The New England Patriots have officially announced their inaugural 53-man roster for the 2025 NFL season. On Tuesday, NFL teams were required to reduce their rosters from 90 to 53 players, and the Patriots made significant moves to reach this league limit. Starting the day with 76 players, the team executed 22 roster changes by the 4 p.m. deadline, showcasing their strategic planning and decision-making.
As is customary during roster cuts, the Patriots made some surprising choices. Notably, the team chose to retain rookie kicker Andy Borregales, who faced tough competition from fellow kicker Parker Romo during training camp. In addition, despite being on the trade market, veteran safety Kyle Dugger and edge rusher Anfernee Jennings will remain on the Patriots' roster as the season kicks off.
The Patriots also welcomed two undrafted free agents, receiver Efton Chism III and edge rusher Elijah Ponder, into the roster. Following a transition to a special teams role, receiver Javon Baker successfully secured a place on the team. However, receiver Ja’Lynn Polk and linebacker Jahlani Tavai were placed on injured reserve; while Tavai is eligible to return, Polk will miss the entire season.
Among the most notable roster cuts was former first-round pick Cole Strange, marking a significant shift in the team's composition. Below is a detailed overview of the Patriots' 53-man roster for the upcoming season:
Cut: Ben Wooldridge
All eyes are on Maye as he begins Year 2, and with Josh McDaniels leading the offense, Maye has the potential to emerge as a top 10 quarterback this season. The Patriots may still consider adding another quarterback to support this lineup.
TreVeyon Henderson, Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson
Cut: JaMychal Hasty, Terrell Jennings
Henderson has shown remarkable promise as the Patriots' most dangerous offensive weapon this offseason, suggesting he will play a significant role in the upcoming games alongside Stevenson and Gibson, who provide solid depth.
DeMario Douglas, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III, Javon Baker, Kendrick Bourne
Cut: John Jiles, Isaiah Webb / IR: Ja’Lynn Polk
The Patriots are fielding a robust lineup of wide receivers, with Douglas and Diggs emerging as key targets for Maye this summer. Boutte and Hollins also secured their spots on the depth chart thanks to impressive training camp performances, while Baker made the roster based on his special teams contributions.
Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover
Cut: C.J. Dupree, Gee Scott Jr.
Henry and Hooper have been reliable targets for Maye in the past, and it remains to be seen if the Patriots will seek additional tight end support from the waiver wire.
Will Campbell, Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Michael Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Ben Brown, Marcus Bryant, Vederian Lowe, Caedan Wallace
Cut: Cole Strange, Jack Conley, Demontrey Jacobs, Alec Lindstrom, Mekhi Butler
The offensive line raises several questions, especially with rookies Campbell and Wilson projected to start at left tackle and left guard, respectively. The surprising cut of Strange, a former first-round pick, stands out as a pivotal moment for the team.
Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Jeremiah Pharms, Joshua Farmer
Cut: David Olajiga, Jahvaree Ritzie
Williams and Barmore are set to anchor the Patriots' defensive front, which boasts solid depth with Tonga, Pharms, and rookie Farmer rounding out the group.
Harold Landry, K’Lavon Chaisson, Elijah Ponder, Keion White, Anfernee Jennings
Cut: Truman Jones, Bradyn Swinson
Chaisson has emerged as a standout performer this offseason, poised to start alongside Landry in Week 1. Ponder's impressive display in defense and special teams has secured him a spot on the roster, while Jennings remains despite trade speculations.
Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu
Cut: Cam Riley / IR: Jahlani Tavai
Spillane has quickly established himself as a leader in Foxborough, indicating that he could serve as a team captain this season. Elliss is expected to align alongside Spillane in the new defensive scheme.
Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, D.J. James
Cut: Miles Battle, Brandon Crossley, Kobee Minor
If healthy, Gonzalez and Davis are anticipated to form one of the top cornerback duos in the league, with Jones serving as the primary slot cornerback. James emerged as a surprise inclusion, securing his spot through impressive performances this summer.
Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, Jabrill Peppers, Kyle Dugger, Brenden Schooler, Dell Pettus
Cut: Marcus Epps
With significant changes in the depth chart, Hawkins and Woodson are likely to be the starting safeties as the season begins. Peppers and Dugger will need to solidify their roles within the new defensive framework.
Andy Borregales, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby
Cut: Parker Romo
In a competitive battle, rookie kicker Borregales emerged victorious, despite Romo's impressive performance hitting over 90% of his kicks in training camp. This decision underscores the Patriots' commitment to investing in their newly drafted kicker.
The New England Patriots have made a bold statement with their 2025 roster, showcasing a mix of seasoned veterans and promising rookies. As the season unfolds, fans can expect exciting developments and performances from this revamped team.
