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There are expected to be a lot of changes in the New England Patriots locker room before the 2024 season gets underway. The coaching staff has already seen significant turnover, most notably with Jerod Mayo replacing Bill Belichick as head coach. But what will the New England roster look like in the fall? Some of that will be determined by players not currently on the team. The NFL Draft and free agency will both bring new faces to Foxboro. But what about the players from 2023? Patriots Football Now will break down all potential 2024 roster players in “Patriots Roster Breakdown” before Week 1 arrives in September.
Today’s Patriots Roster Breakdown featured player is Joshuah Bledsoe.
Joshua Bledsoe
The New England Patriots selected Joshuah Bledsoe in the sixth round (No. 188 overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. Bledsoe played college football for the Missouri Tigers. Bledsoe appeared in 43 career games for Missouri. He recorded 130 total tackles (7.5 for a loss). He finished with one sack, an interception, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one touchdown.
Bledsoe has been bitten by the injury bug during his NFL career. Before even being drafted, Bledsoe injured his wrist at the Senior Bowl, requiring surgery. He began the 2021 season on the non-football injury (NFI) list due to his recovery. Bledsoe was activated on Dec. 14, 2020. However, Bledsoe injured his calf in practice and was moved to injured reserve. His rookie season was over before ever playing a single snap.
Joshuah Bledsoe’s sophomore season looked promising. He stood out in training camp and preseason.
Joshuah Bledsoe forces the fumble and the @Patriots are right back in opposing territory
: #CARvsNE on @NFLNetwork
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/IOlNg81vP9 pic.twitter.com/rKslffbHAh
— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2022
But ultimately the 2022 season didn’t treat Bledsoe much kinder. He was hobbled with a groin injury. Although it did not land him on injured reserve, Bledsoe was inactive for 14 of the team’s 17 games. He played only 29 snaps all season on defensive and special teams, recording one tackle.
The Patriots cut Bledsoe on the final 53-man roster cutdown before the 2023 season. He was re-signed to the practice squad, where he spent nearly the entire season. Bledsoe got signed to the active roster on Dec. 30, 2022. He played three snaps on special teams in New England’s Week 17 loss to Buffalo. It was Bledsoe’s only NFL action of the year.
Contract Status
Joshuah Bledsoe still has one year remaining on his rookie contract with the Patriots. He would become an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) following the 2024 season.
Safety Group
New England recently brought back Kyle Dugger. They also added free agent Jaylinn Hawkins in free agency from the Los Angeles Chargers. Jabrill Peppers and Marte Mapu also return from the 2023 roster, along with Joshuah Bledsoe.
Outlook for Joshuah Bledsoe
Training camp and preseason will be huge for Bledsoe. The Patriots lost two veteran free agents in the offseason (Adrian Phillips and Jalen Mills) while only bringing in one new safety in Jaylinn Simpson. However, the four players above Bledsoe on the depth chart all appear to have roster spots locked down. Bledsoe will need to not only show he can contribute as a defensive back, perhaps playing some corner as well, but excel on special teams if he wants to stick in 2024.
Joshuah Bledsoe still has potential. He will only be 25 years old this coming season. If the New England Patriots don’t draft a safety, Bledsoe has an opportunity to get a long look in camp and impress enough to earn a spot. If not, it could be another season on the practice squad for the Missouri alum.
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