Patriots 2025 Roster Moves: Vrabel Bolsters Linebacker and Tight End Depth Through Waiver Claims and Practice Squad Signings

The New England Patriots are keeping busy.

One day after finalizing their initial 53-man roster for the 2025 NFL season, Mike Vrabel’s squad remains active across multiple fronts.

Monday represented the deadline for teams to process waiver claims, with a 1 p.m. ET cutoff for adding players to active rosters.

The Patriots successfully claimed two experienced players: linebacker Darius Muasau and tight end Cameron Latu. Meanwhile, Miami claimed cornerback Marcellus Dial off waivers from New England.

Beyond the active roster, the Patriots have begun assembling their practice squad.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the day’s transactions:

Patriots Release Veteran Offensive Lineman

In a surprising decision, the Patriots parted ways with center Ben Brown on Monday. The 28-year-old started four games at left guard for New England last season and started 10 games at center in 2024.

Brown had signed a two-year, $5 million extension with the team last year and entered training camp as the primary interior backup. That role now falls to Greg Van Roten, who signed with the Patriots earlier this month.

Patriots Add Another Rookie Wide Receiver

According to a source, the Patriots are signing rookie receiver Cameron Dorner to the practice squad. The undrafted free agent impressed during training camp in New England and recorded three catches for 19 yards during the preseason.

Patriots Sign a Receiver

The Patriots are signing wide receiver Kyle Dixon to their practice squad, according to ESPN. Dixon began his athletic career as a collegiate pitcher before transitioning from baseball to football. He now earns a spot on New England’s practice squad.

Dixon recorded 10 catches on 10 targets for 81 yards this preseason, finishing strong with eight receptions for 71 yards in the final preseason game.

Patriots Add More Offensive Line Depth

According to The Athletic, the Patriots are signing guard Jake Kubas to their practice squad. Kubas appeared in five games for the New York Giants last season, making three starts.

Kubas provides additional offensive line depth while Brown deals with an injury. This preseason, Kubas took snaps at left guard and center. Last season, he played at both right guard and left guard.

Another Linebacker Signed

According to a source, the Patriots are signing linebacker Riley Wilson to their practice squad. Wilson joined New England this offseason as an undrafted free agent out of Arizona.

Patriots Sign Rookie Center

The Patriots are signing undrafted rookie center Jacob Ritzy to their practice squad, according to Patriots on SI. Ritzy had a strong summer and stepped up as the team’s top backup center when Brown sustained an injury.

Patriots Add Defensive Tackle

According to a source, the Patriots are signing defensive tackle Eric Gregory to the practice squad. Gregory ranked among the top backups throughout the summer. He appeared in six games with New England last season, recording eight tackles.

Patriots Sign Veteran Running Back

According to ESPN, the Patriots are bringing running back Hassan Haskins back to their practice squad. Haskins competed for the team’s No. 3 running back role, which ultimately went to Corey Kiner.

Patriots Signing Veteran Punter

According to a source, the Patriots are signing veteran punter Mitch Wishnowsky to their practice squad later today. Wishnowsky was released by the Buffalo Bills this past weekend and provides insurance if Bryce Baringer cannot start the season due to his injury.

Wishnowsky was a fourth-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2019. The 34-year-old punted for the 49ers for six seasons before joining the Bills last year.

Patriots Releasing Veteran Linebacker

After claiming Muasau, the Patriots are releasing veteran linebacker K.J. Britt, according to ESPN.

Britt was signed this offseason to replace Jack Gibbens, though he experienced an inconsistent training camp. Muasau now appears positioned as the team’s top backup linebacker.

Patriots Signing International Tackle

According to a source, the Patriots are signing tackle Lorenz Metz to their practice squad. Metz holds an international exemption and will count as an additional player on the team’s 17-player practice squad.

Patriots Sign Veteran Defensive Tackle

According to a source, the Patriots are signing defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms to their practice squad. Pharms, 29, has been in New England since 2022. He appeared in three games last season, recording three tackles.

Patriots Add Linebacker With Starting Experience

The Patriots have identified their new No. 3 linebacker.

On Monday, the team claimed Darius Muasau off waivers from the New York Giants. The 25-year-old was a sixth-round pick by New York in 2024. Last season, he started 11 of 12 games played, recording 51 tackles and a sack.

In 2024, Muasau started seven of 15 games played, making 55 tackles along with an interception.

This acquisition strengthens a Patriots linebacker group that appeared thin at the conclusion of training camp.

Muasau now projects as the primary backup behind Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss. The Patriots also have rookies Khalil Jacobs and Namdi Obiazor on the roster.

Patriots Add Tight End

The Patriots claimed tight end/fullback Cameron Latu on Monday.

Latu appeared in 15 games for the Philadelphia Eagles last season. He served as a core special teamer, recording 11 tackles and blocking a punt.

Latu provides New England with additional depth at tight end, fullback, and on special teams. He was a third-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2023. Latu missed his rookie season due to a torn meniscus.

In 2024, he signed to the Cleveland Browns practice squad. Mike Vrabel was an assistant in Cleveland that season, where he helped coach the Browns’ tight end group.

Source link