As the New England Patriots placed defensive lineman Milton Williams on injured reserve this past weekend, a spot opened up on the 53-man roster.
That was quickly filled by rookie pass rusher Bradyn Swinson,
who has resided on the practice squad this season and would have had opportunities to leave town for another team’s active roster. Continuing his development in New England, however, was part of the decision to sign him.
“There’s some of that, there’s some of that,” head coach Mike Vrabel said Monday morning. “And again, it’s also about opportunity, when we feel like they’re ready for it and when they’ve earned it. And, in that case, I think Bradyn has. So, we’ll have to evaluate what he can do, how he can help us and get him ready to go.”
After transferring from Oregon to LSU, Swinson developed into one of the most productive pass rushers in the country — finishing his final season ranked sixth among qualified edge rushers in pressures (60) with a 22.1 percent pass rush win rate (13th).
He was then selected by the Patriots in the fifth-round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but was cut at the end of training camp before signing to the practice squad.
“He’s worked hard. He’s improved,” Vrabel added. “I think he’s worked hard in the weight room, changing his body, getting stronger, learning special teams and doing a good job there. Give us a great look, and those coaches have done a great job of improving a lot of those guys and hopefully getting them ready here for when they have to play.”
Swinson will now join a depth chart that is led by Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson and rounded out by Anfernee Jennings, Elijah Ponder and Caleb Murphy.
Many thought the Patriots could target a pass rusher at the trade deadline after they dealt Keion White, but New England did not make a move. Since, fellow rookie Elijah Ponder has recorded sacks in back-to-back games and Swinson will now try to spark the unit with any opportunities he’s earned.
