The Patriots just dropped a bombshell, releasing center Ben Brown on Monday despite him signing a two-year, $5 million extension last year. This isn’t some fringe player, either. The guy started four games at left guard last season and ten games at center back in 2024. Talk about a surprise move right after setting their first 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season.
Mike Vrabel’s squad has been going wild on the waiver wire and practice squad. They snatched up two veterans, linebacker Darius Muasau and tight end Cameron Latu, a day after players hit the wire. That’s a quick turnaround for guys who are expected to contribute. On the flip side, they lost cornerback Marcellus Dial, who was claimed by the Miami Dolphins. But the biggest shake-up has to be Brown’s release. He was supposed to be the top interior backup offensive lineman heading into training camp, a vital role. Now that job belongs to Greg Van Roten, who they just brought in this month. It makes you wonder what went down for them to cut a player with that kind of recent experience and contract.
Beyond the main roster, the Patriots are busy building out their practice squad, loading up on depth all over the field. They added rookie wide receiver Cameron Dorner, who apparently had a “solid training camp” and caught three passes for 19 yards in preseason. Another receiver, Kyle Dixon, also joined the practice squad. This guy’s story is wild, starting as a collegiate pitcher before switching to football. He balled out in the preseason finale with eight catches for 71 yards, finishing with 10 catches on 10 targets for 81 yards total. On the offensive line, guard Jake Kubas is in. He played five games for the New York Giants last season, making three starts, and gives them more depth, especially with Ben Brown’s injury mentioned as a factor in other signings. Rookie center Jacob Ritzy also stepped up as the top backup center when Brown got hurt, and he’s now on the practice squad.
The defensive side isn’t being ignored either. Linebacker Riley Wilson, an undrafted rookie out of Arizona, joins the practice squad. Defensive tackle Eric Gregory, who played in six games and made eight tackles last season, is back after being one of their top backups this summer. Even the running back room saw a move, with veteran Hassan Haskins returning to the practice squad after losing the No. 3 running back job to Corey Kiner. And rounding things out, veteran punter Mitch Wishnowsky is reportedly signing on. This flurry of activity shows the team is leaving no stone unturned as they finalize their roster for what promises to be a grueling regular season. This level of constant shuffling means they’re not content, they’re looking for every single edge as kick-off looms.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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