New England Patriots Cut Undrafted Defensive End, Have Four Open Roster Spots

The New England Patriots parted ways with one undrafted free agent. Head coach Bill Belichick made a few big moves this summer. He has been cutting and signing players in an effort to adjust the roster. New England on Thursday waived rookie defensive end Nick Coe. According to Jim McBride from The Boston Globe was the first to report the decision. The NFL confirmed the cut, and the Patriots have four open roster spots.

Coe is a versatile front-seven defender. He has seen action at defensive tackle and even stand-up outside linebacker. The Auburn product was considered a potential first-round selection ahead of his final season at Auburn. In 2019, Coe had just 15 tackles and no sacks.

Patriots have to fill up four open roster spots

The undrafted free agent survived the Patriots’ initial roster trimming. Analysts believed that he’d compete with Deatrich Wise, Byron Coward, Nick Thurman and fellow UDFA Bill Murray for a spot on the roster. Belichick had different plans, and Coe didn’t get a chance to play alongside other Patriots players.

Murray is one of the 10 undrafted players remaining in New England. He shares the same group as quarterback Brian Lewerke, running back J.J. Taylor, tight end Jake Burt, tight end/defensive end Rashod Berry, linebacker Scoota Harris, cornerback Myles Bryant and wide receivers Jeff Thomas, Will Hastings and Isaiah Zuber.

Rookie center Dustin Woodard retired from the NFL on Thursday, leaving the Patriots with four open spots on the 80-man roster. The Patriots will have the first padded training camp practice next Monday. It’s an important season for the Patriots and they will definitely make a few more cuts this summer.

Belichick will work with his players for the first game against the Miami Dolphins. Playing against Miami in Week 1 will be a great challenge for all the rookies on the roster. The same applies to the new starting quarterback. Will Cam Newton start games with the Patriots? Maybe Jarrett Stidham will take the role. One thing stands for sure. New England will enter the 2020 season with a roster packed with talent. It’s a brilliant chance for the team to win another Super Bowl.