The New England Patriots’ roster construction process did not end with the 53-man deadline on Sunday. In the two days since, the reigning AFC champions continued making moves to modify the roster with the season opener in Seattle on the horizon.
Two of those moves involved recently-released players getting picked up on the waiver wire. Despite ranking 31st in the priorities order, the Patriots were able to pick up both tight end Cameron Latu and linebacker Darius Muasau after they were cut from the Eagles
and Giants, respectively.
For head coach Mike Vrabel, those moves came down to one thing: experience.
“Just guys that have really played NFL games, meaningful football games,” Vrabel explained talking to the media at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday.
Latu started his career as a third-round draft pick by the 49ers in 2023, and has taken the field in 15 games since. then — all as a member of the Eagles last season. Remaining with Philadelphia this summer, Vrabel and the Patriots were able to get an up-close look at him during the two teams’ joint practices and preseason game earlier this month.
As Vrabel pointed out, however, this was not the first touching point. In fact, he worked closely with his new head coach before he moved to New England in January 2025.
“I was with Cam during my time in Cleveland, and really enjoyed getting to know him, being able to work with him and try to help him,” he said about the 26-year-old. “We had some conversations about him last year, and he went on to do some really good things to help Philadelphia. Then we just thought it would be a good opportunity to add somebody that has excelled at special teams and also looking to earn a role at tight end.”
Muasau spent both of his NFL seasons with the Giants. Playing 27 combined games along the way as an off-ball linebacker and special teamer, he briefly crossed paths with multiple members of New England’s coaching staff: during his 2024 rookie season, the sixth-round draft choice worked under a staff featuring current Patriots assistants Zak Kuhr and Shane Bowen.
“Darius has shown the ability to play both spots inside,” said Vrabel. “Zak had some comfort and some familiarity with him in New York.”
