New England Patriots cuts tracker
Today is the biggest personnel day of the year in the NFL. The New England Patriots and the other 31 teams are slashing their rosters down to 53 players.
Here are the players that have been casualties of Patriots cuts so far:
CB Cre’Von LeBlanc: This writer had LeBlanc on his 53-man roster prediction, but the Patriots are going a different direction. LeBlanc had been dealing with an injury which caused him to miss the preseason finale.
WR Aaron Dobson: The end of a disappointing era. The Patriots cut ties with their 2013 second round pick after three tough seasons in the NFL. Dobson’s insufficiency to work back to the ball in the preseason finale led to a Tom Brady interception, sealing his fate.
LB Kevin Snyder: The Rutgers product was never close to making the Patriots roster; it’s not surprising to see him let go on Patriots cuts day.
DT Woodrow Hamilton: Considered to be a strong candidate to make the practice squad should he clear waivers.
WR Keshawn Martin: It’s a little surprising to see the veteran go with Dobson, but evidently the Patriots have a plan for the No. 5 wideout spot (and it may be not taking a No. 5 wideout).
RB Tyler Gaffney: Staying healthy for the entirety of the preseason for the first time in his career wasn’t enough for Gaffney, although the practice squad is a possibility. This is good news for D.J. Foster.
LB Kamu Grugier-Hill: A bit surprising to see the Eastern Illinois product go, but he should land on his feet on the practice squad.
WR DeAndre Carter: The 5-foot-8 wideout should work his way onto the practice squad, as he offers a similar skill set to Julian Edelman/Danny Amendola that makes him a desirable depth option.
RB Joey Iosefa: There isn’t room for both Iosefa and James Develin on the roster, so the former gets slashed. Easy to see coming.
OG Jon Halapio: The 2014 draft pick of the Patriots should make the practice squad.
DT Markus Kuhn: The rise of Vincent Valentine and Anthony Johnson rendered Kuhn expendable.
CB Darryl Roberts: The darling of 2015 training camp wasn’t able to bounce back after missing his rookie year due to a wrist injury, but the practice squad could be waiting.
WR Chris Harper: He was in this same position last year and squeezed onto the roster later in the year.
OL Chris Barker: Will likely contend with Halapio for a practice squad spot.