Looking ahead to cutdowns and waiver (EDIT: First names announced)

[A Defiant Goose]

You can always check the thread @DaBruinz maintains as well for roster transactions:

PATRIOTS NEWS Thread '2025/2026 Patriots Roster Transaction Thread'

Jan 6, 2025

So, I am starting the 2024/2025 Roster Transaction thread because there have been a few transactions that affect this roster. I'm linking the 2024/2025 Roster Transaction thread.

NOTE: The 2023 IR rules allowed for 8 players to return from IR after missing 4 games. I will update if this changes.
EDIT: for the 2025/2026 season, the NFL is allowing for 2 players who are put on IR during TC to now return during the season.

The Practice Squad is now 16 Players.

Tracking the 2025/2026 Patriots Roster Moves...

• DaBruinz
• Replies: 205
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Eh DaBruinz is a **** I'd rather live in ignorance of the roster for eternity than support a thread of his

(Jk)

 

[n1997y]

This was the “we really have no desire to continue working with you” group. Minor will probably fall into the “you still stink, but we would like to try to develop you into a better player” group, AKA the back end of the practice squad

I’m not so sure. I thought it was a mixed bag, but might’ve been giving some guys who have been good soldiers the chance to catch on with another team before the rush. Or an attempt to put them on the waiver wire while all the other teams are focused on cutdowns so they sneak past unclaimed.

 

[jboston19]

I’m not so sure. I thought it was a mixed bag, but might’ve been giving some guys who have been good soldiers the chance to catch on with another team before the rush. Or an attempt to put them on the waiver wire while all the other teams are focused on cutdowns so they sneak past unclaimed.

I think it’s allowing the vets and guys that may not get another shot anywhere else in the NFL an early chance to catch on somewhere else.

 

[borisman]

Every time we miss out on a decent waiver wire pick up, to those teams picking ahead of us, it will make me hate Mayo even more.

 

[n1997y]

Every time we miss out on a decent waiver wire pick up, to those teams picking ahead of us, it will make me hate Mayo even more.

Mayo made sure there aren’t many teams picking ahead of us

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Mayo made sure there aren’t many teams picking ahead of us

He was just incompetent enough to get them in a situation where they needed to lose that game to get the #1 pick.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

BTW, an observation: so far (Fri. night) the Pats have released more players than any other team.

 

[fnordcircle]

BTW, an observation: so far (Fri. night) the Pats have released more players than any other team.

Last night probably informed the choices being made today. Get ready to move quickly if an upgrade becomes available, etc. who knows.

 

[DaBruinz]

This was the “we really have no desire to continue working with you” group. Minor will probably fall into the “you still stink, but we would like to try to develop you into a better player” group, AKA the back end of the practice squad

I'm not so sure about that, Ross. By releasing them early, it would force any team to put them on their roster PRIOR to the cut-downs if they attempted to claim them. Which would force the other team to make a coinciding roster move prior to cut-downs. If the player goes unclaimed, then the Pats know that they will be available for the PS.

I think that Polk and Bolden could be brought back if they go unclaimed. Polk did well on STs and Bolden had been good there previously. Not sure why that would magically stop.

Or it could be that they're just done, as you said.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I'm not so sure about that, Ross. By releasing them early, it would force any team to put them on their roster PRIOR to the cut-downs if they attempted to claim them. Which would force the other team to make a coinciding roster move prior to cut-downs. If the player goes unclaimed, then the Pats know that they will be available for the PS.

I think that Polk and Bolden could be brought back if they go unclaimed. Polk did well on STs and Bolden had been good there previously. Not sure why that would magically stop.

Or it could be that they're just done, as you said.

On the flip side, the PS does require mutual interest.

 

[n1997y]

On the flip side, the PW does require mutual interest.

Yep. Make an offer to their agent. If they have other offers 5hey get to choose. Or negotiate. Likely that their last employer has the advantage.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Yep. Make an offer to their agent. If they have other offers 5hey get to choose. Or negotiate. Likely that their last employer has the advantage.

FYI most players are no longer able to negotiate PS contracts. Only veteran players get to do so, and only within narrow ranges. (Teams can no longer pay PS players like they were on the roster to entice them to stay.)

 

[n1997y]

FYI most players are no longer able to negotiate PS contracts. Only veteran players get to do so, and only within narrow ranges. (Teams can no longer pay PS players like they were on the roster to entice them to stay.)

Really? What if the player has multiple teams offering PS contracts?

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Really? What if the player has multiple teams offering PS contracts?

Players can choose based on perceived opportunities, coaching, etc., but that's it. Teams can't offer financial incentives (except for the 4 players with >2 years experience).

 

[JPPT1974]

That's hard in making cuts. Even on those who play their hearts out. Has to be very hard for coaches and management!

 

[Family]

I think that Polk and Bolden could be brought back if they go unclaimed. Polk did well on STs and Bolden had been good there previously. Not sure why that would magically stop.

Bolden only played 4 snaps preseason game 2, when things mattered.

He's done.

 

[Real fan 02]

Not that your point is wrong, but seeing as the starters have yet to practice together yet, let alone take snaps together, we really won't know what we've got until October (in this era of football, September might as well still be the preseason in terms of sorting out a team)

Case in point, this time last year we were all talking about the new depth at WR with Polk and Baker!

Great points. What Vrabel's done is managing his players. We have some veterans up front in Williams, Landry, Barmore, Spillane, chassion. Vrabel's a modern day coach and understands he needs his guys to be available for the season. So guys have been together since OTA, mini camp, and training camp. I think we have a idea of who are the main guys, and guys that will be in the rotation. When we were playing for championships yes, I could say September is an extension of the pre-season. However this teams won lost 26 games the last 2 seasons. We need to use September as a spring board to stack wins.. that's when you want to catch teams.

 

[Real fan 02]

Got to be in the top 3 rounds next draft unless we trade for one beforehand,

I really thought Bell would factor into the TE conversation.. I think he'll be back on the PS. But yes we definitely should be looking to take a move/pass catching TE in the draft.

 

[Real fan 02]

Bolden only played 4 snaps preseason game 2, when things mattered.

He's done.

Just goes to show the depth and talent we have at CB. DJ James, Austin rounding out the depth behind Gonzo and Davis.

 

[Sfpat]

I believe waiver eligible players won't clear until Wednesday. Doesn't matter what day they are released.