New England Patriots Cut Four to Make Room for Waiver Claims

The New England Patriots were awarded four players off waivers on Wednesday. To make room for the new additions to the 53-man roster, the Patriots needed to make four corresponding roster moves. Those decisions became known later in the day when New England announced the release of four veterans. No longer on the active roster are WR Jalen Reagor, OG Michael Jordan, DL Trysten Hill, and CB Isaiah Bolden.

All four players could be brought back to the Patriots practice squad if they do not get picked up by another team.

A look at the four players departing the New England Patriots roster:

Jalen Reagor

Reagor was brought back to New England during free agency on a one-year deal. New England kept seven wide receivers on the initial 53-man roster, including Reagor, with Kendrick Bourne being placed on the PUP list to start the season. Reagor served as a depth piece at wide receiver and New England’s primary kickoff returner. It is unclear who those duties will now fall to. David Wallis and Kevin Harris both returned kicks during the preseason games, though both were left off the initial 53-man roster. Marcus Jones and Antonio Gibson could be among those in consideration for the role.

Michael Jordan

Eliot Wolf signed Jordan as one of his first moves after taking over the New England Patriots front office. The offensive line still has many questions to work out, but it does appear versatility is highly valued at the unit, something Jordan does not necessarily offer. New England claimed Zach Thomas off waivers today. Thomas is primarily a guard but has some experience playing tackle. The other guards on the roster are Sidy Sow (injured), Mike Onwenu (might play tackle), Nick Leverett (might play center), and rookie Layden Robinson.

Also Read – Dan Kelley: Explaining How the Patriots Offensive Line Got to This Point

Trysten Hill

The Patriots kept six players along the defensive front. They opted to replace Trysten Hill today with Eric Johnson. Johnson offers a different look than some of New England’s other interior defensive linemen. Standing 6-foot-4 and 299 pounds, Johnson is less stoud but could potentially offer more of a pass rush, especially with Christian Barmore being out to start the season. The Dallas Cowboys drafted Hill in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Injuries and lack of production ultimately ended his time there. New England signed him to the practice squad last year after Daniel Ekuale’s season-ending biceps injury.

Isaiah Bolden

Bolden is an excellent athlete. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in Round 7 of the 2023 NFL Draft. A head injury suffered in the preseason (which prematurely ended the preseason game between the Patriots and Green Bay Packers) placed him on season-ending injured reserve. He has looked comfortable in training camp playing in the slot and on the outside. Isaiah Bolden has the potential to be a contributor on special teams as well. It appeared when Shaun Wade was cut on Tuesday his job was secured for 2024 unless the Patriots added another cornerback. But Bolden departs, leaving six cornerbacks remaining in New England.