In order to get under the NFL’s 53-man roster limit on Sunday, the New England Patriots made a combined 37 roster cuts over the weekend. And while some of those players have found their way back via the team’s practice squad, a significant portion remains unsigned or has officially moved on.
As of Wednesday morning, that second group consists of five players highlighted by 2024 sixth-round draft pick Marcellas Dial Jr. The cornerback, who found himself on the roster bubble throughout the summer, was
claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins.
Dial Jr., 25, entered the Patriots as the 180th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He appeared in all 17 of the Patriots’ games as a rookie, mostly on special teams, but had to miss his entire sophomore campaign after suffering a torn ACL in training camp. He returned this year and saw action as a nickel back and four-unit kicking game contributor, but ultimately lost a roster spot to rookie cornerbacks Karon Prunty and Channing Canada.
This, in turn, meant that the Patriots’ eight-player 2024 draft class was now down to only quarterback Drake Maye. Dial Jr., on the other hand, will try to revive his career with the Patriots’ division rivals.
Also joining him in Miami are outside linebackers Bradyn Swinson and Amari Gainer, who were both signed to the team’s practice squad. Tight end Jack Westover, meanwhile, joined the Washington Commanders’ developmental roster.
Offensive lineman James Hudson, on the other hand, has also found an opportunity on a 53-man roster. The veteran was signed by the Tennessee Titans after making his way to free agency.
