Pats Pulpit
The New England Patriots promoting outside linebacker Bradyn Swinson and tight end C.J. Dippre from the practice squad recently was about more than just bolstering the depth on their active roster. Both rookie players had become a target for other teams trying to lure them away.
Among the clubs showing interest were the Buffalo Bills, as Swinson told MassLive’s Mark Daniels.
“I’ll just tell you one — Buffalo was one of them,” the 23-year-old said. “A lot of division rivals were reaching out, trying to get you off your [practice] squad, but you know how that goes. But other than that, everything was pretty good. I’m squared away being a Patriot, and I love being here.”
Swinson originally joined the Patriots as a fifth-round selection in this year’s draft. He did show some flashes over the summer but ultimately was unable to make the team’s 53-man roster out of his rookie training camp. The LSU product was waived ahead of the NFL roster cutdown deadline in late August, and subsequently signed to the practice squad.
After spending the first 11 weeks of the season on the developmental roster, he was added to the active team last Saturday. The Patriots opted to bring Swinson up while sending defensive tackle Milton Williams to injured reserve.
Dippre, an undrafted free agent out of Alabama, joined him two days later. He too had been given the opportunity to join a different team.
“Yeah, there were other teams that were interested in signing me, and I didn’t really want to leave. They didn’t really want me to leave,” Dippre told MassLive. “So, it was kind of a thing that I wanted to stay here, earn my right here, and play here. I know all these guys, love this team, love the coaching staff.”
Both Dippre and Swinson are projected to serve as emergency depth at their respective positions after being promoted. Whether or not they will see the field this week against the Cincinnati Bengals remains to be seen.
Irregardless of their game day status, both are now ineligible to be signed away by other clubs all while significantly increasing their cash intake. After making just $13,000 a week on the practice squad, their pay has now increased to $46,666,67 for every week spent on the active roster.
