Both are being released from the team's practice squad to make room for some of their newest draft prospects.
Just two days after the conclusion of the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots made some interesting roster moves.
On Monday afternoon, the Patriots announced that they had released wide receiver John Jiles and tight end Marshall Lang.
In February, Jiles signed a futures contract after he had spent the last two seasons on the team's practice squad. Initially, he signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent back in 2024. That August, the Giants released him, and the Patriots picked him up.
As for Lang, he has yet to make a proper NFL introduction. Lang bounced around the league last season, appearing twice on the team's practice squad within a season, as well as the Seattle Seahawks practice squad.
The move seems very predictable after the Patriots signed four wide receivers as undrafted free agents, including Kyle Dixon and Nick DeGennaro. Plus, the team drafted Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon in the third round on Friday night.
There's room for competition in the wide receiver room during training camp; chances are, someone will emerge from the pack of undrafted free agent rookies. As for Raridon, despite a couple of torn ACLs earlier in his career, the Patriots seem to have confidence in the rookie tight end to be a successor for Hunter Henry in the coming season.
The Patriots have many narratives surrounding the team's wide receivers heading into 2026. One of their first moves in free agency was not bringing back star wideout Stefon Diggs in 2026.
Former Green Bay Packers WR Romeo Doubs was signed to a four-year deal a few days later.
The Patriots are also expected to be one of the key teams pursuing A.J. Brown after June 1st from the Philadelphia Eagles. Jiles' release could be a precursor to that move, as many wonder what the Patriots may or may not do to open up room in that wide receiver room for the arrival of Brown.
It seems that, despite the draft being over, the Patriots still have some moves to make to help shape their 2026 campaign.
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