Pats Pulpit
One defensive tackle in, another defensive tackle out.
The New England Patriots signed veteran Kyle Peko and waived rookie Bryce Ganious in a corresponding move on Monday, the organization announced.
Peko, 32, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos in 2016. The 6-foot-1, 305-pound defensive lineman has appeared in 47 games since then, starting 14. His career includes 58 tackles, two sacks, two batted passes and one forced fumble.
It includes familiarity, as well. Peko made 2021 and 2023 stops with head coach Mike Vrabel’s Tennessee Titans, spent 2022 with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ Las Vegas Raiders and was with defensive coordinator Terrell Williams’ Detroit Lions last season. The product of Cerritos College and Oregon State has also been a member of the Buffalo Bills and Indianapolis Colts.
Ganious, 21, agreed to terms in Foxborough last week after attending rookie minicamp on a tryout basis back in May. The 6-foot-1, 300-pound undrafted arrival saw eight defensive snaps in the preseason opener versus the Washington Commanders. He spent two years at Villanova before transferring to Wake Forest for his junior and senior campaigns.
Between the FCS and ACC, Ganious appeared in 45 games, totaling 112 tackles, including 17.5 for loss, and added eight sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Eight starts were notched in 2024 with the Demon Deacons.
Monday also saw the Patriots host running back Shane Watts, an AP second-team All-American out of Division II Fort Hays State, on a visit, per the transaction wire.
The active roster remains at 91 as training camp heads elsewhere. The Minnesota Vikings are scheduled to host joint practices at the TCO Performance Center on Wednesday and Thursday. A 1 p.m. ET kickoff at U.S. Bank Stadium will follow on Saturday.
