Patriots Bring Back Rookie Safety John Saunders Jr. to Practice Squad
New England reinstated the undrafted defensive back to recalibrate practice‑squad depth following this week’s additions of Bradyn Swinson and C.J. Dippre.
Overview
- New England re-signed Saunders to the practice squad Wednesday after releasing him Monday to create a spot for C.J. Dippre’s promotion.
- Saunders originally arrived from the Dolphins’ practice squad after the Patriots traded safety Kyle Dugger to Pittsburgh, and he had signed with Miami as a UDFA with $120,000 guaranteed.
- The rookie has yet to log a regular-season snap for the Patriots and was active but did not play against the Jets, with safety reps going to Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, Dell Pettus and Brenden Schooler.
- The Patriots also added edge rusher Bradyn Swinson to the practice squad earlier in the week, with his opening created by Milton Williams being placed on injured reserve.
- Saunders joins veteran Richie Grant among the practice-squad safeties, and the unit is back to full capacity after recent moves.