Patriots 53-Man Roster Tracker: Here's Which Players Have Been Released

The NFL's roster cutdown day is upon us, and the New England Patriots have plenty of moves they need to make.

In fact, they have 38 players that they need to release ahead of Sunday's 6 p.m. deadline. If they don't release them, they could also put a player on an injury list (injured reserve, physically unable to perform, non-football injury list) to keep them around.

New England could also try to make a trade or use the waiver wire to add some depth. Last year, they claimed three players off waivers (quarterback Tommy DeVito, defensive tackle Eric Gregory, cornerback Charles Woods) with the fourth waiver claim spot. This year, they'll have the 31st spot.

"Well, you put a lot of time in with guys, and then you hope that they give you everything that they have. And it’s not easy, but it’s a tough part of this business," head coach Mike Vrabel said after the team's final preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. "You want to try to be as respectful to them.

"Some of these players that we move on from, we’ll bring back on the practice squad. And I think for the most part, these guys, they gave us everything they had and, we’ll treat them the same way."

Here's the Patriots On SI roster tracker, where we'll keep you updated on all the latest moves the Patriots will make ahead of their Week 1 battle against the Seattle Seahawks to open up the season.

Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; the New England Patriots take the field for warm ups before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Natalie Reid-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Roster Moves Tracker:

As first reported by the Boston Herald's Doug Kyed, the Patriots have released backup OG Darrian Dalcourt. He was one of two street free agents (along with Joe Michalski) that was signed to help bolster the team's interior depth after injuries to Ben Brown and Andrew Rupcich. Dalcourt primarily repped with the third-string offense, and got 12 offensive snaps in the team's preseason loss to Cleveland. (90/53)

According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, the Patriots have released second-year tight end C.J. Dippre. After spending most of last season on the practice squad, the former UDFA was competing for the third tight end spot with Tanner Arkin and Jack Westover. (89/53)

A source tells Patriots On SI that the Patriots have released undrafted rookie edge rusher Xavier Holmes. He originally made the team after a successful rookie minicamp tryout, but missed the last two weeks with an undisclosed injury. (88/53)

According to Reiss, the Patriots are planning to release rookie wide receicver Kyle Dixon, who caught eight passes in the team's final preseason game. He should be a candidate to return on the practice squad should he clear waivers. (87/53)

Aug 27, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Dixon (83) catches a pass in front of Cleveland Browns defensive back Jeremiah McClendon (47) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Patriots made a pair of interior offensive line moves, releasing center Jacob Rizy (per source) and guard JonDarius Morgan (per Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald). Should Rizy clear waivers, he'll likely be signed back to the practice squad, per source. (85/53)

Linebacker Amari Gainer took to social media to thank the Patriots, signaling that he had been released. He had a sack in the team's second preseason game against the Eagles, and could return on the practice squad if he clears waivers. (84/53)

According to Kyed, the Patriots are releasing undrafted wide receiver Nick DeGennaro. The James Madison alum was a star in the preseason win over the Eagles, catching the game-winning touchdown from Behren Morton. Along with Dixon and Cameron Dorner, he was one of three undrafted receivers fighting for a spot. (83/53)

According to Kyed, the Patriots are also releasing Dorner. He played in 26 snaps during the final preseason game and could be a possible practice squad addition after shining in practice all summer. (82/53)

According to Christopher Price of the Boston Globe, the Patriots are releasing rookie linebacker Riley Wilson. The plan is to bring him back on the practice squad should he clear waivers. (81/53)

A source tells Patriots On SI that the Patriots have released cornerback Brandon Crossley. The second-year cornerback had an uphill battle to make the roster, but looked productive during his times on the field. (80/53)

Aug 22, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Brandon Crossley (39) in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

According to Kyed, the Patriots have released cornerback Marcellas Dial. One of two draft picks (Drake Maye) remaining from the 2024 draft class, Dial came back this summer after tearing his ACL in 2025. (79/53)

According to MassLive's Mark Daniels, the team is releasing rookie safety Eric Butler with an injury designation. Should he clear waivers, he'll likely revert to season-ending injured reserve. He didn't suit up in the team's final preseason game, one of 38 players not to do so. (78/53)

According to Daniels, the Patriots have released offensive tackle Lorenz Metz — who was part of the International Pathway Program. Should he clear waivers, he'll be granted an extra spot on the practice squad through the IPP roster exemption. (77/53)

A source told Patriots On SI that the Patriots are planning to release undrafted free agent safety Peter Manuma. He was one of two players to make the roster after a rookie tryout, but was caught up in a numbers game in a pretty dense safety room. (76/53)

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