The major part of the Patriots' offseason is in the books. What they've already done will determine the team's 2025 NFL journey. With Mike Vrabel in charge, it has a far better outlook than the poorly constructed 2024 version.
A major roster overhaul has already taken place, but expect more changes, and a few could be of the earthquake variety for some of 2024's players. As Mike Vrabel reshapes his roster into a contender, more will be ushered out the door.
Let's look at five veterans on the roster bubble who may not be around when the Patriots kick off the 2025 season. Vrabel is all business, and one thing he picked up from Patriots' former coach Bill Belichick is that, no matter who you are or how you got here, if you win the job, you'll stay and play.
5 Patriots at risk of being cut before the 2025 season begins
WR Kayshon Boutte
The Patriots have aggressively brought in new blood in the receiver room, one of the worst in the NFL in 2024. They signed two free-agent wide receivers, Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, and drafted Kyle Williams in the third round. All are roster locks, along with Pop Douglas.
They also signed a catching machine, under-the-radar slot receiver, Efton Chism III, as an undrafted free agent. He'll contend for a spot.
One third-year player, Kayshon Boutte, has been the subject of trade rumors. He's on the bubble. While he caught 43 for 589 yards and three touchdowns, he's not guaranteed a position on the 2025 roster. There will be an all-out battle for receiver positions, and Boutte may not make the cut.
G Cole Strange
The highest profile veteran in danger of being released is the Patriots' 2022 first-round pick (and one of Bill Belichick's all-time worst picks), guard Cole Strange. He's been injury-riddled for three years and hasn't performed well when he's healthy. It will be a tough pill to swallow since his dead cap hit is his whole salary, but who knows?
Strange was a laughable first-round pick from the outset. His draft position was projected much lower, and the pick drew guffaws from the Rams' hierarchy on national TV. The team refused to pick up his fifth-year option. He may stay around because of that salary cap issue. Yet, Vrabel will keep his best 53 players, so don't be shocked if he's just released.
G Sidy Sow
Sidy Sow was a fourth-round draft pick in 2023. He's played in 27 games and started 14, but just one in 2024. He'll be fighting for a backup job. He'll have lots of competition from former high draft picks and newcomers to the league.
Sow has done little to justify that fourth-round selection. He'll battle for a roster spot with former first-rounder, Cole Strange, fourth-rounder Layden Robinson, Tyreese Robinson, free agent signing Wes Schweitzer, and 2025 third-round pick, Jared Wilson, a center/guard. Wilson and Robinson and underperforming Mike Onwenu are roster locks. Two of the guards mentioned will likely go. Sow may be one of them.
T Vederian Lowe
Vederian Lowe entered the league in 2022 as a sixth-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings. He was traded to the Patriots for a sixth-round pick in 2023. He played in 14 games in 2024, starting 13, helping earn the team one of the worst O-line grades in the NFL.
The Patriots made a statement drafting LSU's left tackle Will Campbell with their 2025 first-round pick. He'll start from Day One at left tackle. Lowe's only hope for a roster spot is to be a backup swing-tackle. The team should move on and start afresh at the position. Late-round pick Marcus Bryant, from Missouri, may just grab the swing tackle role.
EDGE Anfernee Jennings
Anfernee Jennings was a third-round pick in 2020 who hasn't lived up to his lofty draft status. In the 16 games he started in 2024, he had 43 stops, one forced fumble, and 2.5 sacks. It's not good enough, and Vrabel's off-season additions reflect that.
Vrabel has added free agents Harold Landry III, K'Lavon Chaisson, and drafted Bradyn Swinson to play the position, along with the recently and deftly re-signed Christian Elliss. Additionally, Jennings doesn't fit Vrabel's defensive profile of smaller, more mobile linebackers and edges. Expect Jennings to be playing elsewhere in 2025.
Those are five veterans at risk of being cut in 2025. There are other candidates for release or trade as well. We'll explore more of them in turn. Mike Vrabel is in the process of reconstructing the entire Patriots' roster. Don't be surprised if only a handful of 2024 players are left here this fall.