Following the completion of the 2025 preseason, the New England Patriots will have major decisions to make ahead of the 53-man roster deadline on August 26th. Despite dealing with depth issues, this is arguably the most talented Patriots roster in recent years, largely due to multiple impact free agent signings and promising draft picks. With a crowded wide receiver group and concerns surrounding the offensive line, New England could make multiple surprising cuts and potential additions to their final roster ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
Roster: Drake Maye, Josh Dobbs
Cut(s): N/A
With the release of Ben Wooldridge, the Patriots will presumably carry just two quarterbacks on the active roster ahead of week 1. While Dobbs’ backup spot was in question earlier in camp, he will enter the season as Maye’s backup. New England will likely sign a third quarterback to the practice squad, with Wooldridge being a candidate.
Roster: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibbs, Terrell Jennings
Cut(s): JaMichael Hasty, Deneric Prince
IR: Brocke Lampe, Lan Larison
One of the bright spots of the offense in the preseason was the Patriots’ dynamic group of running backs. As one of the few areas of depth on the roster, New England could carry four backs into the season. Stevenson and Henderson are locks, and Gibson has a good shot to make the team. It’s possible that either Jennings or Hasty could take a roster spot until fullback Brocke Lampe is activated off the IR.
Roster: Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III
Cut(s): Javon Baker, Jeremiah Webb, John Jiles
Trade(s): Kendrick Bourne
IR: Ja’Lynn Polk
In one of their most crowded groups, the new Patriots regime will be tasked with thinning down a position filled with question marks from former draft classes. With Diggs and Williams being the only locks coming to camp, Douglas and Boutte solidified their spots on the roster. Solid camps from Hollins and Chism could also add two more players to that mix. Following disappointing rookie seasons from Polk and Baker, neither could end up on the final roster. As Polk is rumored to undergo season-ending surgery, he’ll look to bounce back next summer. As for Baker, his sheer lack of production in preseason may cost him a spot.
Roster: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover
Cut(s): C.J. Dippre, Gee Scott Jr.
With Brocke Lampe slated to be the Patriots’ starting fullback once he’s healthy, New England will likely bring in a thinner tight end group than usual. Henry and Hooper are expected to take on a large majority of the pass-catching workload, allowing the team to keep just one additional tight end on the roster.
Roster: Will Campbell, Jared Wilson, Ben Brown, Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Marcus Bryant, Caedan Wallace, Garrett Bradbury, Vederian Lowe
Cut(s): Cole Strange, Demontrey Jacobs, Jack Conley, Mehki Butler, Yasir Durant, Alec Lindstrom
The offensive line is easily the biggest question for the Patriots’ offense despite their efforts to improve it in 2025. With multiple rookies likely starting and interior concerns, it’s hard to predict who New England will roll out for week 1. Despite having openings in the starting group, recent draft picks from former regimes have disappointed in camp and become cut candidates. It’ll be interesting to see if the Patriots explore creative options to add to the group in the coming days.
Roster: Christian Barmore, Milton Williams, Khiyris Tonga, Joshua Farmer, Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
Cut(s): Jahvaree Ritzee, David Olajigah, Isaiah Iton
IR: Jaquelin Roy
The Patriots’ versatile group of defensive tackles, following the addition of Milton Williams, will allow them to keep five rotational players on the roster. With a balance of pass rush and run defense among each player, this could be one of the better units in the league.
Roster: Harold Landry III, Keion White, K’lavon Chaisson, Bradyn Swinson, Truman Jones
Cut(s): Elijah Ponder
Trade(s): Anfernee Jennings
While there’s potential in the Patriots’ group of edge rushers, the unit is mostly unproven. With Jennings not being an ideal fit for Mike Vrabel’s defensive scheme, his production could land New England a draft pick on the trade market. As for the rest of the group, they’ll have a chance to earn snaps early in the season.
Roster: Robert Spillane, Jahlani Tavai, Christian Ellis, Jack Gibbens
Cut(s): Marte Mapu, Cam Riley
Despite adding Spillane in free agency, the release of Jawaun Bentley has thinned out the Patriots’ linebacker core. With questionable preseason play from just about everyone, New England will have to hope these four players can step it up by week 1.
Roster: Christian Gonzalez, Carlon Davis II, Alex Austin, Marcus Jones, D.J. James, Miles Battle
Cut(s): Brandon Crossley, Kobee Minor
IR: Marcellas Dial Jr.
With Gonzalez and Davis, the Patriots have one of the best cornerback duos in the league. Austin and Jones are likely the only other locks on the roster. Following strong preseason performances, James and Battle could fill out the final spots in this position group.
Roster: Jabrill Peppers, Craig Woodson, Dell Pettus, Jaylinn Hawkins, Marcus Epps, Brenden Schooler
Cut(s): N/A
Trade(s): Kyle Dugger
Following a disappointing camp and a demotion from the starting group, Dugger is one of the bigger trade candidates before week 1. It’s plausible that the rest of the unit could make the roster, with a mix of special teams and defensive players in the group.
Roster: Andy Borregales, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby
Cut(s): John Parker Romo
Outside of the kicker competition, there are no questions about the punter and long snapper positions. As for the kicker spot, Borregales will likely get the nod over Romo, despite the competition being close. With New England spending a draft pick on the Miami kicker, they’ll presumably see it through with him.
Despite the lack of roster depth, there are still important and difficult decisions to be made ahead of the 53-man roster deadline. With offensive line concerns, receiver and defensive line depth, and potential trades on the horizon, we could see some action for the Patriots on Tuesday.
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