Patriots Rumors: Moses, LG, UDFAs
At 34 years old, Morgan Moses is still playing at a level that garners the three-year, $24MM deal he signed with the Patriots. If he’s able to play out the entirety of his contract, he’ll be 37 years old when he hits free agency again; for reference, the oldest offensive tackle currently in the NFL is Trent Williams at 36.
One usually doesn’t make it this long in the NFL without a couple of bumps and bruises along the way. After only playing eight games as a rookie, Moses played in every game of every season for eight straight years. His past two seasons in Baltimore and New York, though, saw him miss three games apiece as Father Time starts to catch up to him. After missing two games early last year, Moses reportedly played through a grade 2 MCL sprain, a meniscus issue, and a fracture in his knee for several weeks.
Moses was reportedly “given a clean bill of health” from the Jets’ medical staff before free agency, and according to Mike Reiss of ESPN, that came following some offseason knee surgery. As he comes back from surgery, Moses has not been participating in full-team drills at practice. Still, he’s been plenty involved despite not practicing, mentoring rookie first-round tackle out of LSU Will Cambell, who it’s presumed will be starting opposite him in Week 1.
Here are a couple other rumors coming out of New England lately:
- Last season, the left guard position became a major question for New England as Cole Strange missed all but the team’s last three games with injury and the Patriots fluctuated between Michael Jordan and Layden Robinson in his absence. Even when Strange returned from injury, he filled a need at center instead of returning to left guard. So far in early practices, that uncertainty has remained. With free agent signing Garrett Bradbury taking the center job, Strange can move back to left guard. So far, Strange has shared the position with free agent addition Wes Schweitzer, and undrafted free agent Jack Conley out of Boston College, per Reiss. Robinson is currently not a full participant, but he, too, could end up competing for the job. It’s early, but there are several potential options for the team at that position.
- While we did cover a couple of the Patriots’ top undrafted earners (Eastern Washington wide receiver Efton Chism III and UC Davis running back Lan Larison) when they announced those signings, Reiss provided some info on a few more that we were not aware of at the time. Per Reiss, Alabama tight end C.J. Dippre earned the highest guaranteed total ($264K), followed by Chism ($259K), North Carolina defensive tackle Jahvaree Ritzie ($218K), Larison ($175K), Cal Poly edge rusher Elijah Ponder ($115K), Conley ($110K), and Ohio State tight end Gee Scott Jr. ($95K).
Patriots Sign 15 Undrafted Free Agents
The Patriots signed 15 undrafted free agents to bring their rookie class to 26 players. Here are New England’s UDFAs:
- Demeer Blankumsee, WR (Memphis)
- Efton Chism III, WR (Eastern Washington)
- Jack Conley, OL (Boston College)
- Brandon Crossley, CB (SMU)
- C.J. Dippre, TE (Alabama)
- Brock Lampe, FB (Northern Illinois)
- Lan Larison, RB (UC Davis)
- Josh Minkins, S (Cincinnati)
- Jordan Polk, CB (Texas State)
- Elijah Ponder, LB (Cal Poly)
- Cam Riley, LB (Florida State)
- Jahvaree Ritzie, DT (North Carolina)
- Gee Scott Jr., TE (Ohio State)
- Jeremiah Webb, WR (South Alabama)
- Ben Wooldridge, QB (Louisana)
Chism’s production improved across each of his five years at Eastern Washington, culminating in a stellar 2024 campaign. He recorded an FCS-high 120 receptions for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning him first-team All-American and All-Big Sky honors. The 5-foot-10 Chism projects as a slot receiver at the next level, where his toughness and agile route-running can shine. Still, he’ll face a sizable jump in overall talent, physicality, and athleticism in the NFL; his 4.71-second 40-yard dash at his pro day would’ve been the slowest among WRs at the Combine. Multiple teams were involved in a bidding war for Chism after the draft, including the Broncos, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, but the Patriots won his signature with $259k in guaranteed money.
Dippre spent two years at Maryland before transferring to Alabama in 2023. He was never a productive pass-catcher in college, but established himself as a consistent blocker and special teams presence, which will likely endear him to new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. He has the size, strength, and athleticism to be a blocking TE2 in the NFL, but he will need to make significant strides as a receiver to grow into more.
Larison ran for more than 2,500 yards and 30 touchdowns across the last two years at UC Davis, but his exploits as a pass-catcher in 2024 (62 catches, 847 yards, six touchdowns) proved he had even more to offer in the NFL. His contract with the Patriots includes a $25k signing bonus and $150k in guaranteed salary, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Ponder spent five years at Cal Poly, first garnering national attention with 8.0 sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss in 2021. He took a step back in 2022 but posted 25.5 TFLs and 18.0 sacks over his final two seasons, earning first-team All-Big Sky nods in each year. Ponder then put together an elite pro day performance that placed him among the most athletic edge rushers in the 2025 draft class. His 10-yard split, vertical jump, and broad jump would have led the position at the Combine and his agility scores trailed only eventual second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku.
Ritzie is an athletic defensive lineman with sparse production across his first three years at UNC. He broke out as a senior with 6.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks in 2024, plus an impressive Combine performance that showed off his speed and explosiveness. His length and athleticism could be developed into a more consistent pass-rushing impact in the NFL, but he’s too susceptible to being moved off the point of attack in the run game.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/9/22
Today’s minor moves leading up to Week 1:
Chicago Bears
- Released with injury settlement: WR Tajae Sharpe
- Released: DT Mike Pennel
Cleveland Browns
- Promoted from practice squad: CB Herb Miller
Green Bay Packers
- Waived with injury settlement: DT Akial Byers, S Innis Gaines
Houston Texans
- Released: RB Royce Freeman
Philadelphia Eagles
- Released with injury settlement: WR Greg Ward
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Waived with injury settlement: DT Elijah Ponder
Tennessee Titans
- Placed on IR: DB Elijah Molden, LB Chance Campbell
The Texans had recently re-signed Freeman after he failed to make the initial 53-man roster. Houston will move forward with rookie Dameon Pierce, Rex Burkhead, and Dare Ogunbowale at running back.
Ward has been with the Eagles on-and-off since signing with the team after going undrafted in 2017. His first two seasons consisted mostly of time on the practice squad. The former University of Houston quarterback then took a hiatus from the NFL to sign with the Alliance of American Football. When the AAF suspended operations, Ward re-joined the Eagles. He had a bit of a breakout year in 2020, catching 53 passes for 419 yards and six touchdowns, but took a bit of a backseat in Philadelphia’s offense last season.
Miller was called up as a response to Browns cornerback Greedy Williams being placed on injured reserve today. Miller will slot in behind Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II, Martin Emerson, and A.J. Green as the secondary faces off against their former teammate Baker Mayfield in Week 1.
Buccaneers Set 53-Man Roster
Here is how the Buccaneers moved their roster down to the 53-man max Tuesday:
Released:
- OLB Genard Avery
- QB Ryan Griffin
- S Logan Ryan (story)
- DL Deadrin Senat
Waived:
- OLB Andre Anthony
- K Jose Borregales
- T Dylan Cook
- S Chris Cooper
- CB Don Gardner
- WR Kaylon Geiger
- DL Mike Greene
- TE J.J. Howland
- G Sadarius Hutcherson
- WR Tyler Johnson (story)
- RB Patrick Laird
- CB Kyler McMichael
- C John Molchon
- DL Benning Potoa’e
- DL Willington Previlon
- ILB J.J. Russell
- WR Jerreth Sterns
- WR Deven Thompkins
- S Nolan Turner
- OLB Jordan Young
Waived/injured:
- OLB Elijah Ponder
Placed on IR:
Ryan is expected to return soon, Greg Auman of The Athletic tweets. His release — from a contract containing no fully guaranteed money — is likely connected to Ryan Jensen‘s impending IR trip.
The Bucs should also be expected to retain Griffin on their 16-man practice squad, which can include up to six vested vets. Griffin has gone through a lengthy career without much actual usage. A 2013 Saints UDFA, Griffin has been with the Bucs since September 2015. Odds are, after he re-signed to stay in Tampa again this offseason, the veteran QB is part of the initial 2022 Bucs P-squad. Griffin, 32, has played in two career games. He would be the Bucs’ fourth passer — behind Tom Brady, Blaine Gabbert and Kyle Trask — if kept. So, the same arrangement as 2021.
The Bucs signed Avery last week. Avery spent the offseason with the Steelers but did not make their cut to 80; the Steelers have since traded for Broncos backup OLB Malik Reed. Borregales’ exit will give Ryan Succop the kicker job for a third straight year. After the Bucs went through several years of kicker instability, Succop has done well to inject reliability into the equation. Succop’s extension runs through 2023.
NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/24/22
Here are Monday’s reserve/futures deals:
Atlanta Falcons
Buffalo Bills
- DT Brandin Bryant, OL Jacob Capra, WR Tanner Gentry , LB Joe Giles-Harris, CB Olaijah Griffin (two-year deal), CB Tim Harris, WR Isaiah Hodgins , DE Mike Love, CB Nick McCloud, TE Quintin Morris, S Josh Thomas
New Orleans Saints
- RB Josh Adams, WR Kirk Merritt
Pittsburgh Steelers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- K Jose Borregales, RB Kenjon Barner, TE Codey McElroy, G John Molchon, OLB Elijah Ponder, DL Benning Potoa’e, DL Willington Previlon, DL Kobe Smith, CB Rashard Robinson, S Troy Warner
Tennessee Titans
- S Jamal Carter, OL Christian DiLauro, TE Austin Fort, OL Derwin Gray, QB Kevin Hogan, WR Cody Hollister, LB Joe Jones, WR Mason Kinsey, OL Daniel Munyer, OL Jordan Roos, LB Tuzar Skipper
Minor NFL Transactions: 1/1/22
The first minor moves of 2022:
Arizona Cardinals
- Activated from IR: LB Tanner Vallejo
- Promoted: DL Josh Mauro, CB Kevin Peterson, TE David Wells, CB Jace Whittaker
Atlanta Falcons
- Promoted: TE Parker Hesse, WR Austin Trammell, DB Luther Kirk, DB Lafayette Pitts, DE Nick Thurman
Baltimore Ravens
- Promoted: OT David Sharpe, DB Robert Jackson, DB Tony Jefferson, T Jayrd Jones-Smith
- Placed on IR: OLB Daelin Hayes
Buffalo Bills
- Promoted: DT Eli Ankou
Carolina Panthers
- Promoted: DE Austin Larkin, RB Spencer Brown, CB Madre Harper, OL Mike Horton, TE Stephen Sullivan, TE Colin Thompson
Cincinnati Bengals
- Promoted: CB John Brannon, QB Jake Browning, WR Trent Taylor
Dallas Cowboys
- Activated from IR: WR Noah Brown
- Promoted: S Darian Thompson
Denver Broncos
- Activated from IR: OLB Andre Mintze
- Promoted: S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, T Quinn Bailey, T Drew Himmelman, DE Marquiss Spencer, DE Jonathan Harris, LB Barrington Wade, WR Rico Gafford, CB Rojesterman Farris, RB Damarea Crockett, WR Seth Williams, WR Travis Fulgham
Detroit Lions
- Promoted: LB Tavante Beckett, G Parker Ehinger, DE Bruce Hector, WR Javon McKinley, TE Ross Travis
Green Bay Packers
- Promoted: DL Abdullah Anderson, WR David Moore
Houston Texas
- Promoted: WR Jalen Camp, OT Jordan Steckler, CB Cre’Von LeBlanc, RB Jaylen Samuels, WR Jordan Veasy, DT Michael Dwumfour, LB Josh Watson
Indianapolis Colts
- Promoted: LS Kyle Nelson, CB Will Redmond, QB Brett Hundley, DT Chris Williams
- Released: T Greg Senat, C Joey Hunt
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Promoted: CB Lorenzo Burns, DT Doug Costin, WR Jeff Cotton, RB Nathan Cottrell, OL D.J. Fluker, DB Michael Jacquet, S Bradley McDougald, OL Badara Traore, OL Tre’Vour Wallace-Simms
Kansas City Chiefs
- Activated from IR: RB Jerick McKinnon
Las Vegas Raiders
- Promoted: S Jordan Brown, C Hroniss Grasu, WR Tyron Johnson, DT Damion Square
Los Angeles Chargers
- Promoted: LB Cole Christiansen, TE Hunter Kampmoyer
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: WR J.J. Koski
- Promoted: CB Grant Haley, WR Brandon Powell
Miami Dolphins
- Activated from IR: LB Brennan Scarlett
- Promoted: WR Kirk Merritt, C Cameron Tom, DB Chris Milton
Minnesota Vikings
- Promoted: DT T.Y. McGill, DE Eddie Yarbrough, S Myles Dorn, CB Tye Smith, DE Kenny Willekes
New England Patriots
- Promoted: DL Daniel Ekuale, DB D’Angelo Ross, WR Kristian Wilkerson
- Reverted from Designated to Return back to IR: LB Harvey Langi
New Orleans Saints
- Promoted: WR Kawaan Baker, C Will Clapp, G Forrest Lamp, DB Bryce Thompson
New York Giants
- Promoted: WR Alex Bachman, DT Woodrow Hamilton, WR Pharoh Cooper, OT Derrick Kelly, DT David Moa, WR David Sills
New York Jets
- Promoted: DL Ronnie Blair, TE Dan Brown, CB Lamar Jackson, WR D.J. Montgomery
Philadelphia Eagles
- Promoted: DE Cameron Malveaux, LB JaCoby Stevens
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: LB Tegray Scales (from Bengals’ practice squad)
San Francisco 49ers
- Promoted: TE Tanner Hudson, LB Mark Nzeocha, LB Curtis Robinson
- Released: RB Brian Hill
Seattle Seahawks
- Activated from IR: OT Jamaro Jones
- Promoted: CB Michael Jackson, S Josh Jones, LB Edmond Robinson
- Placed on IR: OLB Jon Rhattigan
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Promoted: RB Kenjon Barner, WR, Cyril Grayson, P Sterling Hofrichter, LB Elijah Ponder
Washington Football Team
- Promoted: DE William Bradley-King, LB De’Jon Harris, CB D.J. Hayden, S Jeremy Reaves, RB Wendell Smallwood, G Deion Calhoun, P Ryan Winslow
- Released: WR Antonio Gandy-Golden
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/28/21
Today’s taxi squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released: RB Tavien Feaster
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: C Jimmy Murray
- Released: QB Kenji Bahar, DB Blake Countess
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: TE Miller Forristall, WR Lawrence Cager
- Released: KR Jojo Natson, CB Bryan Mills
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: WR Scotty Washington
Denver Broncos
- Signed: G Tristen Hoge, DE Deyon Sizer, DT Akeem Spence
Detroit Lions
- Signed: WR Juwan Green, TE Ross Travis
- Released: CB Chris Williamson
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: S D.J. Swearinger
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: TE Kahale Warring, P Joseph Charlton, DE Hercules Mata’afa
Kansas City Chiefs
- Released: OT Paul Adams, WR Dalton Schoen, P Johnny Townsend
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: LS Beau Brinkley
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: RB Javian Hawkins, WR Warren Jackson, LB Justin Lawler
- Released: K Ryan Santoso, DB Greg Stroman, LS Carson Tinker
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: OT Rick Leonard
- Released: TE Brandon Dillon, WR Damion Ratley
New Orleans Saints
- Released: DT Braxton Hoyett, LB Justin March, OT Kyle Murphy, WR Malcolm Perry
New York Giants
- Signed: TE Jake Hausmann
- Released: DB Sam Beal, DB Darqueze Dennard
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: DT Elijah Ponder
- Released: DL Chris Cooper
Buccaneers Reduce Roster To 53
The defending Super Bowl champs made a long list of moves today to get down to the 53-man roster limit. The Buccaneers made the following transactions:
Waived
- T Jake Benzinger
- WR Cyril Grayson
- S Javon Hagan
- OLB Ladarius Hamilton
- G Jonathan Hubbard
- TE Tanner Hudson
- WR Travis Jonsen
- TE Codey McElroy
- CB Herb Miller
- OLB Elijah Ponder
- DL Benning Potoa’e
- DL Kobe Smith
- T Brandon Walton
- CB Chris Wilcox
Waived/Injured
- T Brad Seaton
Released
- TE Jerell Adams
- QB Ryan Griffin
- CB Antonio Hamilton
- ILB Joe Jones
- DL Jeremiah Ledbetter
- WR Jaydon Mickens
- RB C.J. Prosise
Placed on reserve/PUP list
Griffin had been with the Buccaneers organization since the 2015 season, but he’s only seen time in a pair of games. After winning a ring last season, the veteran re-signed with the organization this offseason. For the time being, Blaine Gabbert and rookie Kyle Trask will serve as Tom Brady‘s backups.
Mickens is another notable cut, as the 27-year-old served as one of Tampa Bay’s primary return men in 2020. Mickens finished the campaign with 16 punt returns for 99 yards and 14 kick returns for 340 yards.
Buccaneers Waive Tanner Hudson
The Buccaneers are waiving tight end Tanner Hudson (Twitter link via Greg Auman of The Athletic). Hudson probably won’t be out of work for too long given his recent performances. Outside linebacker Elijah Ponder and tackle Jake Benzinger will also be among the Bucs’ cuts this week, per Auman.
Hudson shined in the Bucs’ first two preseason games, finishing as Tampa’s top receiver in both contests. Unfortunately for him, he was blocked by Rob Gronkowski, O.J. Howard, and Cameron Brate.
“Ever since we’ve been here, he’s been able to catch the ball. He gives our defense fits on the card (scout) team,” coach Bruce Arians said last week (via The Athletic). “When he’s had opportunities in ballgames, they haven’t been quite the same. I want to see him do something besides preseason, and something besides catch the ball. He’s not a wide receiver. He’s a tight end, so you’ve got to be able to block a little bit. Just see him grow in that regard and be a physical presence on special teams with his size and speed.”
Now, after two years in Tampa Bay, Hudson could be claimed by another TE-needy team this week. The Giants — who are awaiting word on Evan Engram and Kyle Rudolph — would be a logical landing spot.
Buccaneers Add 8 UDFAs
The Buccaneers have been busy retaining their Super Bowl-winning starting lineup, but the team will also be welcoming a number of new faces this preseason. That includes eight undrafted rookies; the team announced the signing of the following players today:
- OT Calvin Ashley, Florida A&M
- K Jose Borregales, Miami (FL)
- S Augie Contressa, Stony Brook
- G Sadarius Hutcherson, South Carolina
- CB Cameron Kinley, Navy
- DL Elijah Ponder, Cincinnati
- WR T.J. Simmons, West Virginia
- S Lawrence White, Iowa State
Borregales was considered a potential draft pick after establishing himself as one of the best kickers in college football, as he earned the Lou Groza Award this past season. The rookie will serve as competition for Ryan Succop, who converted 90.3-percent of his field goals for the Buccaneers last year.
Meanwhile, the organization was apparently motivated to add Hutcherson. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports (via Twitter) that the offensive lineman received $130K guaranteed, which includes $100K of his base salary. Pro Football Focus named the South Carolina product to their second-team All-SEC squad this past season.