Patriots Waiver Wire: 6 Targets to Explore Now

Evaluating New England Waiver Targets and Roster Needs

New England’s roster fluidly changed over the days following the roster cuts, prompting media analysts to flag multiple position groups for potential upgrades.

Special Teams and Offensive Backfield Options

The Patriots rotated several players at kick returner during the preseason without recording a single return of 30 yards or more, leaving a glaring hole on special teams. Bengals returner Jones emerged as a viable option after logging two kick-return touchdowns over the past three seasons, though claiming him would force New England to roster seven wide receivers, according to team analysis. Alternatively, Boston.com noted that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels historically values a punishing fullback, making former Patriot Jakob Johnson a logical reunion candidate after his release by Houston on Tuesday. Johnson played in New England from 2019 to 2021, providing elite blocking depth to clear running lanes for running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.

Reinforcing the Trenches: Offensive Line and Pass Rush

Offensive line questions linger in New England with rookie Will Campbell and 34-year-old veteran Morgan Moses slated as starters, backed by Vederian Lowe and seventh-round pick Marcus Bryant, as reported by Boston.com. To stabilize the swing tackle position, the Patriots could target 6-foot-6 tackle Jaelyn Duncan. Duncan shares a familiarity with Mike Vrabel stemming from their shared time in Tennessee, where the Titans originally drafted him in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, the pass-rush unit remains thin behind Dre’Mont Jones and Elijah Ponder, leaving Gabe Jacas and Quintayvious Hutchins as the primary backups. Edge rusher Isaac is expected to draw widespread league interest following a strong preseason performance despite early-career injury struggles, while 27-year-old rotational pass rusher Williams brings 9.5 career sacks and a violent skill set from Dallas despite a 2024 torn ACL and a three-game personal conduct suspension.

Secondary, Tight End, and Linebacker Depth

Defensive depth remains a priority after New England kept six cornerbacks—including Charles Woods and rookies Karon Prunty and Channing Canada—whose summer performances were notably inconsistent. Within the AFC East, Bills boundary cornerback Kani Walker was a surprise cut following a strong preseason, offering impressive 6-foot-2 size. Boston.com also linked Baltimore castoff Jalyn Armour-Davis to New England; the former fourth-round pick out of Alabama posted an interception and three pass breakups this preseason despite dealing with past injuries. At tight end and linebacker, Boston.com suggested former Titans fifth-round pick Josh Whyle—who caught 28 passes for 248 yards and a touchdown in 17 games last year—could replace Jack Westover, while former eighth overall pick Isaiah Simmons remains available to fortify a linebacker corps reliant on projected starters Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the NFL waiver wire claim period end?

Teams had until 1 p.m.

What is New England’s position in the waiver order?

Depending on the specific report, New England’s waiver priority sits either at the 31st spot or fourth overall behind the Titans, Browns, and Giants.

Which former Patriots player was released and linked to a return?

Fullback Jakob Johnson, who played in New England from 2019 to 2021, was released by Houston on Tuesday and evaluated as a potential blocking reinforcement.