Player Signing More on the new additions, LB Wilson and TE Van Vooren

[ctpatsfan77]

Undrafted free agent Riley Wilson to sign with Patriots

The Patriots are signing undrafted free agent Riley Wilson, his representation, PM3 Sports Management, announced.

www.nbcsports.com

https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2026/07/patriots-sign-young-linebacker-ahead-of-training-camp.html

Interesting that they decided to go with two more UDFAs, rather than signing veterans.

 

[Ross12]

Despite being a Super Bowl team last year, they do seem to be taking more of a long-term view generally.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Undrafted free agent Riley Wilson to sign with Patriots

The Patriots are signing undrafted free agent Riley Wilson, his representation, PM3 Sports Management, announced.

www.nbcsports.com

https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2026/07/patriots-sign-young-linebacker-ahead-of-training-camp.html

Interesting that they decided to go with two more UDFAs, rather than signing veterans.

They need bodies for camp.
Not saying they won't stick, but it's more likely than not they will gone.
I'm sure they are still working on FAs such as Clowney, and those 2 spots are far from locked in for those 2 guys.

 

[JoeSixPat]

Van Vooren is intriguing, though I would think he'd still be pretty raw given his small school experience and limited experience in the NFL

Still, he's an extra camp body so I look at him as "trying to make the practice squad" - but let's see what a quick, 6'5" former hurdler can do - would love to see him catch a pass and leap right over a low tackle attempt!

 

[mgteich]

Undrafted free agent Riley Wilson to sign with Patriots

The Patriots are signing undrafted free agent Riley Wilson, his representation, PM3 Sports Management, announced.

www.nbcsports.com

https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2026/07/patriots-sign-young-linebacker-ahead-of-training-camp.html

Interesting that they decided to go with two more UDFAs, rather than signing veterans.

The two types of acquisitions have little to do with each other.

We signed camp fodder, two players who are long, long shots to make the Practice Squad.

There are positions where it would be very reasonable to add a veteran.
TE after losing Hill
EDGE with the issues around Jacas and Landry
OG/C
ILB
ST's as is always the case

We have plenty of cap money to work with unless lots of 2026 cap money is needed for Gonzalez.

 

[PatsFan2]

Speaking of TE with it's questionable depth. I would move Boutte for TE Cole Kmet; Da Bears have C Loveland and Sam Roush.

 

[DaBruinz]

By my count, the Pats must release someone since they also re-signed Iton.

Releasing Brock Lampe is disappointing. Westover can't be better than him.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Despite being a Super Bowl team last year, they do seem to be taking more of a long-term view generally.

I think they are doing both simultaneously. Their free agency was clearly directed at the immediate future, but their depth moves are young guys.

 

[rkarp1]

camp bodies
still have yet to address the potential issues at TE and LB
poorly situated if Henry or Spillane miss any time

 

[JoeSixPat]

Speaking of TE with it's questionable depth. I would move Boutte for TE Cole Kmet; Da Bears have C Loveland and Sam Roush.

I'd welcome a veteran TE signing, but when it comes to depth, one has to include Mack Hollins, given his size and hybrid role in the first place.

Mack actually started a few games at TE for the Raiders under a coach named McDaniels. It's often underappreciated but he's a really good blocker when he's out there too, though he's certainly a receiving threat. Seems like an easy choice to put Mack out there if we hit a depth problem during the season. He'll be looking for targets as is with Brown likely to get many more looks than Diggs or Boutte last year so I'd welcome having him in the TE rotation as is, just to get him on the field.

When it comes to a backup blocking TE, I'd love to see them give Crownover some reps in camp. He was recruited as a TE by Texas A&M so I'm confident he'd at least know how to block lining up there. I'm hoping he plays well enough in camp to make the roster, and being available as a backup blocking TE might help him make the cut.

That's all if we need the depth there.

I'm more worried about other positions, but if they extended Gonzo and signed Clowney, I'd feel a lot better.

 

[rkarp1]

I'd welcome a veteran TE signing, but when it comes to depth, one has to include Mack Hollins, given his size and hybrid role in the first place.

Mack actually started a few games at TE for the Raiders under a coach named McDaniels. It's often underappreciated but he's a really good blocker when he's out there too, though he's certainly a receiving threat. Seems like an easy choice to put Mack out there if we hit a depth problem during the season. He'll be looking for targets as is with Brown likely to get many more looks than Diggs or Boutte last year so I'd welcome having him in the TE rotation as is, just to get him on the field.

When it comes to a backup blocking TE, I'd love to see them give Crownover some reps in camp. He was recruited as a TE by Texas A&M so I'm confident he'd at least know how to block lining up there. I'm hoping he plays well enough in camp to make the roster, and being available as a backup blocking TE might help him make the cut.

That's all if we need the depth there.

I'm more worried about other positions, but if they extended Gonzo and signed Clowney, I'd feel a lot better.

unless they trade a WR, Hollins may not be a roster lock

 

[PatsFan2]

unless they trade a WR, Hollins may not be a roster lock

I've been down that rabbit hole before regarding Barefoot Hollins. His Best season's as a Pro came under Josh McDaniels yeah he's a lock. Douglas and Chism unless they have world beater off-seasons will be Traded or released.

 

[JoeSixPat]

The two types of acquisitions have little to do with each other.

We signed camp fodder, two players who are long, long shots to make the Practice Squad.

There are positions where it would be very reasonable to add a veteran.
TE after losing Hill
EDGE with the issues around Jacas and Landry
OG/C
ILB
ST's as is always the case

We have plenty of cap money to work with unless lots of 2026 cap money is needed for Gonzalez.

Right - both of these signings strike me as "shadow roster" additions.

Get them in to camp (their salaries are non-guaranteed, I'm sure) see what they can do and have them in your backup to the backup to the backup file as the season is long, and there's no reason not to get a look at as many young guys as possible

Would love to see them exceed expectations but the expectation here is to show enough to make the practice squad

As mentioned, I feel better about TE knowing we can (and should) have Mack - but I'm right there with you on EDGE, especially. Veterans too can be put on PS, so it makes sense to me that we might see some bottom-of-the-roster cuts and some comings and goings, knowing even guys like Lampe are probably still going to be available for PS or Shadow Squad later in the season.

They know what Brock can and can't do - might as well get a look at some other guys in camp.

But as much as I like them bringing new guys in, these are not the signings we really need.

 

[JoeSixPat]

unless they trade a WR, Hollins may not be a roster lock

Unless Vrabel thinks there's a need for depth at TE.

Most fans think there's a need for depth at TE, and Vrabel may feel that same way too.

That depth may already be on the roster, making Hollins more valuable and letting them address EDGE or a position with less depth.

And we know that Josh has actually started Hollins at TE in the past.