Cutdown day saw the New England Patriots part ways with many roster hopefuls from training camp and the preseason. We review where those who have departed landed to begin the 2026 regular season.
Old faces, new places.
Cutdown day has come and gone, and in the process, the New England Patriots parted ways with 22 players that spent training camp and the preseason in Foxboro. From former draft picks to veteran contributors, New England’s collection of past participants encompasses a wide variety of career trajectories and future projections. For some, that means new opportunities elsewhere. For others, they may have played their final downs in the NFL.
Here’s a comprehensive look at where those former Patriots landed to begin the 2026 regular season:
53-Man Rosters
Tennessee Titans tackle James Hudson III (59) drills with tackle Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson (78) at team practice Vanderbilt Health Football Center Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026.New England was active on the waiver wire this week, adding four new additions to the 53-man roster. They weren’t the only ones. Here are former Patriots who have either been claimed or signed with other organizations as free agents:
CB Marcellas Dial Jr., Miami Dolphins
Marcellas Dial Jr. was originally drafted by New England in the sixth-round (No. 180 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. Prior to his release, he was the only player remaining from that Patriots’ draft class not-named Drake Maye. He appeared in all 17 games for New England as a rookie in 2024 and recorded 12 tackles on defense while adding contributions on special teams, but spent the 2025 season on injured reserve.
OL James Hudson III, Tennessee Titans
James Hudson III signed with the Patriots as an unrestricted free agent on March 23, 2026, after stops with the Cleveland Browns (2021-2024) and New York Giants (2025). He played at multiple spots along the offensive line for New England during the preseason, moving from his usual position at offensive tackle to fill in at right guard when the team was thin of bodies along the interior.
Practice Squads
Aug 22, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Bradyn Swinson (43) in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn ImagesThose players that cleared waivers weren’t guaranteed to return to New England on the practice squad. While the Patriots did retain many of their cuts in a lesser capacity, several of those who severed ties with the team explored new opportunities elsewhere. Here are former contributors that have signed on with practice squads around the NFL:
TE C.J. Dippre, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
C.J. Dippre was one of New England's more high-profile undrafted free agent (UDFA) signings of 2025 and spent the majority of last season on the practice squad. He was supplanted by rookies Eli Raridon (third-round, No. 95 overall) and Tanner Arkin (UDFA) during training camp and the preseason.
ED Amari Gainer, Miami Dolphins
Amari Gainer originally signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as a UDFA on April 27, 2024, and played 80% of the team’s special teams snaps during that season. He was waived on cutdown day last year and signed to the Patriots' practice squad on December 17, 2025. Gainer flashed with five tackles, four stops, one sack, and seven total pressures during the preseason.
ED Bradyn Swinson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Bradyn Swinson was drafted by New England in the fifth-round (No. 146 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. A fringe top-100 prospect in his draft class, Swinson received offers to sign elsewhere while he spent the majority of last year on the practice squad, but remained in Foxboro through the 2026 preseason. Now, he gets a fresh start in Pittsburgh.
TE Jack Westover, Washington Commanders
Jack Westover was signed by the Patriots as a UDFA prior to the 2025 season and became a key contributor at fullback when injuries to others on the depth chart forced him to switch positions. He showed great versatility in a multitude of alignments, but upgrades at fullback and tight end pushed him out of the room. Rather than retaining him on the practice squad, he now joins Washington in the same capacity.
Free Agents
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Jam Miller (30) runs the ball against Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (26) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesNot all of New England’s cuts were picked up by other clubs. Here are those former Patriots who are still awaiting their next opportunity:
- S Eric Butler
- OL Mehki Butler
- CB Brandon Crossley
- OL Jack Conley
- OL Darrian Dalcourt
- WR Nick DeGennaro
- RB JaMycal Hasty
- S Peter Manuma
- OL Joe Michalski
- RB Jam Miller
- CB Kobee Minor
- OL JonDarius Morgan
- LB Chad Muma
- WR Tejhaun Palmer
- DT Casey Rogers
- S John Saunders Jr.
Looking Ahead
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots center Garrett Bradbury (65) prepares to snap the ball to quarterback Drake Maye (10) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesWith the 53-man roster and 17-man practice squad filled, New England now looks ahead to the regular season opener against the Seattle Seahawks next Wednesday. Those who have departed will aim to prove their value in their new homes, or continue working towards that next step as rosters around the league remain malleable in the coming days.
Which former Patriot do you think will have the biggest impact with their new team? Who do you think that New England should explore a reunion with? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on Patriots Roundtable.
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