Pats Pulpit
A rookie free agent visited Gillette Stadium on the eve of the preseason opener.
The New England Patriots hosted cornerback B.J. Mayes for a workout on Thursday, as first reported by KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson.
Mayes, 22, signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after going unselected in the 2025 NFL draft. The 6-foot, 187-pound corner was waived by the reigning Super Bowl champions two weeks into training camp, opening a roster spot for long snapper Christian Johnstone.
The collegiate career spanned 43 games through stops at Incarnate Word, UAB and Texas A&M for Mayes. He recorded 124 tackles and 35 pass deflections altogether while also having a hand in seven interceptions and one fumble recovery.
In the SEC last fall, Mayes made four starts and led the Aggies with four picks. The senior transfer was nominated for the program’s 2024 Defensive Skill Award.
Head coach Mike Vrabel’s active roster stands at 91 players following a series of midweek transactions. The cornerback depth landed among the moves, with Marcellas Dial Jr. placed on injured reserve due to a torn ACL and Tre Avery claimed off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers.
Friday’s preseason kickoff against the Washington Commanders is set for 7:30 p.m. ET in Foxborough.
