The New England Patriots had a busy weekend, trimming their final roster from 90 to 53 players.
An entire summer of competition in training camp and the preseason factored into the decisions made by the coaching staff.
This is the roster they will move forward with into the season as the follow-up to last year's team, which went 14-3 and made it to the Super Bowl. Will the Patriots be able to go on a similar run with what they've put together this year?
Here is the Patriots initial 53-man roster:
Quarterback (3)
- Drake Maye
- Tommy DeVito
- Behren Morton
The Patriots decided to keep three quarterbacks on the roster, meaning Morton will likely serve as the emergency third on game days.
Running Back (3)
- Rhamondre Stevenson
- TreVeyon Henderson
- Corey Kiner
CUT: Haasan Haskins, Lan Larison Jam Miller, JaMycal Hasty
Throughout the summer, the competition for the running back No.
3 spot remained tight, with no clear winner after the final preseason game. Because of that, the Patriots made the decision to trade for Corey Kiner. As a result, Haasan Haskins, Lan Larison Jam Miller, and JaMycal Hasty were all cut. But Larison and Miller are both strong practice squad candidates.
Wide Receiver (6)
- A.J. Brown
- Romeo Doubs
- Mack Hollins
- DeMario Douglas
- Kyle Williams
- Efton Chism
CUT: Nick DeGennaro, Kyle Dixon, Cameron Dorner, Tejhaun Palmer, Kobe Prentice
After trading Kayshon Boutte, the writing was on the wall for this room. But, they had some impressive performances from UDFAs Nick DeGennaro, Kyle Dixon, and Cameron Dorner, who could all have a spot on the 53-man roster.
Tight End (3)
- Hunter Henry
- Eli Raridon
- Tanner Arkin
CUT: CJ Dippre, Jack Westover
The Patriots decided to keep three tight ends, with UDFA Tanner Arkin winning the spot. After losing Julian Hill for the season, Arkin showed progression as an effective blocker.
Fullback (1)
- Reggie Gilliam
Since the Patriots signed Reggie Gilliam, Jack Westover returned to play tight end once again, but he can also be looked at for a practice squad spot.
Offensive Line (10)
- OT Will Campbell
- G Alijah Vera-Tucker
- C Jared Wilson
- G Mike Onwenu
- OT Morgan Moses
- C/G Ben Brown
- OT Caleb Lomu
- OT Dametrious Crownover
- G Greg Van Roten
- OT Walter Rouse
INJURED RESERVE: Marcus Bryant
CUT: James Hudson, Lorenz Metz, Jacob Rizy, Joseph Michalski, Darrian Dalcourt, JonDarius Morgan, Mehki Butler
With Marcus Bryant on injured reserve to start the season, the Patriots traded for tackle Walter Rouse, adding more depth alongside Caleb Lomu and Dametrious Crownover. As for guard, Ben Brown will not begin the season on injured reserve, which is a good sign of his progress. Newly signed guard Greg Van Roten also made the initial roster.
Defensive Tackle (5)
- Milton Williams
- Christian Barmore
- Cory Durden
- Joshua Farmer
- Leonard Taylor III
CUT: Eric Gregory, Isaiah Iton, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Casey Rogers
This was also a group that seemed pretty certain throughout the summer, with the only surprise being Eric Gregory, who appeared to have a good preseason.
Edge (4)
- Elijah Ponder
- Dre’Mont Jones
- Gabe Jacas
- Quintayvious Hutchins
PUP: Harold Landry
CUT: Bradyn Swinson, Jesse Luketa, Xavier Holmes, Amari Gainer
Quintayvious Hutchins earned a spot on the 53-man roster, beating out Bradyn Swinson for the spot. A 7th-round pick out of Boston College, it was clear that Vrabel took to the young edge early, working with him this summer.
Linebacker (5)
- Robert Spillane
- Christian Elliss
- K.J. Britt
- Khalil Jacobs
- Namdi Obiazor
CUT: Chad Muma, Riley Wilson
UDFA Khalil Jacobs had an impressive summer, being one of the three undrafted rookies to make the roster. He is joined by K.J. Britt and rookie Namdi Obiazor to fill out the depth at linebacker, with Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss as the set starters.
Cornerback (6)
- Christian Gonzalez
- Carlton Davis
- Marcus Jones
- Charles Woods
- Channing Canada
- Karon Prunty
CUT: Marcellas Dial Jr., Kindle Vildor, Brandon Crossley, Kobee Minor, Kenneth Harris
One of the biggest roster surprises was the Patriots deciding to release veteran back Kindle Vildor, who rotated in with the top unit at times due to injuries this summer. That sixth spot instead went to Channing Canada, as he brings special teams expertise as well.
Safety (5)
- Kevin Byard III
- Craig Woodson
- Jaylen Reed
- Dell Pettus
CUT: Mike Brown, Peter Manuma, John Saunders Jr.
Another surprise was John Saunders Jr., who led the team in interceptions this summer. Instead, they decided to keep only four, with Dell Pettus taking that fourth spot as he's vital for the special teams.
Specialists (3)
- Andy Borregales
- Julian Ashby
- Bryce Baringer
NFI: Brenden Schooler
CUT: Matt Haack
The Patriots cut punter Matt Haack, signaling that Bryce Baringer's injury isn't as long-term as feared and that he doesn't need to be placed on IR, forcing him to miss the first four weeks. However, the team has expressed a possible interest in bringing him back on the practice squad.
Practice Squad Candidates
- WR Kyle Dixon (source)
- OL Jacob Rizy (source)
- OL Mehki Butler (source)
- LB Chad Muma (source)
- LB Riley Wilson (source)
- TE/FB Jack Westover (source)
- RB Lan Larison (source)
- P Matt Haack (source)
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: First look at Patriots initial 53-man roster for 2026 season
