Patriots Release Jontrey Hunter, Audition Demetric Felton

The New England Patriots announced a transaction before training camp officially gets underway. Undrafted rookie linebacker Jontrey Hunter has been released by the team. The Georgia State product was one of the top-ranked prospects by Patriots Football now not selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. He practiced through rookie minicamp, OTAs, and mandatory minicamp. However, Hunter finds himself without a job on the even of veterans reporting to training camp.

Hunter was undersized for a three-down linebacker. He stands 6-foot-2, weighing 236 pounds. He ran a disappointing 4.91 40-time at his Pro Day, which likely squashed his draft hopes. His film and production show that Hunter plays faster than that time. He finished 2023 with 104 tackles (75 sol0) in 12 games. Jontrey Hunter was battling for a spot as a reserve linebacker and potential special teams player alongside Sione Takitaki, Raekwon McMillan, Christian Elliss, Joe Giles-Harris, and fellow UDFA Steele Chambers.

Also Read – Patriots 90-Man Roster Spotlight: Raekwon McMillan

The Patriots still have 13 undrafted free agents on their 90-man roster. The group includes Deshaun Fenwick, Terrell Jennings, David Wallis, JaQuae Jackson, Jacob Warren, Zuri Henry, Charles Turner III, John Morgan III, Jotham Russell, Jay Person, Kaleb Ford-Dement, Mikey Victor, and Dell Pettus.

The move leaves the New England Patriots with an open spot on the 90-man roster.

Demetric Felton Auditions

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport, the Patriots worked out veteran Demetric Felton. Before the 2021 NFL Draft, this draft analyst used the phrase, “Demetric Felton feels like a Patriot.” The UCLA product played running back in college, but was viewed as a utility player, with the potential to play running back or wide receiver in the NFL. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round (No. 211) of the 2021 NFL Draft. He worked with New England offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and other members of the Patriots coaching staff during his two seasons with the Browns.

Felton caught 18 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie. He carried the ball seven times for an additional 24 yards. Felton played 50% of special teams downs as well. His role decreased significantly in 2022. He spent the 2023 season on the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad.

DEMETRIC FELTON JR. 😱 @demetricfelton7 #Browns

📺: #HOUvsCLE on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/OgRd3SyD3R

— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2021

There is no announcement of Demetric Felton taking Jontrey Hunter’s roster spot at this time. However, based on the New England Patriots looking to “weaponize their offensive” and his familiarity with the coaching staff, he is certainly a player to keep an eye on. It is unlikely the roster spot stays vacant for long.