Today In Patriots History August 9: The Pats Sixth Round QB

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats draft a QB in the sixth round​

Happy 45th birthday to Kliff Kingsbury
Born August 9, 1979 in San Antonio
Patriot QB, 2003; uniform #15
Pats 6th round (201st overall) selection of the 2003 draft, from Texas Tech


During the 2003 draft the Pats traded down eleven spots in the fifth round, from #154 to #164. In return Tennessee gave the Patriots their sixth round draft pick; the two clubs also swapped seventh round picks. New England used their fifth rounder on Dan Koppen, who started at center for eight seasons; with the freebie in the sixth the Pats selected Kliff Kingsbury. The player Tennessee just had to have was Donnie Nickey, a special teams ace who did play for eight seasons - but was never close to being as important or as good as Koppen was.

At the time New England had Rohan Davey and Damon Huard backing up Tom Brady, entering his third season as an NFL starting quarterback. Kliff Kingsbury never got on the field for the Patriots, but he did get a Super Bowl ring. Kingsbury spent the entire 2003 season on IR with an arm injury, and was cut the following September at the end of training camp when teams need to get down to their regular season roster limit.

Kingsbury later spent time on practice squads for the Saints and Broncos, and in 2005 appeared in garbage time for one game with the Jets. New York then allocated him to Cologne for the 2006 NFL Europe season. After having been waived by Buffalo at the end of their 2006 training camp, his pro football playing days finished in 2007 as the third string quarterback of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL.


The following year Kingsbury took an entry level coaching job at the University of Houston. He quickly progressed, and was named college football's Offensive Coordinator of the year in 2011 after the Cougars scored an average of 50 points per game. That led to being hired as the OC for Texas A&M. In 2012 the Aggies were the only team in college football ranked in the top 15 for scoring offense, total yards, rushing yards and passing yards - and QB Johnny Manziel won the Heisman Trophy.

A year later at the age of 36, Kingsbury became head coach at Texas Tech. Despite the Red Raiders posting mediocre records (7-5, 4-8, 7-6, 6-7, 5-7), Kingsbury became a hot topic among speculation for coaching hires. Much of that was due to Patrick Mahomes' first season as an NFL starter; Mahomes was the QB in 2016 for Kingsbury when Texas Tech had the sixth best offense in college football. Overlooked was the fact that they also had the worst ranked defense.

Early in 2019 Kingsbury signed a contract to become head coach at Southern Cal, then resigned when offered the same position by the Arizona Cardinals. The Vegas over/under on win totals for the 2019 Cardinals was just five, after coming off a 3-13 season. The linemakers were spot on, with Arizona going 5-10-1. The following year Arizona stood at 6-3 after defeating Buffalo in week 10, but stumbled to an 8-8 finish. While it was not enough to give them their first winning season since going 13-3 in 2015, at least it avoided a third straight last place finish. The oddsmakers did not show much faith in improvement though, setting the line for Arizona's 2021 win total at 8.5 - which would place them fourth in the NFC West, behind the Rams (10), 49ers (10) and Seahawks (9.5). Kingsbury's Cardinals bucked the odds, jumping out to a 10-2 start - then stumbled with a 1-4 finish and 34-11 wild card loss to the eventual super bowl winning Rams. In 2022 the Bidwells signed Kingsbury to a five-year contract extension guaranteed at $7.5 million annually, but another late season slump followed. Arizona lost their last seven in a row to finish 4-13, and fired Kingsbury. In 2023 he took a position as a senior offensive analyst at Southern Cal, where he worked with Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. This past February Kingsbury returned to the NFL, as offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders.


Aug 12, 2019:

Patriots played major role in Kliff Kingsbury's coaching career

Kliff Kingsbury's first coaching gig in the NFL turned out to be a head coaching position for the Arizona Cardinals. He was a sixth round quarterback drafted by the New England Patriots in 2003, but his playing career turned out to be unsuccessful. Subsequently, he…

patriotswire.usatoday.com

Nov 24, 2020:

Cardinals coach Kingsbury started NFL career in New England

Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury spent a year in New England when he was drafted in the sixth round of the 2003 draft.

www.enterprisenews.com

The 41-year-old Kingsbury told the media in Arizona this week that his one season being part of the Patriots was invaluable.​

“I learned more football in that short time than any other stop along the way when it comes to coaching and pertaining to coaching,’’ Kingsbury said. “The work that goes in and the game-planning, preparation day in and day out.​

“I really got to see behind the scenes there. It was phenomenal being around all those coaches that went on to be head coaches and went on to win a bunch of Super Bowls, and obviously, getting to watch that Super Bowl (against the Panthers) was phenomenal.’’​

“The way they operate, the level of preparation, the competitive in practice, those are all things that stay with you for life when you’ve been in that building,’’ said Kingsbury of the Patriots in 2019 after being hired. “That’s kind of the mountaintop of preparation and competitive. You can see why they win so much.’’​

Kingsbury said that Belichick has been a help to him through the years since leaving the Patriots.​

“He’s obviously a legend,’’ Kingsbury told the media. “There’s definitely an intimidation factor there, even when you’re done playing, just because of all he’s accomplished and what he’s about.​

“But he’s been amazing to me over the years. Even when I got fired at Texas Tech, he reached out, and he allowed me to come up there when I was at Texas Tech and sit in on meetings, go to practices. I can’t thank him enough for all he’s done for me.’’​

July 21, 2021:

Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury's offense needs to move further away from its roots to thrive in the NFL

Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury is at a crossroads and needs to continue to adapt his offense in order to take the next step during the 2021 NFL season.

www.pff.com

The Cardinals sacrifice the boost a receiver gets from moving around to find favorable matchups in exchange for added speed and efficiency that comes with every player always knowing where to line up and the tempo it allows.​

Kingsbury’s offense is at that crossroads right now. NFL defenses have a pretty good handle on how to combat his offense. He had to adapt his system significantly to even get to where it is today. While showing that adaptability stands in his favor right now, it needs more.​

The 2021 season is critical for Kingsbury. The team has a lot of talent at its disposal, but Kingsbury needs to break out the next phase of his offense.​

March 2, 2022:

Arizona Cardinals extend contracts of GM Steve Keim, coach Kliff Kingsbury through 2027

The Cardinals announced Wednesday they have reached an agreement with GM Steve Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury on contract extensions through 2027.

www.azcentral.com

Jan 9, 2023:

Cardinals fire Kliff Kingsbury; GM Steve Keim steps aside

The Cardinals have fired coach Kliff Kingsbury, 10 months after the two sides agreed to an extension. GM Steve Keim also is stepping aside, the team announced.

www.espn.com

Kliff Kingsbury - Football Coach - USC Athletics

Kliff Kingsbury, who has head coaching experience at both the collegiate level and the NFL, joined the USC staff as a senior offensive analyst in April 2023....

usctrojans.com

June 2, 2024:

What new OC Kliff Kingsbury brings to Commanders

The former Cardinals coach is now in charge of improving a unit that has been one of the NFL's worst for a decade.

www.espn.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Bill Bain​

Happy 72nd birthday to Bill Bain
Born August 9, 1952 in Los Angeles
Patriot OT, 1986; uniform #62
Signed as a free agent on December 2, 1986

In 1975 Bill Bain was a second round draft pick out of USC in by the Packers. Bain was the starting left tackle for the Rams in 1983 when Eric ****erson set NFL rookie records for most yards rushing (1,808), touchdowns (18) and yards from scrimmage (2,212). Bain was again at left tackle the following season when ****erson set NFL all-time single-season records for rushing yardage (2,205) and 100-yard rushing games (12).

Bain arrived in Foxborough at the tail end of a twelve year NFL career for the last three games of the 1986 season, plus the 22-17 playoff loss at Denver. That 1986 season had a rough ending, with Andre Tippett, Clayton Weishuhn and Steve Nelson all going on IR in November, and then Irving Fryar suffering a concussion in an automobile accident.

Bain had wanted to return for a 13th NFL season, but he and GM Patrick Sullivan were unable to agree to terms for another contract.


Oct 15, 1985:

It Has Been a Strain, Says Bain; No Longer Can He Carry Around 300 Pounds

Arnold Schwarzenegger, relax. Breathe easy, Tom Selleck.

www.latimes.com

1986 New England Patriots Team Season Highlights "Fight To The Finish" (23:52)





1986 Divisional Round Patriots @ Broncos (2:18:45)

​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
James Robinson​

Happy 26th birthday to James Robinson
Born August 9, 1998 in Rockford, Illinois
Patriot RB, 2023 offseason; uniform #3
Signed as a free agent on March 15, 2023





March 15, 2023:

Report: Patriots sign RB James Robinson to two-year deal

The Patriots reportedly signed running back James Robinson to a two-year contract on Wednesday.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Robinson, 24, burst on the scene as a rookie in 2020 with 1,414 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He enjoyed a solid sophomore campaign before tearing his Achilles late in the season.​

In 2022 Robinson played seven games for the Jaguars before being traded to the New York Jets. He amassed 476 yards and five TDs in 11 games and was not tendered a contract from the Jets heading into the new league year.​

Robinson joins a Patriots running back room that includes Rhamondre Stevenson, Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong, and Kevin Harris. Damien Harris is a free agent after four seasons in New England.​

Patriots and RB James Robinson agree to 2-year deal, source says

RB James Robinson has agreed to a two-year deal with the Patriots that has a maximum value of $8 million, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

www.espn.com

Running back James Robinson has agreed to a two-year deal with the New England Patriots that has a maximum value of $8 million. Robinson, 24, became an unrestricted free agent when the New York Jets decided not to tender him an offer for the 2023 season.​

The 5-foot-9, 219-pound Robinson projects as a complement to top running back Rhamondre Stevenson, which was a role previously held by Damien Harris, who is an unrestricted free agent.​

The Jets acquired Robinson last season in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars after starter Breece Hall sustained a season-ending torn ACL. Robinson rushed for 85 yards in four games and had a touchdown reception.​

He rushed for a combined 425 yards and had five total TDs between the two teams last season.​

Robinson burst on the scene as an undrafted rookie in 2020, rushing for 1,070 yards and scoring 10 total touchdowns in his debut season with the Jaguars.​

In three NFL seasons, the undrafted rookie has rushed for 2,262 yards and scored 23 total touchdowns.​

In addition to his rushing production in his first two NFL seasons, Robinson totaled 80 receptions for 566 yards and three touchdowns. The Patriots have traditionally placed an emphasis on running backs who are also reliable pass-catchers.​

Newcomer James Robinson 'Felt Like it Was the Right Move' to Join the Patriots This Offseason (Evan Lazar, Patriots.com)

Three seasons ago, new Patriots running back James Robinson made the 2020 NFL All-Rookie Team as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois State University.​

Robinson made the Jaguars roster as a summer standout in training camp, earning the lead back role as one of a few bright spots on a team that finished the year 1-15. The now 24-year-old ran for 1,070 yards with ten total touchdowns in his first NFL season, adding another 49 catches for 344 receiving yards for 1,414 scrimmage yards in the 2020 season.​

The Pats free-agent addition was then on pace for another productive season with 989 total yards and eight touchdowns in the first 14 games of 2021. Robinson was a true hidden gem in Jacksonville. However, his career took an unfortunate turn from there.​

Unfortunately, Robinson's second season ended abruptly when he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in a late December game against the Jets. Robinson would make a remarkable recovery to be ready for the 2022 season. But the Jags already turned the RB1 duties over to first-round pick Travis Etienne, trading Robinson mid-season to the Jets.​

Now well over a year removed from tearing his Achilles, Robinson has found a new home with the Patriots after signing a two-year contract with the team on the first official day of free agency.​

After Stevenson had to play over 66 percent of the offensive snaps with 279 touches last season, the Patriots, who typically rotate running backs to keep guys fresh, are hoping that Robinson will return to his pre-Achilles tear form to carve out a role behind Stevenson.​

Along with trying to prove that he's still the same player he was in his first 28 career games, where he tallied over 2,400 scrimmage yards in Jacksonville, Robinson is also hoping to settle into a role in his new home after moving around during the 2022 season.​

The assumption following Damien Harris's departure is to pencil Robinson in as a potential spell back for Stevenson in an early-down role. Typically, as Harris did, New England's first and second down backs are primarily carrying the ball between the tackles. During his four seasons with the Patriots, nearly 60 percent of Harris's snaps were running plays.​

However, an optimistic projection for Robinson, assuming he has returned to full strength, is that he can also contribute in the passing game. In his first two NFL seasons, Robinson caught 80 passes for 566 yards. He was a reliable option on check downs and screens and also showed some versatility throughout his career to line up in the slot or out wide as a receiver.​

Although he's not a natural short-area separator with jitterbug quickness in the James White mold, Robinson certainly can bring another dependable option in the passing game out of the backfield.​

Harris was in and out of the lineup last season, but he was a productive player with 100-plus rushing attempts in his last three seasons for 2,082 yards and 20 touchdowns. In 2021, Harris had a breakout second season with 929 rushing yards and 15 scores.​

Eventually, Stevenson passed Harris on the depth chart as the top running back in New England's backfield. But the idea was to create a platoon before Harris got injured in 2022.​

The Pats prepared for the end of Harris's four-year rookie contract when they drafted Strong (fourth round) and Kevin Harris (sixth) in the 2022 draft. Then, Harris signed a one-year deal with New England's division rival in Buffalo this spring, opening the door for new contributors.​

Robinson hopes to step through that door as a reliable ball carrier for the Patriots this season.​

June 12, 2023:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4604277/2023/06/12/patriots-waive-james-robinson/

New England signed Robinson to a two-year, $4 million deal this offseason. The contract only contained $150,000 in guaranteed money.​

Here's the reported reason why the Patriots cut James Robinson

According to a report, the New England Patriots decided to cut recently signed running back James Robinson due to injury concerns.

www.boston.com

On Monday, following the first day of mandatory minicamp, the Patriots announced they would be releasing 24-year-old running back James Robinson.​

According to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, the Patriots were not comfortable with how injury prone Robinson is.​

Over the past three seasons, the running back has played in 39 of a possible 51 games. In that stretch, Robinson has suffered a season-ending Achilles injury and other injuries to his heel and knee.​

He also had some minor injuries in college, missing three games with a calf injury as a freshman.​

Knowing this injury history, the Patriots opted to sign Robinson to an incentive laden two-year deal with a potential total of $4 million.​

With the way the deal broke down, New England will only owe Robinson $150,000 following his release.​

Without Robinson, the Patriots now have five running backs on their minicamp roster. Rhamondre Stevenson is preparing to enter his third year with the team and should slot in as the starter, but there isn’t much depth behind him.​

Ty Montgomery has starting experience from his early years in the league with the Packers but was used solely as a wide receiver last year by the Patriots.​

After Stevenson and Montgomery, the team has Kevin Harris, Pierre Strong Jr., and J.J. Taylor. Those last three have just 308 career rushing yards between them.​

If Belichick wants to sign a veteran back as insurance, there are some solid options out there.​

The Vikings released Dalvin Cook last week, and Kareem Hunt, Ezekiel Elliot, and Leonard Fournette all remain free agents.​

After being released by the Patriots, Robinson signed with the Giants - but was released as part of final roster cutdowns. He spent most of 2023 on Green Bay's practice squad, elevated to the active roster twice and getting on the field for just four snaps. Robinson finished the 2023 season on the Saints practice squad, and is still currently on their roster.


May 22, 2024

NFL Veterans Who The New Orleans Saints Signed In Free Agency Could Surprise This Season

These veteran additions weren't considered big moves, but don't be surprised if a few make key impacts for the Saints in 2024.

www.si.com

A tough inside runner, Robinson has nice vision for open lanes and the patience to set up blocks. He's also a decent receiver and strong in pass protection. Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller will have the top two spots in the New Orleans backfield, leaving Robinson to battle Jamaal Williams for the role of power runner and short yardage specialist in training camp.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More August 9 Birthdays​

Other pro football players born on August 9 with New England connections:

- Charley Granger, 86 (8/9/38)
Pats 26th round (203rd overall) allotment of the 1961 AFL disbursement draft
The tackle from Southern University chose the NFL over the Patriots and the AFL, and played briefly for the St. Louis Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys.


- Anthony Castonzo, 36 (1988)
Boston College
6'7, 307 lb Castonzo was the 22nd overall selection of the 2011 draft and a ten-year fixture at left tackle for the Colts, starting in 144 games.


- Tom Gormley (8/9/91-7/24/51)
Born in Bridgeport; Naugatuck High School
Tom played in the inaugural and second season of the American Professional Football Association; the following year the APFA would be renamed the National Football League. Prior to that Gormley played football for three years with the legendary Youngstown Patricians (or Pats, for short). He also later became coach at Catholic University in DC. Tom Gormley spent his post-football career in the service; he was a first lieutenant in the United States Army Quartermaster Corps and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.


- Joe Kozlowsky (8/9/01-12/22/70)
Born, raised and died in Cambridge; Cambridge Latin High School; Boston College
The tackle played at the Cycledrome for the Providence Steam Roller, and at Braves Field for the Boston Bulldogs from 1925 to 1930.


- Red Steele (8/9/97-3/28/74)
Harvard
Percy Davis Steele was an end for the 1921 Canton Bulldogs. In 1924 he bought a home in Honolulu, and married a socialite and former newspaper woman in 1927. Percy Steele was a career U.S. Marine who in 1956 was named assistant administrator of the Marshall Islands. His family had been eyewitnesses to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Percy Steele's daughter Karen became a Hollywood actress, appearing in 18 films, 67 television shows and many television and radio commercials.




Notable pro football players born on August 9 include:

- Bill 'Bubba' Forester (1932-2007);
a seven-year defensive captain on the Packers, the OLB was named to four Pro Bowls and never missed a game in 11 seasons.


- Gene 'Big Daddy' Lipscomb (1931-1963);
the 6'6 All Pro defensive tackle was a major part of 1958 and 1959 Baltimore Colts championship teams. He did not go to college and was undrafted; his prior experience was playing on the Marines football team at Camp Pendleton. Demons from a sad upbringing - he never knew the father who abandoned him, and his mother was murdered when he was 11 - created an insatiable appetite for women, liquor and drugs, and a path that led to his death due to a heroin overdose at the age of 31.

The Ballad Of Big Daddy

I tell you something true as life, And, Big Daddy, you better be believin'; You lay that needle down right now, Or your friends will all be grievin'; You lay

vault.si.com

- Jim Kiick, (1946-2020);
part of Miami's three-headed running game that won two super bowls. Kiick led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 1969, surpassed 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first four seasons, and was named to two pro Bowls.


- Adewale Ogunleye, 47 (8/9/77);
Bears DE had 67 sacks and 95 tackles for a loss.


- John Cappelletti, 72 (8/9/52);
RB won the Heisman Trophy with Penn State in 1974.


- Henry Marshall, 70 (8/9/54);
WR averaged 15.7 yards per catch from 1976-87 with the Chiefs.


- Deion Sanders, 57 (8/9/67);
HoF CB returned nine of his 53 interceptions for touchdowns when he wasn't returning punts, attempting to be a wide receiver, playing baseball, or marketing himself to the next highest bidder.


- Besides Kliff Kingsbury, there are several other NFL quarterbacks born on this date:
Chris Miller,
Doug Williams,
Matt Moore,
Tyler Palko,
JaMarcus Russell,
John McCarthy

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Ju Ju, VW, and other August 9 News​

August 9, 2024:

Patriots Parting Ways With Smith-Schuster | PatsFans.com

It looks like Smith-Schuster’s time with the New England Patriots is finally over.

www.patsfans.com

He’s struggled during camp getting separation, which comes despite the veteran saying he was significantly healthier from where he was a year ago.​

Coming off a knee injury prior to his signing with the Patriots, Smith-Schuster ended up having a tough 2023 season, failing to make an impact in replacing the production after the departure of Jacoby Meyers last offseason.​

He finished with just 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown last season, and never ended up being the receiving threat they thought they were getting when they signed him back in March last offseason.​

August 9, 2023:

Patriots round out 90-man roster by signing ex-Bills linebacker Joe Giles-Harris

The Patriots filled out the final spot on their 90-man roster on Wednesday by signing a veteran linebacker who last played for the Bills.

www.boston.com

New England announced on Wednesday evening that they signed linebacker Joe Giles-Harris, with the 26-year-old veteran accounting for the final vacancy on the team’s roster.​

Giles-Harris’ arrival comes after the Patriots recently put linebacker Terez Hall on injured reserve and released wideout Ed Lee.​

Giles-Harris, 26, has appeared in 17 games (three starts) in the NFL, logging 18 tackles and one sack. The Duke University product spent the last two seasons with the Bills, utilized in more of a special-teams role.​

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots also worked out linebackers Dillon Doyle, Frank Ginda, and Tyreek Maddox-Williams on Wednesday before signing Giles-Harris.​

Giles-Harris is likely looking at more of a potential practice-squad role in New England, with many other linebackers ahead of him on the depth chart including Ja’Whaun Bentley, Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Mack Wilson, Marte Mapu, Jahlani Tavai, and Chris Board.​

Fast-forward one year later:

Studs and duds in Patriots Week 1 preseason victory over Panthers

The New England Patriots had a successful debut to kick-start the Jerod Mayo era in Thursday's preseason opener against the

sports.yahoo.com

Stud: LB Joe Giles-Harris​

Joe Giles-Harris was all over the field. This was one of those games where he kept popping up and making plays. It was mostly his ability to help out in pass coverage that was so impressive. He finished the game with three tackles and two pass deflections. It's going to be tough for him to make the final roster, but anything is possible if he's able to build on this performance throughout the rest of training camp.​

​

August 9, 2021:

Report: Patriots waive quarterback Jake Dolegala

The New England Patriots waived quarterback Jake Dolegala on Monday per Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus. The 24=year-old was on the Patriots practice squad for most of last season. Following the injury to quarterback Jarrett Stidham, New England signed Dolegala…

patriotswire.usatoday.com

Jake Dolegala was the fifth signal-caller on the roster behind Cam Newton, Mac Jones, Jarrett Stidham (physically unable to perform list) and Brian Hoyer. Dolegala, 24, had two stints on the New England practice squad in 2020.​

Report: Patriots sign Brian Khoury, D-III longsnapper

Khoury spent time in the XFL before the league halted.

www.masslive.com

With Joe Cardona sidelined by a wrist injury, the Patriots reportedly signed Brian Khoury, who was released by the Baltimore Ravens in May. The 6-foot-3, 238-pound Khoury played college football at Carnegie Mellon and played defensive end/long snapper for the XFL’s DC Defenders in 2019.​

Khoury is the first Carnegie Melon alum in the school’s history to make an NFL roster and was at practice on Monday afternoon sporting No. 46. In Cardona’s absence on Sunday, Deatrich Wise was the emergency longsnapper for field goals, while Jonnu Smith handled the punts.​

August 9, 2020:

Lions trade CB Michael Jackson to Patriots for 2022 draft pick

The Lions traded cornerback Michael Jackson to the Patriots on Sunday after the Lions had announced they were planning to release Jackson. The Lions receive a conditional 2022 seventh-round draft pick, a source told ESPN's Mike Reiss.

www.espn.com

The Detroit Lions traded cornerback Michael Jackson to the New England Patriots on Sunday, hours after announcing plans to release the veteran. In return, the Lions receive a conditional 2022 seventh-round pick in the NFL draft.​

Jackson played in one game for Detroit last season, a 19-16 loss at Washington, where he played two special teams snaps. Detroit had claimed him off waivers in September 2019, after he was cut by Dallas. Trading Jackson clears up part of one of the deepest positions the Lions have on the roster with a handful of cornerbacks still competing for backup jobs.​

This is the sixth trade, not including in-draft moves, between the Lions and Patriots since Bob Quinn took over as general manager in January 2016.​

The Patriots have multiple openings on their roster after an NFL-high eight players opted out of the 2020 season. Jackson provides depth at cornerback, which is one of the deepest positions on the team's roster, with reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, followed by Jason McCourty, Jonathan Jones, J.C. Jackson, Joejuan Williams, D'Angelo Ross and Myles Bryant.​

The Patriots could have waited and put in a waiver claim for Jackson, but since they are lower in the NFL's priority order, they wouldn't have been guaranteed they'd get him. So similar to how they traded for McCourty in 2018, when the Cleveland Browns had declared their intentions to release McCourty, the Patriots swooped in at the last moment with a trade.​

August 9, 2018:

Patriots Waive TE Shane Wimann From IR With Settlement

The New England Patriots officially waived TE Shane Wimann from injured reserve with a settlement on Thursday. Wimann, 23, wound up signing on with the Patriots an undrafted free agent out of Northern Illinois back

nfltraderumors.co

The New England Patriots officially waived TE Shane Wimann from injured reserve with a settlement on Thursday.​

Wimann, 23, wound up signing on with the Patriots an undrafted free agent out of Northern Illinois back in May. He was waived with an injury designation a few weeks ago and he later reverted to injured reserve. During his four-year college career at NIU, Wimann caught 65 passes for 635 yards receiving and 17 touchdowns over the course of 31 games.​

Shane Wimann walks to the field during Patriots Training Camp on July 26, 2018​

August 9, 2017:

Vince Wilfork signs one-day contract, retires as a Patriot

Vince Wilfork, who played with the Patriots from 2004 to 2014, signed a one-day deal with the team and announced his retirement with owner Robert Kraft, players and coaches in attendance.

www.espn.com

In an emotional retirement news conference Wednesday at Gillette Stadium, longtime New England Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork choked up at the end while describing the only regret of his 13-year NFL career.​

"My parents didn't get a chance to see their son live out a dream he told them at the age of 4 I was going to be," Wilfork said in a ceremony with many players and coaches in attendance, including owners Robert and Jonathan Kraft. "Physically it hurt every day. It hurt by the hour. Daily. Not a minute [went] by, but I know they had the best seat in the house."​

Wilfork's father, David, died of kidney failure in June 2002, when Wilfork was a sophomore at the University of Miami. David Wilfork, 48 at the time, had suffered from diabetes. Wilfork's mother, Barbara, died in December 2002 after complications from a stroke. She was 46.​

As he concluded his remarks, Wilfork -- who played for the Patriots from 2004 to 2014, winning two Super Bowls -- paused for an extended period after mentioning his parents, before saying, "I love you."​

The retirement ceremony began with remarks from Robert Kraft, who wore a necklace he said Wilfork and his wife, Bianca, gave him. The necklace included a picture of Kraft with his late wife, Myra, with Kraft explaining it gave him comfort to wear it when Myra was undergoing cancer treatments.​

Kraft kept the necklace on Wednesday as he signed Wilfork to a ceremonial one-day contract, signifying his retirement as a Patriot after spending the 2015 and 2016 seasons with the Houston Texans.​

After a highlight montage of Wilfork's career, coach Bill Belichick said Wilfork is one of the best two-gapping defensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. He added that in his 43 years in the NFL, one of his biggest surprises was that Wilfork was available with the No. 21 overall pick, which is when the Patriots selected him in the 2004 draft.​

Wilfork, 35, had 559 tackles, 16 sacks, four forced fumbles and three interceptions in 189 regular-season games.​

​

August 9, 2011:

OL Wetterer claimed; Ventrone out

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Thin along the offensive line, the Patriots claimed rookie guard Mark Wetterer on waivers from the Bengals today. To make room for Wetterer on the roster, the club waived safety Ross Ventrone.

www.espn.com

Thin along the offensive line, the Patriots claimed rookie guard Mark Wetterer on waivers from the Bengals today. To make room for Wetterer on the roster, the club waived safety Ross Ventrone.​

The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Wetterer signed with his hometown Bengals as a free agent after going undrafted. He started 28 games for Louisville over his college career and was a first-team All Big East selection in 2010.​

The Patriots are battling injuries along the offensive line, with starting right guard Dan Connolly (right elbow) and veteran backup Chris Morris (left ankle) not finishing practice on Monday. Meanwhile, top backup center/guard Ryan Wendell has been sidelined by a calf injury since the early days of camp. The Patriots also are without tackle Matt Light, who is on the physically unable to perform list. This led to tackle Mark LeVoir taking reps at right guard during Tuesday's practice.​

Ventrone, a favorite of coach Bill Belichick, has also been sidelined with an injury and could return when healthy if he clears waivers (which is likely).​

August 9, 2011:

Patriots dedicate 2011 season to Myra Kraft

The New England Patriots announced that they will dedicate the 2011 season to the loving memory of Myra Kraft, who passed away on July 20 after a courageous battle with cancer. On Thursday, Aug. 11, when the Patriots kick off the 2011 campaign against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium, every Patriots player and coach will honor Myra's memory by wearing a patch with her initials on it in recognition of her lifelong contributions to the local and global community and her influence on the charitable mission of the entire Patriots organization. The patch will be worn on the left chest of every player throughout the season.​

August 9, 2010:

Patriots sign 2; cut Farnham, Grady

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Patriots announced the signing of offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton and cornerback DeAngelo Willingham today. To make room on the 80-man roster, the team released receiver Buddy Farnham and defensive lineman Adrian Grady.

www.espn.com

The Patriots announced the signing of offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton and cornerback DeAngelo Willingham today. To make room on the 80-man roster, the team released receiver Buddy Farnham and defensive lineman Adrian Grady.​

Farnham, who grew up in Andover, Mass., and played at Brown University, was battling longshot odds to earn a roster spot.​

Stapleton is an interior offensive lineman, and that's a spot where the Patriots are thin as starting left guard Logan Mankins did not report to camp in a contract dispute and his replacement Nick Kaczur is out with a back injury. Stapleton (6-3, 305) entered the league in 2007 as a rookie free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He made 15 starts at right guard in 2008 (including playoffs and Super Bowl XLIII). He injured his knee last preseason and did not play in 2009.​

Willingham gives the Patriots another layer of depth at cornerback, as starter Leigh Bodden and rookie free agent Terrence Johnson have been sidelined and probably won't play in the preseason opener. Willingham (6-0, 200) has bounced around the league, and this is his second stop in New England: he spent two weeks on the Patriots' practice squad in 2009.​

August 9, 2008:

Tank Williams to IR

The Patriots place Tank Williams on injured reserve, ending his season.

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The Patriots announced that safety/linebacker Tank Williams has been placed on injured reserve today, ending his season.​

Williams injured his knee in Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Ravens while playing on special teams.​

The team also announced the signing of veteran cornerback Jeff Shoate. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Shoate has played in 14 NFL games, all with the Denver Broncos.​

Denver selected Shoate in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL draft and released him Dec. 4, 2007. He was signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad eight days later and he ultimately joined the New York Giants practice squad during last season's playoffs.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Older August 9 News​

August 9, 2006:

Patriots signs WR Berlin

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. The New England Patriots signed free agent wide receiver Eddie Berlin on Tuesday, adding another player to a position where they lack depth. Berlin has played 62 games

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The New England Patriots signed free agent wide receiver Eddie Berlin on Tuesday, adding another player to a position where they lack depth. Berlin has played 62 games in the NFL, spending four seasons with Tennessee and playing five games with Chicago last year. He has 26 receptions for 379 yards and two touchdowns and has returned 30 kickoffs in his career.​

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Berlin is on the practice field for this afternoon’s session. He is wearing No. 81, last donned by Bethel Johnson.​

Berlin, who had been drafted by Tennessee in the fifth round in 2001 out of Northern Iowa, practiced with the Patriots on Tuesday afternoon following a morning session in which wide receiver Kelvin Kight, a free agent signed July 31, played well. Deion Branch's holdout reached its 12th day Tuesday, leaving the Patriots without their best wide receiver. They also lost their other starter from last season, David Givens, when he signed with Tennessee as a free agent. And rookie Chad Jackson, a second-round draft choice, has missed a good portion of camp.​

Tucker traded

The Patriots have traded Ross Tucker to the Browns for a conditional draft choice.

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The Patriots have traded offensive lineman Ross Tucker to the Cleveland Browns tonight. The Patriots will receive a conditional draft choice in 2007.​

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1334096/2019/10/29/ross-tucker-what-its-like-to-be-traded-in-the-nfl/

“I don’t know. Probably a bag of balls.”​

That was the exact response from longtime Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia in August of 2006 after he informed me that I had been traded to the Browns. Having been cut multiple times before that, I was genuinely curious as to what the Browns had given up in order to acquire me.​

August 9, 2005:

Tight end released by Patriots a day after signing

FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots released tight end Matt Brandt on Tuesday, one day after they signed him. Brandt, who played at Miami (Ohio), had signed with the Super Bowl champions…

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The New England Patriots released tight end Matt Brandt on Tuesday, one day after they signed him.​

Brandt, who played at Miami (Ohio), had signed with the Super Bowl champions on the same day they released tight end Andy Stokes, of William Penn, the last player chosen in this year's draft. The Patriots are deep at tight end with Daniel Graham, Benjamin Watson, Christian Fauria and Jed Weaver.​

Brandt was released in August 2004 by the Detroit Lions, who had signed him in April 2004 as an undrafted free agent after he caught 76 passes for 916 yards and nine touchdowns in college.​

August 9, 1983:

John Hannah has ended his brief retirement and said... - UPI Archives

John Hannah has ended his brief retirement and said he will return to the New England Patriots this week....

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John Hannah has ended his brief retirement and said he will return to the New England Patriots this week.​

Hannah, who had quit football in mid-April after feuding with coach Ron Meyer, said Tuesday he'd report to the team's Smithfield, R.I., training site on Thursday.​

I'm glad he's back with us,' said Meyer, who Hannah called a 'liar' when the coach suggested earlier this spring that the All-Pro guard was interested in ending his short retirement. 'He's a good football player and he's going to help us win games.​

'Despite the disagreements we've had, I like this guy ... we're similar in that we're both very competitive people who put a strong emphasis on winning. I'm looking forward to having him back again.'​

But the 6-foot-3, 282-pound former University of Alabama star is far from being in playing shape.​

During a televised interview before last Saturday's exhibition game between New England and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Knoxville, Tenn., Hannah said he had not retired as a ploy to get more money.​

'Anybody who can see my fat gut knows that,' he said.​

But the Boston Herald reported Hannah would receive a significant raise in the two-year contract extension negotiated in talks with general manager Pat Sullivan.​

He will play for $350,000 this season and $400,000 next year under terms of the pact signed after the 1981 season. Hannah will receive an estimated $500,000 for the two additional seasons, and an annuity fund from cash in the four-year agreement will be set up to pay Hannah nearly $150,000 a year for 20 years after his playing career ends, the newspaper reported.​

Hannah, a 10-year veteran some have called the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history, said he does not expect much resentment from teammates. Some players had been critical that Hannah, who is white, was being courted while the Patriots wouldn't talk to black holdout lineman Shelby Jordan.​

The signing leaves only Jordan and All-Pro cornerback Mike Haynes as unsigned veterans. Sullivan said there has been progress in talks with agents for both players in the last week.​

But, he added, 'I doubt very much anything will happen before we leave for the (West) coast' for Saturday's exhibition game with the San Francisco 49ers.​

August 9, 1973:
The Pats claim Mack Herron off waivers. The 5' 5½ running back had played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL from 1970-72. For more on Mighty Mack, check out the July 24 entry.

Today In Patriots History - July 24: Steve Grogan

Today in Patriots History Steve Grogan Happy 71st Birthday Steve Grogan Born July 24, 1953 in San Antonio, Texas Patriot QB, 1975-1990; uniform #14 Pats 5th round (116th overall) selection of the 1975 draft, from Kansas State Chuck Fairbanks selected Steve Grogan in the fifth round of the...

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The Patriots also claimed Larry Stevenson off waivers from Washington. The running back had played his college football at Minnesota, but never compiled any stats in the NFL.

Larry Stevenson Obituary (2008) - Legacy Remembers

View Larry Eugene Stevenson's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

www.legacy.com

In addition the Pats traded backup guard Bill DuLac to Green Bay for backup tackle Kevin Hunt. DuLac was cut by the Pack and eventually returned to New England, playing in 26 games for the Patriots from in 1974-75. Hunt was born in Framingham and grew up in Vermont. He played in 70 NFL games, mostly with the Oilers - but got on the field as a Patriot in only one game.



August 9, 1971:
New England signs free agent Roy Winston, and trades Jim Clack and a conditional draft pick to Pittsburgh for Ara Person. The tight end from Morgan State played in four NFL games, none with the Pats. Winston never played for the Patriots either. Clack, on the other hand, proceeded to play in 146 games at guard and center for the Steelers and Giants from 1971 to 1981.



August 9, 1960:
The Boston Patriots release Joe Guido. The 5'11, 190lb halfback played in college for the Youngstown State Penguins, and was a 14th round (162nd overall) selection of the 1957 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts. Guido never played in the NFL or AFL, but did play briefly for the Ottawa Rough Riders in the CFL.