Pats Pulpit
Even though he was a standout performer throughout the summer, D.J. James’ stint on the New England Patriots’ roster has come to an end. As first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the team has decided to waive the sophomore cornerback.
James, 24, entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick by the Seattle Seahawks last year. After making neither the team’s roster nor practice squad out of training camp, he was signed by to the Patriots’ own developmental roster in mid-September of his rookie campaign.
Despite remaining on the New England practice squad for the rest of the season without seeing any playing time, James was retained by the club via a futures contract in January. This allowed him to compete for a backup spot in the secondary in Year 2, and he eventually took advantage of injuries higher up on the depth chart: James saw regular practice action with the starters from late July on, and made the 53-man roster as one of five cornerbacks.
In the season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, however, James was on the field for only seven combined snaps between defense and special teams. Two days later, he has been let go.
With him now subject to waivers, New England’s cornerback group is down to Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin and Charles Woodson. Practice squad members Corey Ballentine, Miles Battle and Kobee Minor round out the depth chart.
The Patriots will travel to Miami this week to take on the Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 14.
