The New England Patriots wasted no time at No. 31 in the waiver priority Monday, snagging tight end Cameron Latu and linebacker Darius Muasau as the roster window slammed shut at 1 p.m. ET. These moves came right after active rosters around the NFL reduced to 53 players, showing the reigning AFC champions are still looking for every edge.
Fresh Talent Lands in Foxborough
Cameron Latu, a 26-year-old tight end, got cut by the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, and the Patriots were quick to grab him. This isn’t his first trip to Foxborough either, as he was there for joint practices and preseason work earlier in the month. Latu was a third-round pick back in 2023, No. 101 overall out of Alabama, starting his career with the San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns before hitting the NFC East with a futures contract in 2025. Last season, he played in 15 games, with a couple of starts, logging 102 snaps on offense and a hefty 257 on special teams. He even had a hand in a blocked punt and racked up 11 tackles. That kind of versatility is exactly what you want heading into the regular season.
Then there’s Darius Muasau, the 25-year-old off-ball linebacker coming over from the New York Giants. Muasau was a sixth-round pick in 2024, No. 183 overall, initially transferring from Hawaii to UCLA. He’s already got 27 games and 18 starts under his belt, showing he’s ready for action. His career totals are solid: 106 tackles, one sack, and one interception. He’s seen a lot of action with 890 snaps on defense and 341 on special teams. Bringing in two young guys with that kind of experience, especially on special teams, could make a real difference for the Patriots.
The One That Got Away to an AFC East Rival
While the Patriots were busy adding talent, they also saw one of their own non-vested veterans claimed. Cornerback Marcellas Dial Jr., who was among New England’s initial cuts, got picked up by none other than the Miami Dolphins. That’s an AFC East rival snagging a player right off their roster. Dial, 25, spent last year on injured reserve after a torn ACL in training camp. He was a sixth-round pick in 2024, No. 180 overall, out of South Carolina. As a rookie, he appeared in all 17 games with one start, recording 12 tackles and a forced fumble, handling a massive 83.3 percent of the special teams workload. Losing that kind of special teams player, especially to a division foe, stings a bit.
Only one of the 28 non-vested veterans waived by the Patriots was claimed around the league. Now, the Patriots staff will be working hard on corresponding moves to finalize the active roster, and the practice squad is forming up. Last year, head coach Mike Vrabel’s crew made similar moves, claiming quarterback Tommy DeVito and cornerback Charles Woods. The early season is always a whirlwind, and these waiver claims show the Patriots are still tinkering to get the best possible squad on the field as games begin.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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