MassLive Details Roster Changes by the New England Patriots

In a recent report from MassLive, the New England Patriots’ latest roster adjustments ahead of the 2028 NFL regular season have been laid out, shedding light on the team’s strategy to refine depth, address positional needs, and prepare for the rigors of a 17-game schedule. The Patriots, known for their methodical approach to roster building under Bill Belichick, have made a series of targeted moves—including free-agent signings, practice squad promotions, and strategic releases—aimed at shoring up weaknesses that emerged during the preseason. From bolstering the offensive line to adding versatility in the secondary, these changes reflect the Patriots’ commitment to balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term roster flexibility. MassLive Details Roster Changes by the New England Patriots breaks down each key transaction, the thinking behind them, and how they shape the team’s outlook for the upcoming season.

One of the most notable roster moves highlighted by MassLive is the Patriots’ signing of veteran offensive tackle Cameron Fleming to a one-year contract. Fleming, a former Patriots draft pick (2014, fourth round) who spent his first four NFL seasons in New England, returns to the team after stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Denver Broncos. The move comes after starting right tackle Calvin Anderson suffered a knee injury in the preseason finale, leaving a gap in the Patriots’ offensive line depth. Fleming, who has 37 career starts at both tackle positions, brings familiarity with Belichick’s system and proven reliability—qualities the Patriots value in backup linemen. MassLive notes that Fleming’s signing isn’t just a short-term fix; it also provides insurance if Anderson’s recovery takes longer than expected, or if left tackle Trent Brown needs a rest during the regular season. “Cameron knows our schemes, he’s a smart player, and he can step in and play at a high level when called upon,” Belichick told MassLive. “That’s the kind of depth we need on the offensive line, especially this early in the season.” MassLive Details Roster Changes by the New England Patriots frames this signing as a strategic move to protect quarterback Mac Jones and stabilize the run game.

Complementing the Fleming signing, MassLive reports that the Patriots have promoted cornerback Myles Bryant from the practice squad to the active roster, a move that addresses a thin secondary. Bryant, an undrafted free agent who joined the Patriots in 2020, has spent the past three seasons bouncing between the practice squad and active roster, but has emerged as a reliable slot cornerback in nickel and dime packages. With starting cornerback Jonathan Jones recovering from a hamstring injury and backup Marcus Jones dealing with a shoulder issue, Bryant’s promotion gives the Patriots much-needed depth in the secondary. MassLive highlights Bryant’s performance in the preseason, where he recorded 12 tackles, 2 pass breakups, and 1 interception, as evidence of his readiness for a larger role. Bryant’s versatility is another key factor—he can also play safety in emergency situations, a trait that fits Belichick’s preference for flexible defensive players. “Myles has worked hard every day to earn this spot,” Patriots defensive coordinator Steve Belichick told MassLive. “He’s a tough, physical player who doesn’t back down from a challenge. Having him on the active roster gives us more options on defense, especially in passing situations.” MassLive Details Roster Changes by the New England Patriots explores how Bryant’s promotion strengthens a secondary that will face elite wide receivers like Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs in the AFC East.

To make room for Fleming and Bryant on the active roster, MassLive details that the New England Patriots have released two players: running back Pierre Strong Jr. and defensive end DaMarcus Mitchell. Strong, a 2022 fourth-round pick, struggled to carve out a role in the Patriots’ backfield behind starter Rhamondre Stevenson and backups Ezekiel Elliott and Ty Montgomery. MassLive notes that Strong’s release was a numbers game—with the Patriots prioritizing versatility in their running backs (Elliott and Montgomery can both catch passes out of the backfield), Strong, a pure runner, became expendable. Mitchell, a 2022 undrafted free agent, showed promise in preseason games but was caught in a crowded defensive end room that includes Deatrich Wise Jr., Matthew Judon, and rookie Keion White. MassLive quotes a Patriots source as saying the releases were “difficult but necessary” to maintain roster balance. For the New England Patriots, these moves reflect the harsh reality of NFL roster building—even players with potential must make way for others who better fit the team’s current needs. However, MassLive adds that both Strong and Mitchell could be re-signed to the practice squad if they clear waivers, keeping them in the Patriots’ system for future consideration. MassLive Details Roster Changes by the New England Patriots examines how these releases underscore the Patriots’ focus on roster efficiency.

Another roster change highlighted by MassLive is the New England Patriots’ signing of tight end Nick Vannett to the practice squad, a move that adds depth to a position group hit by injuries. Starting tight end Hunter Henry is healthy, but backup Mike Gesicki suffered a minor ankle sprain in practice, and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (a 2028 fifth-round pick) is still learning the NFL playbook. Vannett, a 2016 third-round pick with 8 NFL seasons under his belt, has played for the Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, and New Orleans Saints, and brings experience as both a blocker and a pass-catcher. MassLive notes that Vannett’s signing is a low-risk, high-reward move—he can provide immediate depth if Gesicki’s injury lingers, and his knowledge of multiple offensive systems makes him a quick study in the Patriots’ scheme. “Nick is a veteran who knows how to play the position,” Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien told MassLive. “Having him on the practice squad gives us a safety net at tight end, and he can also help our young tight ends develop by sharing his experience.” For the New England Patriots, the practice squad is often a proving ground for players, and Vannett’s presence could pay dividends if the team needs to call him up to the active roster later in the season. MassLive Details Roster Changes by the New England Patriots highlights how practice squad signings like Vannett are an integral part of the Patriots’ roster strategy.

MassLive’s report concludes by noting that these roster changes are part of the New England Patriots’ ongoing effort to refine their team ahead of the regular season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. While the core of the roster—including Jones, Stevenson, Judon, and Henry—remains intact, the latest moves address specific needs that emerged during the preseason, ensuring the Patriots are as prepared as possible for the challenges ahead. MassLive quotes Belichick as saying, “Roster building is a process, not a one-time event. We’re always evaluating, always looking for ways to get better, and these moves are part of that process.” For Patriots fans, the roster changes offer a glimpse into the team’s priorities: protecting the quarterback, strengthening the secondary, and maintaining depth at key positions. As the regular season approaches, MassLive notes that more roster adjustments could be coming—especially if injuries occur or young players emerge as surprise contributors. For the New England Patriots, the goal is clear: build a roster that can compete in the tough AFC East and make a deep playoff run. MassLive Details Roster Changes by the New England Patriots wraps up by emphasizing that while these moves may not generate the same buzz as high-profile free-agent signings, they’re critical to the team’s success in 2028 and beyond.