Patriots reveal first 53-man roster under Mike Vrabel

The Patriots have their very first 53-man roster for the 2025 NFL season.

On Tuesday, NFL teams trimmed their rosters from 90 to 53 players. The Patriots started the day with 76 players on their roster and by 4 p.m., made 22 moves to get to the league limit.

As always, there were some surprises on this day.

The Patriots opted to stick with their rookie kicker, Andy Borregales, who received some stiff competition from Parker Romo in training camp.

Despite being on the trade market, veteran safety Kyle Dugger and edge rusher Anfernee Jennings will begin this season on the Patriots’ roster. The team also had two undrafted free agents make the team in receiver Efton Chism III and edge rusher Elijah Ponder.

After transitioning to a special teams role, receiver Javon Baker made the Patriots roster.

The team also placed receiver Ja’Lynn Polk and linebacker Jahlani Tavai on the injured reserve. Tavai’s eligible to return, but Polk wasn’t given the same designation, which means his season is over.

Former first-round pick Cole Strange headlined the roster cuts.

Here’s a look at Mike Vrabel’s first Patriots 53-man roster:

Quarterbacks (2)

Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs

Cut: Ben Wooldridge

All eyes are on Maye as he starts Year 2. With Josh McDaniels running the offense, Maye could develop into a top 10 quarterback this season. We’ll see if the Patriots add another quarterback to this roster.

Running backs (3)

TreVeyon Henderson, Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson

Cut: JaMychal Hasty, Terrell Jennings

Henderson looked like the Patriots’ most dangerous offensive weapon this offseason. The rookie could play a major role in this offense. The Patriots have solid depth here with Stevenson and Gibson.

Wide receivers (8)

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

That’s a lot of receivers. Douglas and Diggs looked like Maye’s top targets this summer. They could be bound for big seasons. Boutte and Hollins also secured top spots in this depth chart with strong training camp performances. Williams and Chism showed potential. Baker played well on special teams. Bourne makes it after working through an injury.

Tight ends (3)

Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover

Cut: C.J. Dupree, Gee Scott Jr.

Henry and Hooper were security blankets for Maye last season. It’ll be interesting to see if the team scours the waiver wire for additional tight end help.

Offensive line (9)

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

There are a lot of questions with this offensive line group. It looks like the Patriots will start rookies Campbell and Wilson at left tackle and left guard. Another rookie, Bryant, is the team’s top backup tackle. A former first-round pick, Strange is the most noteworthy cut.

Defensive tackles (5)

Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Jeremiah Pharms, Joshua Farmer

Cut: David Olajiga, Jahvaree Ritzie

Williams and Barmore will anchor the Patriots defensive line. They look like game-wreckers. The Patriots have solid depth here with Tonga, Pharms, and the rookie Farmer.

Edge rushers (5)

Harold Landry, K’Lavon Chaisson, Elijah Ponder, Keion White, Anfernee Jennings

Cut: Truman Jones, Bradyn Swinson

Chaisson had one of the best offseasons among Patriots players. He’s in line to start in Week 1 opposite Harold Landry. An undrafted free agent, Ponder impressed his coaches on defense and special teams. Jennings makes the roster despite trade rumors.

Linebackers (4)

Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu

Cut: Cam Riley / IR: Jahlani Tavai

Spillane wasted no time taking on a leadership role in Foxborough. Look for him to be a team captain this year. Ellis should start next to Spillane in Vrabel’s defense.

Cornerbacks (5)

Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, D.J. James

Cut: Miles Battle, Brandon Crossley, Kobee Minor

If healthy, Gonzalez and Davis should be one of the best cornerback combinations in the NFL. Jones will be the top slot cornerback. James was one of the bigger surprises this summer and earned his roster spot.

Safeties (6)

Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, Jabrill Peppers, Kyle Dugger, Brenden Schooler, Dell Pettus

Cut: Marcus Epps

There’s been a lot of movement on this depth chart. Hawkins and Woodson could be the Patriots’ starters come Week 1. Peppers and Dugger will have to earn their roles in this new defensive system.

Special teams (3)

Andy Borregales, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby

Cut: Parker Romo

In the end, the rookie kicker wins the job. This was a competitive competition, and Romo gave it everything he had, hitting over 90% of his kicks in training camp. However, there’s a reason why the Patriots made Borregales the highest-drafted kicker in April.