Patriots Shuffle Roster with Four Transactions Following Preseason Action

New England adds running back depth and pass rush help while making difficult cuts ahead of regular season

Foxborough, Mass. – The New England Patriots continued their roster evaluation process with a series of four transactions announced Saturday, adding veteran depth at key positions while making the difficult decisions that define NFL roster construction.

The Patriots signed first-year running back Deneric Prince and rookie defensive end Jereme Robinson while releasing rookie safety Josh Minkins and placing rookie running back Lan Larison on injured reserve.

Adding Veteran Experience

The most notable addition comes in the backfield with the signing of Prince, a 25-year-old who brings NFL experience despite being in just his third professional season. The 6-foot, 211-pound back originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent with Kansas City in 2023, where he spent most of his rookie campaign on the practice squad before earning two game elevations.

After being released by the Chiefs following 2024 training camp, Prince spent the year developing on Miami’s practice squad before showcasing his skills with the Memphis Showboats in the UFL this past spring. His journey through multiple organizations demonstrates the perseverance that often defines successful NFL careers.

The signing addresses depth concerns in New England’s backfield, particularly following the injury to Larison that necessitated his placement on injured reserve. With TreVeyon Henderson’s explosive preseason debut still fresh in memory, Prince provides veteran insurance behind the established trio of Rhamondre Stevenson, Henderson, and Antonio Gibson.

Bolstering Pass Rush

The Patriots also added Robinson, a 25-year-old defensive end who brings impressive college production despite a brief NFL journey. The 6-foot-3, 263-pounder compiled 98 total tackles and 14 sacks across 53 games at Kansas, demonstrating the consistent production that catches NFL scouts’ attention.

Robinson’s path to New England included a brief stint with Chicago, which signed him as an undrafted free agent in May before releasing him in late July. His availability coincided perfectly with New England’s need for additional pass rush depth as the team evaluates its defensive front ahead of the regular season.

Difficult Decisions

The release of Minkins represents the harsh reality of NFL roster construction. The 23-year-old safety, who signed with New England in May after transferring from Louisville to Cincinnati for his final collegiate season, showed promise but fell victim to the numbers game that defines preseason evaluation.

At 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, Minkins possessed the physical tools that typically translate to NFL success, but the Patriots’ depth at safety ultimately worked against his roster chances.

Injury Concerns

Larison’s placement on injured reserve ends what had been a promising preseason for the rookie running back. The nature and severity of his injury were not disclosed, but the IR designation means he’ll miss significant time as he recovers.

The timing proves particularly unfortunate given the Patriots’ emphasis on evaluating young talent throughout the preseason. Larison’s injury creates an opportunity for Prince to demonstrate his value in New England’s system.

Roster Management Strategy

These transactions reflect head coach Mike Vrabel’s methodical approach to roster construction. The Patriots have consistently prioritized players with NFL experience and proven production, even if that experience comes from practice squads or alternative leagues like the UFL.

Prince’s familiarity with NFL systems and Robinson’s college production align with the Patriots’ preference for players who can contribute immediately rather than long-term developmental projects.

Looking Ahead

With these moves, the Patriots continue fine-tuning their roster ahead of the final preseason games and eventual cutdown to 53 players. The additions of Prince and Robinson provide veteran depth at positions where injuries or performance issues could significantly impact the team’s competitiveness.

As the regular season approaches, these seemingly minor transactions often prove crucial in determining a team’s depth and resilience throughout a grueling 17-game campaign.

The Patriots’ methodical approach to roster construction, evidenced by these latest moves, demonstrates the organization’s commitment to building sustainable depth across all position groups.

For more New England Patriots coverage and exclusive insights, visit Bad Dawg Sports.