Patriots Country

Patriots Announce Initial 53-Man Roster

The New England Patriots released 38 players to get the roster down to 53.
New England Patriots Head Coach, Mike Vrabel is shown on the sideline, Thursday, August 21, 2025, in East Rutherford.
New England Patriots Head Coach, Mike Vrabel is shown on the sideline, Thursday, August 21, 2025, in East Rutherford. | Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In this story:


Meet the 2025 iteration of the New England Patriots.

Following today's cut down deadline, head coach Mike Vrabel and his staff have whittled the team from 91 players all the way down to the league-mandated 53. While the team will soon adjust their roster in the coming days and weeks, here's the Patriots' initial active roster ahead of their Week 1 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

QUARTERBACKS (2): Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs

This decision wasn't surprising. Maye and Dobbs both didn't suit up in the team's final preseason game, and while undrafted rookie Ben Wooldridge has some solid flashes as a passer, he serves the team more as a developmental project.

Aug 8, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) reacts after defeating the Wash
Aug 8, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) reacts after defeating the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images | Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

RUNNING BACKS (3): Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson

A discussion about whether the team would roster three or four running backs ultimately led to the Patriots choosing the former. The team released late camp add JaMycal Hasty and Terrell Jennings -- who should be one of the first players to sign with the practice squad should he clear waivers.

Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) against the Arizona Cardinal
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

WIDE RECEIVERS (10): Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins, Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, Javon Baker, Efton Chism III

A position group that's been fairly week in seasons past, this year's bunch of wideouts has the chance to do some damage. The only major changes to this position was placing second-year Ja'Lynn Polk on Injured Reserve, who suffered a shoulder injury in the first week of the preseason. Undrafted rookie (and preseason fan favorite) Efton Chism III earned his spot on the roster, while rising rookie Jeremiah Webb was a late cut just before the 4 p.m. deadline.

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs carries an adoptable pup as he enters the practice field on July 23, 2025, fo
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs carries an adoptable pup as he enters the practice field on July 23, 2025, for the opening day of Patriots training camp at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Kraft family and the Patriots Foundation, in partnership with animal rescues across the region, hosted a dog adoption event on opening day. | Kris Craig/The Providence Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

TIGHT ENDS (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover

After Henry and Hooper, the battle for the third tight end spot started to seem more obvious as the summer rolled along. After UDFA Brock Lampe suffered a lower-body injury, Westover took over the fullback role and though his run blocking, earned a spot on the 53-man roster. Both rookies Gee Scott Jr. and CJ Dippre had productive preseasons and would be ideal candidates for the practice squad.

Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) walks out of the player's tunne
Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) walks out of the player's tunnel before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

OFFENSIVE LINE (11): Garrett Bradbury, Ben Brown, Mike Onwenu, Jared Wilson, Will Campbell, Morgan Moses, Caedan Wallace, Vederian Lowe, Marcus Bryant

The Patriots elected to keep a fairly straight forward offensive line after camp. No one who made the roster is much a surprise. Some of the young players that were released (guards Mehki Butler and former first rounder Cole Strange, and tackle Jack Conley) are names to watch out for as practice squad signings.

Jun 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell (66) jogs to the practice fields at Gil
Jun 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell (66) jogs to the practice fields at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

DEFENSIVE LINE (5): Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Jeremiah Pharms Jr, Joshua Farmer

The big boys in the defensive trenches, no real surprises came out of this room on Tuesday. The team released International Pathway Program player David Olajiga -- who will soon return to the team by way of the practice squad. Florida State rookie Joshua Farmer made the team after a fairly quiet first summer in New England.

Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) against the Arizona Cardin
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

EDGE RUSHERS (5): Harold Landry, Keion White, K'Lavon Chaisson, Anfernee Jennings, Elijah Ponder

This positional battle opened the doors for both Truman Jones and Elijah Ponder to make the roster. In the end, the coaching staff landed on Ponder, an undrafted rookie out of Cal Poly. Outside linebackers coach Mike Smith praised Ponder as one of the best UDFA he's been around, and he now joins a loaded group that boasts Landry, White, Chaisson and Jennings -- who the team elected to keep.

Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Eric Saubert (82) blocks out New England Patriots d
Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Eric Saubert (82) blocks out New England Patriots defensive end Keion White (99) as San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (24) runs with the football during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images | Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

LINEBACKERS (5): Robert Spillane, Jahlani Tavai, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu

Marte Mapu moved from safety to linebacker this offseason, and with his excellent special teams play, earned a spot on the roster for the third-straight season. Newcomers with Vrabel experience -- Spillane and Gibbens -- both made the team, while veteran Tavai will begin the season on the PUP list.

Nov 10, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai (48) celebrates the win against the Chica
Nov 10, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai (48) celebrates the win against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

CORNERBACKS (5): Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, DJ James

Depth players like Brandon Crossley and Miles Battle got the axe this morning, but the cornerbacks room was almost solidified throughout camp. The top half of the depth chart is one of the best across the NFL, while second-year player DJ James was one of the biggest risers on the Patriots. The team didn't elect to keep Memphis rookie Kobee Minor on the team, though the front office thought highly of him.

Sep 8, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) is tackled by New England Patriots cor
Sep 8, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) is tackled by New England Patriots corner back Christian Gonzalez (0) in the second quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Albert Cesare/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | Albert Cesare/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

SAFETIES (6): Jabrill Peppers, Kyle Dugger, Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, Dell Pettus, Brenden Schooler

The biggest storyline coming out of camp was Kyle Dugger's standing on this team, and if the team will move on from their longtime starter. They decided to stand pat with Dugger, likely due to team's not willing to take on his expensive contract. Fourth-round rookie Woodson makes the team, and special teams ace Schooler has played some defensive snaps this preseason.

Aug 25, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA;  New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (5) takes the field with teammates before
Aug 25, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (5) takes the field with teammates before the game against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

SPECIAL TEAMS (3): Andres Borregales, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby

Borregales, the Miami rookie who the Patriots spent a day three draft pick on in April, won the kicking competition. It felt like at times that John Parker Romo had an edge during camp, but the Patriots decided to roll with one of college football's best kickers from last season. As for Baringer and Ashby, these were two spots that weren't up for discussion.

Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots punter Bryce Baringer (17) warms up before a game against t
Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots punter Bryce Baringer (17) warms up before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Make sure you bookmark New England Patriots on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns, and so much more!


Published
Ethan Hurwitz
ETHAN HURWITZ

Ethan Hurwitz is a writer for Patriots on SI. He works to find out-of-the-box stories that change the way you look at sports. He’s covered the behind-the-scenes discussions behind Ivy League football, how a stuffed animal helped a softball team’s playoff chances and tracked down a fan who caught a historic hockey stick. Ethan graduated from Quinnipiac University with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in journalism, and oversaw The Quinnipiac Chronicle’s sports coverage for almost three years.

Share on XFollow HurwitzSports