kickoffs were enough to win the competition. Borregales had some bad misses in the preseason, while Romo was the more consistent leg in that regard, but I always thought that if it was close, the rookie would get the nod. At least he wasn't hitting the porta-potties like Justin Rohrwasser was a few years back.

Jacobs was a waiver wire claim a year ago and ended up starting 13 games for a 4-13 team. He was out over his skis the entire time. Jacobs was given a ton of reps and opportunity this spring and summer, but after a solid start to camp, his lack of foot speed in particular caused him to tumble down the depth chart.

Battle had a strong performance to conclude the 2024-25 regular season against the Bills' backups, and like Jacobs, was given plenty of chances to emerge from a cluster of young cornerbacks. But he really struggled in the preseason games, and amongst the CBs, only Jordan Polk (also released) allowed more catches.

Jiles would make a fine practice squad addition at WR, as he was a year ago. He often played the role of the other team's big receiver.

Epps got over a million to sign with the Pats but after getting some early looks with the ones, quickly faded into the background. He actually asked for his release, seeking a fresh start elsewhere, and the team granted it. Easy to do when you don't have plans for the player. Dell Pettus had a good summer. He has a chance. 

The latest handful of cuts included a couple of players guaranteed spots on the practice squad in Butler and Olajiga. Because he's an international player, the Pats get an extra spot of Olajiga. Butler, on the other hand, showed some promise during his work this summer, and is worth more time as a developmental prospect on the interior. Dippre tied for the biggest UDFA guarantees handed out by the team but never flashed, though had their been better protection in the Commanders game, might have had a touchdown (he was wide open).

Hasty probably did enough during his stint here to earn a roster spot but the fact that he was just sitting there on the street a few weeks ago is a good tell that if the Pats really want to keep him, they could get him back in a heartbeat.

1:14 p.m. - Jones got a lot of looks this spring and summer, and there was a period in time where he felt like he was on the 53 (full disclosure. I had him on). But the production largely came against backups and my sense over the last week was that the coaching staff didn't view him in the same manner as I did. But I'm stubborn so...

Was told the Pats would not be against a return to the practice squad for Jones.

3:19 p.m. Jennings is the latest to be exposed to waivers. With Lan Larison on IR, and Hasty alreadyy\ released, the Pats are content to go with three backs on the 53 and would like Jennings to join the practice squad. 9 players to go.

4:47 p.m. The Pats tried to increase Strange's versatility, but the former first-round pick did not make the final cut. The team tried to trade him but interest was low/non-existent. Minor, the 7th rounder and Mr. Irrelevant, made a push but faded late. 

A note on Swinson. As I mentioned in the NFL Notebook last weekend, he was just sort of...there. I expected more explosion and more violence out of him as a rusher but it never really happened. Still somewhat surprised he got cut, and wonder if some team who had a decent grade on him in the draft process makes a claim.

AUGUST 22

The Patriots have until 4 p.m. on Tuesday to get their roster down to the league-mandated 53 players, but cuts are already coming fast and furious here.

Per Mike Vrabel, the following have been released:

LB RJ Moten
RB Micah Bernard
WR Phil Lutz
DT Kyle Peko
TE Cole Fotheringham
RB Shane Watts
DT Philip Blidi
QB Ben Wooldridge
DB Jordan Polk
LB Monty Rice
G Sidy Sow
TE Jaheim Bell
DB Isaiah Bolden
G Tyrese Robinson

BSJ ANALYSIS