Patriots Release Super Bowl Champion Following The NFL Draft

The New England Patriots parted ways with their longest-tenured player on Tuesday.

New England released long snapper Joe Cardona, who spent the last 10 seasons with the organization. Three days ago, the Patriots landed his likely replacement when drafting Julian Ashby in the seventh round.

Cardona joined Bill Belichick's Patriots as a fifth-round pick in 2015. Cardona went to Navy, where Belichick's father served as an assistant coach. 

Cardona played in 160 games and was part of two Super Bowl champions in 2016 and 2018. He was the final remaining member of their last championship squad.

Julian Edelman honored his former teammate after New England's announcement.

"Joe embodied the Patriot way," Edelman wrote. "He was a great teammate on the field, but even an even better guy off the field. Looking forward to what the next chapter holds for ya, Lieutenant Cardona."

The Patriots have signified the end of an era by moving on from longtime center David Andrews, defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr, and cornerback Jonathan Jones. They'll have a decisively new look under head coach Mike Vrabel, who replaces former Pats teammate Jerrod Mayo following a 4-13 season.

New England signed Stefon Diggs, Carlton Davis III, Harold Landry III, Robert Spillane, and Milton Williams during an offseason spending spree. The Patriots continue to reload with a 2025 draft led by No. 4 pick Will Campbell and former Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson.

They used the second of three Round 7 selections on Ashby, who spent three seasons at Furman before concluding his college career at Vanderbilt. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo said a "bidding war" would have unfolded for Ashby if he went undrafted.

New England also released offensive lineman Jake Andrews, defensive lineman Marcus Harris, wide receiver JaQuae Jackson, linebacker Titus Leo, safety Mark Perry, and tight end Giovanni Ricci on Monday.