Patriots 53-man roster cuts tracker: Every release, signing and rumor

Published: Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 9:00 am

Patriots Roster Cuts Underway as Deadline Looms

As the NFL's roster cutdown deadline approaches, the New England Patriots are actively shaping their team for the upcoming season. By 4 p.m. Tuesday, all NFL teams must reduce their rosters to a maximum of 53 players. The Patriots began the process early, releasing 14 players last week.

With the deadline fast approaching, the Patriots have 23 spots to clear. This can be achieved through player releases, trades, or placing players on injured reserve (IR). Several players are potential candidates for IR, including wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Efton Chism III, and linebacker Jahlani Tavai. Teams are permitted to designate up to two players for return midseason from IR. Players placed on IR before the deadline who are not designated to return will be sidelined for the entire season.

A key factor in the cutdown process is player eligibility. Players with four or more years of NFL experience who are released can immediately sign with any team. Players with fewer than four years of service are subject to waivers, where other NFL teams can claim them. The waiver order begins with the Titans, Browns, Giants, and Patriots.

The Patriots held a practice on Monday, with several players absent or limited. These included cornerback Christian Gonzalez, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, offensive lineman Cole Strange, and others. Wide receiver JaLynn Polk will miss the season due to a shoulder injury. While some players are considered roster locks, the team is also exploring potential trades. Sources indicate that the Patriots have made Anfernee Jennings and veteran safety Kyle Dugger available for trade.

BNN's Perspective: The roster cutdown process is a necessary but often difficult part of the NFL season. While it's tough to see players' dreams end, it's also a crucial step in building a competitive team. The Patriots' early moves and potential trade discussions suggest they are actively working to optimize their roster for the upcoming season.

Keywords: Patriots, roster cuts, NFL, cutdown day, releases, trades, injured reserve, Kendrick Bourne, Efton Chism III, Anfernee Jennings, Kyle Dugger, waivers, Christian Gonzalez, JaLynn Polk.

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