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3 most surprising cuts by New England Patriots that hardly anyone saw coming

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Sophie Weller | Last updated Aug 27, 2024 5:27 PM ET

The New England Patriots had a busy start to the week, getting the roster down to 53 players ahead of the 2024 NFL regular season.

And in order to do that, they had to waive some players that had an impressive preseason.

So here are the three most surprising cuts:

RB Kevin Harris

Kevin Harris scored the lone touchdown in Sunday's game, marking his second of the preseason. And that's pretty notable considering the Patriots only had four touchdowns in the games this summer.

He was the biggest surprise cut of the day, having competed against JaMycal Hasty for that third spot on the 53-man roster. He started last season on the practice squad, but was promoted to the active roster and stepped up when Rhamondre Stevenson was sidelined with an injury.

Throughout his two seasons, he has 34 carries for 117 yards with two touchdowns and three receptions for 58 yards. This preseason, he caught two passes on four targets for 24 yards.

The Patriots will most likely try to bring Harris back on the practice squad if he isn't claimed by another team.

CB Shaun Wade

Shaun Wade was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, but was traded to the Patriots before the start of the season. Since then, he has been on New England's active roster.

Wade has been a solid depth piece in the cornerback room, having playing in 20 games with the Patriots. He finishes with 26 total tackles and one pass breakup. Plus, he was an asset on special teams.

Wade was the only cornerback waived during final roster cuts. The Patriots kept seven on the active roster.

LB Joe Giles-Harris

This has been a very solid summer for Joe Giles-Harris, and the team will most likely try and bring him back on the practice squad.

Giles-Harris had a strong end to the preseason, intercepting a pass from Washington Commanders quarterback Jeff Driskel. However, he was competing against Christian Elliss for that final linebacker spot. And in the end, Elliss won.