New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots kept busy Tuesday by hosting a wave of free agents at Gillette Stadium.
Seven players — a mix of wide receivers and defensive backs — went through workouts, according to the NFL transaction wire. The receivers were Andrew Armstrong and Jakobie Keeney-James, while the defensive back group included Trey Dean, Malik Dixon-Williams, Tyron Herring, Doneiko Slaughter and Major Williams.
Armstrong, fresh off an All-SEC season at Arkansas, spent time with the Miami Dolphins before being cut in late August. Keeney-James, who closed his college career at UMass, signed with Detroit after the draft but was also waived during roster reductions. Both were standouts at smaller programs before making their final collegiate stops in New England.
On the defensive side, most of the invitees are rookies. Herring captained Delaware after transferring from Dartmouth and picked up All-CAA recognition. Dixon-Williams became a consistent starter at UConn and later got a look with the Los Angeles Rams this spring.
Slaughter’s career stretched across Tennessee and Arkansas before a brief stint with Jacksonville. Williams, once at Virginia and later Carson-Newman, drew multiple small-school accolades and even contributed as a returner.
Dean, the lone veteran of the group, originally signed with the New York Jets in 2023 after playing at Florida. His path has since included time with Kansas City and Cleveland, plus a spring stint in the UFL.
The Patriots still have one practice squad vacancy following the release of defensive tackle Jahvaree Ritzie earlier Tuesday. With the season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders just days away, these tryouts underline how the team is still searching for potential depth.
The roster remains in flux, and New England’s evaluation process continues as the season is set to begin.
