Patriots set first 53-man roster in post-Bill Belichick era

The Patriots have set their first 53-man roster in a post-Bill Belichick era. The team announced the following moves:

Released:

• S Joshuah Bledsoe
• OT Kellen Diesch
• OL Liam Fornadel
• LB Joe Giles-Harris
• RB Kevin Harris
• RB Terrell Jennings
• LB Kobe Jones
• WR Matt Landers
• G Atonio Mafi
• DE Jotham Russell
• K Chad Ryland (story)
• S A.J. Thomas
• CB Shaun Wade
• WR David Wallis
• TE Mitchell Wilcox
• QB Bailey Zappe (story)

Placed on reserve/PUP list:

• WR Kendrick Bourne (story)
• G Cole Strange
• LB Sione Takitaki

Placed on reserve/NFI list:

• DT Christian Barmore

Placed on IR:

• OL Calvin Anderson
• S Marte Mapu (designated to return)
• DT Armon Watts

Atonio Mafi was a fifth-round pick by the Patriots just last year, and he ended up starting five of his 17 appearances as a rookie. It wasn’t pretty for the UCLA alumni, as Pro Football Focus ultimately graded Mafi as the second-worst qualifying guard in the NFL (among 79 qualifying players).

Kevin Harris was a sixth-round pick by New England in 2022, but the running back struggled to carve out a role through his two seasons with the squad. The South Carolina product was ultimately limited to nine appearances (one start), collecting 175 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.