More Monday Roster Moves for the New England Patriots

As reported earlier in the day, the New England Patriots signed DJ James to their practice squad. As anticipated, the team signed offensive guard Michael Jordan to the 53-man roster with the spot vacated by Chukwuma Okorafor landing on the reserve/left team list. But Eliot Wolf and the Patriots were not done making moves on Monday.

In addition to adding James, New England signed safety Mark Perry to their practice squad. James and Perry were two of the eight defensive free agents who worked out for the Patriots last Friday.

Also Read: Meet the Newest New England Patriot: DJ James

Mark Perry

Perry began his collegiate career with the Colorado Buffaloes (2019-2021). He was a teammate for three seasons there with New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez. At the end of the 2021 season, Perry transferred to TCU, with Gonzalez heading to Oregon. They now reunite in New England.

Mark Perry blossomed at TCU, where he helped lead the Horned Frogs to the CFB National Championship in 2022, before falling to Georgia in the title game. The following year he received Big-12 honorable mention honors. Perry played in 52 games over his five seasons with Colorado and TCU. He amassed 234 tackles, including 16 tackles for a loss, two sacks, and three interceptions.

The 6-foot-0, 213-pound Perry ran an impressive 4.40 40-yard dash at the Big-12 Pro Day. Despite experience and solid measurables, Perry was not selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. He signed with the Miami Dolphins but was released on the NFL’s Cutdown Day. The Houston Texans signed him to their practice squad but released him on September 10.

Departing Players

Despite having one open roster spot after promoting Michael Jordan, the Patriots released two of their practice squad players. Departing are defensive end Yvandy Rigby and safety A.J. Thomas.

Rigby is an edge defender who played collegiately for Temple. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens after going undrafted in April but was among their final cuts. Thomas joined the Patriots during training at the beginning of August. He played well in preseason but was among their final cuts. New England signed him back to the practice squad after cuts to get to a 53-man roster.

The moves on Monday leave the New England Patriots with one open spot on their practice squad.